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Santa Fe National Historic Trail

From 1821 to 1846, the Santa Fe Trail served as a commercial highway between Missouri and Mexico. From 1846 to 1848, America’s Army of the West used the trail during the Mexican-American War. Following the war, the course became a national highway connecting more civilized parts of America to the unsettled southwest territory. It continued to be an essential trading route until the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad reached Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1880. This trail that traverses Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico is headquartered in Santa Fe. 

Things to Do

Things To Do Near Santa Fe National Historic Trail

The premier activity along the Santa Fe National Historic Trail is hiking. You will want to stop and explore historic sites, such as the Boone's Lick State Historic Site, Fort Union National Monument, and Pecos National Historical Park, along its route. Additionally, museums along the trail help you understand the trail’s history better. 

Hiking Trails

Sightseeing

Museums

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

map-marker-alt-regular How to Get There

How To Get To Santa Fe National Historic Trail

The Santa Fe National Historic Trail is headquartered at the National Park Service’s Regions 6, 7, and 8 headquarters in Santa Fe. This is a great place to learn more about visiting the trail. You can quickly get to this location from Santa Fe Plaza by heading south on Lincoln Avenue and turning left on East San Francisco Street. Turn right on Cathedral Place and left on East Alameda Street. Turn right on Paseo De Peralta and left on Acequia Madre. Turn right on Garcia Street and right on Camino Corrales. Turn left on Old Santa Fe Trail, and the office will be on your right. 

Address

1100 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505

Fee: Entry fee $0

The Santa Fe National Historic Trail was an essential trade trail leading from Missouri to Santa Fe during the mid- and late 1800s. Many choose to drive along this trail on a four-day journey while stopping to eat, see the attractions, and go on hiking adventures along the way. Consider starting in Independence, Missouri, and traveling to Abilene, Kansas, on your first day. Then, venture on to Dodge City, Kansas, on your second day and Pueblo, Colorado, on the third day before ending your journey in Santa Fe. With many miles to cover, it is essential to have a reliable RV with comfortable beds as it will make the trip much more enjoyable.