Pie Town, New Mexico, a quirky and captivating locale nestled in Catron County, beckons travelers with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and of course, its world-famous pies. Located along the scenic U.S. Highway 60, this unincorporated community offers a unique slice of Americana that’s well worth exploring. Its charming name originates from the early 1920s when Clyde Norman established a bakery renowned for its delectable dried-apple pies, setting the stage for Pie Town to become synonymous with this beloved dessert.
Pie Town’s fame extends beyond its daily baked goods, reaching its peak during the annual Pie Festival, a joyous celebration held every second Saturday in September. This festival transforms the town into a vibrant hub of activity, drawing pie enthusiasts and travelers alike. Just north of the expansive Gila National Forest and a short distance west of the Plains of San Augustin, home to the Very Large Array radio telescope, Pie Town’s location is as geographically significant as it is picturesque. Both of these landmarks are easily accessible from U.S. Highway 60, making Pie Town an ideal base for exploring the natural and scientific wonders of New Mexico.
For adventurers traversing the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Pie Town serves as a welcoming oasis. Cyclists, equestrians, motorcyclists, and hikers find respite and essential services here, including cozy lodging, necessary supplies, and the much-anticipated treat: a slice of pie with flavors as unique as the town itself. The community’s hospitality is so renowned that in June 2007, three residents, Nita Larronde, Don Kearney, and Kathy Knapp, received the Curry Trail Angel Award from the Adventure Cycling Association, a testament to their exceptional kindness and generosity towards trail travelers.
The lands surrounding Pie Town whisper tales of ancient inhabitants. The area is rich in Native American history, evidenced by the numerous Ancestral Puebloan and Acoma pottery shards scattered across the landscape. Grinding slicks, ancient axe heads, and petrified wood further paint a picture of a long and vibrant past. Even fossilized bones have been discovered, hinting at the deep history embedded within the soil. Scattered ruins of Ancestral Puebloan communities, ranging from single structures to small villages, dot the area, offering tangible links to the region’s original inhabitants.
The Pie Town Annual Pie Festival is the highlight of the year, a delightful mix of competition and community spirit. The pie-baking contest is the centerpiece, drawing bakers eager to showcase their skills, alongside games, races, live music, and a diverse array of arts and crafts vendors. It’s a true celebration of Pie Town’s heritage and warm community atmosphere.
Pie Festival Every September http://piefestival.org/
Pie Town Rising Stars Non-profit community run organization that organizes events in Pie Town, learn more HERE.
Location
84 Miles west of Socorro on US Route 60
Getting There
Pie Town is conveniently situated along U.S. Route 60, approximately 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and about 235 miles (378 km) east of Phoenix, Arizona, making it accessible for a scenic road trip.
