El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail

Things To Do Near El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail

The El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail covers more than 400 miles, ensuring that you'll find plenty to do. Whether you're interested in museums and historic sites or you'd prefer to hike into the wilderness to get a sense of the scope and isolated nature of the journey, the route offers activities to spare. Cities like Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, and El Paso line the trail, ensuring that you're never far from shopping, dining, and excellent campgrounds. 

Hiking Trails

• Atalaya Mountain Trail

  Imagine you're a traveler on the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail as you hike the Atalaya Mountain Trail. This popular route runs into the mountains near Santa Fe, offering gorgeous views of the surrounding territory. Usually populated by runners, bikers, and hikers, it's a great option for beginners. Bring plenty of layers to wear in the colder months because the weather can be cool at high elevations.

  Location

  1164-1184 Camino De Cruz Blanca, Santa Fe, NM 87505

  Length

  6.4 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Point of Rocks Trail

  The landscape around the Point of Rocks Trail hasn't changed much since the first Spanish explorers ventured through the desert. The short trail leads to a rocky outcropping; in the 1600s, it was an important navigational marker that helped travelers find their way through the stretch of dry, hot desert known as the "Jornada del Muerto" or "Dead Man's Journey." Interpretive markers along the trail help you identify the original road and the Native American trade routes it replaced.

  Location

  Sierra County Rd. A013, Sierra County, NM

  Length

  0.5 mile round-trip

  Intensity

  Easy

• Sierra Vista Trail

  Hike or bike high into the mountains above Las Cruces on the Sierra Vista Trail. Open to non-motorized vehicles, this trail takes you through the desert, into the Organ Mountains, and over to the Franklin Mountains. As you climb above the desert floor, look out toward Las Cruces to imagine the ground that historic explorers and locals had to travel to reach northern New Mexico.

  Location

  Dripping Springs Road and Baylor Canyon Drive, Las Cruces, NM 88011

  Length

  29 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate to Strenuous

Sightseeing

• Santa Fe Plaza

  The Santa Fe Plaza was built in 1610; for hundreds of years, it served as an important endpoint or waypoint along the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. Although the surrounding city is much larger now, you can still see many beautiful historic buildings along the square. Look out for The Palace of the Governors and the beautiful New Mexico Museum of Art.

  Location

  63 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501

• Fort Craig National Historic Site

  In the mid-1800s, Fort Craig National Historic Site was the home to one of the most crucial frontier forts in the New Mexico area. It was tasked with protecting the trade route from attacks. All that remains is a set of stone ruins that provide a reminder of the desolate, dangerous route.

  Location

  Ft Craig Rd, San Antonio, NM 87832

• Fort Selden Historic Site

  Fort Selden Historic Site contains the ruins of another historic fort. It's located near the base of the Robledo Mountains. Explore the remains of the walls to get an idea of the size and scope of the fort, which was organized around a parade ground. During its heyday, this area was home to approximately 200 soldiers.

  Location

  1280 Fort Selden Rd, Radium Springs, NM 88054

Museums

• New Mexico History Museum

  Discover the fascinating — and often bloody — story of New Mexico at the New Mexico History Museum. While you're there, make sure to visit the stunning Palace of the Governors, which is the oldest public building in the U.S. that's been used continuously since it was built by settlers from Europe.

  Location

  113 Lincoln Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501

• Gutiérrez Hubbell House History and Cultural Center

  See how the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro led to the unique blending of cultures at the Gutiérrez Hubbell House History and Cultural Center. This historic structure has served as a home, post office, stagecoach stop, and trading post; now, you can explore the exhibits and the grounds.

  Location

  6029 Isleta Blvd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105

• New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum

  Conquest and travel are only part of the story on the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail. At the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, discover how people have been growing food in the area for more than 4,000 years.

  Location

  4100 Dripping Springs Rd, Las Cruces, NM 88011

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Santacafe

  Dine in the courtyard or interior of an 1800s-era home at Santacafe, which serves upscale American fare.

  Location

  231 Washington Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501

• Frank & Lupe's El Sombrero

  Dig into heaping plates of carne asada or poblano plates at Frank & Lupe's El Sombrero, which features a laid-back vibe and friendly service.

  Location

  210 Mesquite St, Socorro, NM 87801

• Spirit Winds Cafe and Gift Shop

  With its collection of local artwork and New Mexican souvenirs, the Spirit Winds Cafe and Gift Shop makes a fun stop on the historic trail.

  Location

  2260 S Locust St, Las Cruces, NM 88001

• Chuco Relic West

  Chuco Relic West is packed with fascinating El Paso souvenirs, including fun T-shirts, postcards, and more.

  Location

  4935 N Mesa St #5, El Paso, TX 79912

How To Get To El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail

The El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail starts north of Santa Fe in Ohkay Owingeh and travels to the Mexican border in El Paso. I-25 is the fastest way to travel between many of the sites along the trail.

Address

1100 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505

Fee: Entry fee $0

A visit to one or more of the sites along the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail is a chance to learn about the history of the American Southwest. Discover how New Mexico and western Texas changed hands, passing from the Native Americans to the Spanish before the territories became part of the United States. An RV is an excellent way to travel the trail; you can camp along the way and become a modern-day explorer.