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
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Picture Canyon Trial
The Arch Rock Trail is in Picture Canyon in Comanche National Grassland. See pictographs, a crack cave, and an old homestead along this route. Unique rock formations surround this path and it is especially a great place to go hiking in the spring when the wildflowers are blooming.
Location
Picture Canyon, Comanche National Grassland, Forest Service Road 2361, Springfield, Colorado 81073
Length
2.6 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Hermit Peak Trail
The Hermit Peak Trail is in the Pecos Wilderness near Las Vegas, New Mexico. This trail, named after an Italian priest who lived as a hermit on the mountain, is very steep, especially at the beginning. After crossing numerous switchbacks, it flattens out until you reach the summit, and the stunning view from the top is worth the effort.
Location
Pecos Wilderness, Santa Fe National Forest, Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701
Length
9.5 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Black Mesa Trail
The Black Mesa Trail in Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve is relatively flat, except for the very end, where you reach the highest elevation in Oklahoma. After you get to the summit, continue a little way to see great views of the mesa.
Location
Black Mesa State Park and Nature Preserve, Oklahoma 325, Kenton, Oklahoma 73946
Length
8.5 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Boone's Lick State Historic Site
Sons of Daniel Boone operated a salt mining operation at this location. They hauled the salt to St. Louis to sell it. In 1821, this spot became the starting point for the Santa Fe Trail. You can see remains of the original salt works.
Location
Missouri 187, Franklin, Missouri 65250
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Boggsville Historic Site
See historic homes and farming outbuildings that are great examples of territorial architecture at the Boggsville Historic Site near Las Animas, Colorado. This site on the Santa Fe Trail played a prominent role in cattle farming in Colorado. This community was Kit Carson’s last home before his death.
Location
State Highway 101, Las Animas, Colorado 81054
Museums
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Santa Fe Trail Museum & Library
Explore the area's history where the Santa Fe Trail ran across Central Kansas by visiting the Santa Fe Trail Museum & Library. View prehistoric Indian artifacts. Then, see trade items from the trail, antique furniture, agricultural equipment, vintage automobiles, tools, toys, paintings, rugs, clothing, and medical equipment from the time when the route was vital. Finally, look over vintage transportation that made the trail obsolete.
Location
1349 Kansas 156, Larned, Kansas 67550
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Herzstein Memorial Museum
You will love seeing the stained-glass windows at the Herzstein Memorial Museum in Clayton, New Mexico. Once inside, you can see a vast variety of exhibits, including ones on dinosaurs, the Santa Fe Trail, early professions, and Native American art. Numerous photographs are available for viewing. Get a better understanding of the 1930s Dust Bowl and learn how this community played a prominent role in capturing train-robber Black Jack Ketchum.
Location
2 South 2nd Street, Clayton, New Mexico 88415
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Santa Fe Trail Museum
The Santa Fe Trail Museum is in the first courthouse in Colfax County, New Mexico. The courthouse is a beautiful example of the Second Territorial style, and antiques from that period fill it.
Location
614 Maxwell Avenue, Springer, New Mexico 87747
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Santa Fe Vintage Outpost
Select from a collection of vintage menswear at Santa Fe Vintage Outpost. You can also find terrific designer accessories at this location.
Location
7501 Avenger Way, Suite C, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
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Lucchese Bootmaker Company
Find luxury boots for men and women made in El Paso, Texas, at Lucchese Bootmaker Company. They also sell some clothing.
Location
57 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
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Santa Fe Trail Café
Get great Southern entrees, like hamburger steak served with macaroni and cheese, at Santa Fe Trail Café. They also served outstanding hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches.
Location
21 Poplar Street, Clayton, New Mexico 88415
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Pecos Trail Café
Select from a wide-ranging menu at Pecos Trail Café in Santa Fe, where the chile relleno and the enchiladas are exceptional. You can also find ribs and other options.
Location
2239 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505