Santa Fe National Historic Trail
National Historic Trail ยท Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma
NPS Photo
19th-century route through central North America between Franklin, MO, and Santa Fe, NM
The Santa Fe Trail was a 19th-century route through central North America that connected Franklin, Missouri, with Santa Fe, New Mexico. Pioneered in 1821 by William Becknell, who departed from the Boonslick region along the Missouri River, the trail served as a vital commercial highway until 1880, when the railroad arrived in Santa Fe. Santa Fe was near the end of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro which carried trade from Mexico City. The trail was later incorporated into parts of the National Old Trails Road and U.S. Route 66.
About Santa Fe National Historic Trail
You can almost hear the whoops and cries of "All's set!" as trail hands hitched their oxen to freight wagons carrying cargo between western Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Follow the Santa Fe National Historic Trail through five states and you'll find adventure and evidence of past travelers who made this remarkable trip before you!
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Santa Fe National Historic Trail
There are many places of history and commemoration on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail to visit. Museums, interpretive centers, and historic sites provide information and interpretation. Please contact each site before you go to obtain current information on closures, changes in hours, and fees.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
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| All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day | All Day |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Santa Fe National Historic Trail?
Santa Fe National Historic Trail is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Santa Fe National Historic Trail?
Popular activities at Santa Fe National Historic Trail include: Arts and Culture, Theater, Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Auto, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program.
What is the weather like at Santa Fe National Historic Trail?
Due to the length of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, be sure to consult local weather sources for the region you'll be visiting. Check out the forecast with the National Weather Service and search for the area you'd like to visit: weather.gov
How do I get to Santa Fe National Historic Trail?
You can visit many sites of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail over the 900-mile historic route that crosses five states.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
Weather
Due to the length of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, be sure to consult local weather sources for the region you'll be visiting. Check out the forecast with the National Weather Service and search for the area you'd like to visit: weather.gov
Directions
You can visit many sites of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail over the 900-mile historic route that crosses five states.
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Colorado
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