Old Spanish National Historic Trail

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crumbling adobe structure with blue sky
Santa Rosa de Lima de Abiquiú provided a way station for travelers along the Old Spanish Trail in the 1800s. It is privately owned by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
hikers walk beside a river with cottonwoods alongside the river
This section of the Rio Chama River, tributary of the Rio Grande, is located about six miles north of Abiquiú, New Mexico and flows through the Carson National Forest.
desert scrub in foreground, spiky mountains in background, clouds
Sierra Blanca is a prominent mountain in the Sangre de Cristo Range along San Luis Valley on Highway 17. Locating landmarks were essential to traveling the Old Spanish Trail.
desert scenery, dead tree, blue sky with puffy coulds
The San Rafael Swell is a huge craggy geologic feature (an anticline), about 75 miles by 40 miles, located in south-central Utah approximately 30 miles west of Green River.
a river carves through the landscape, greenery in the foreground, mountains and redrock backdrop
This section of the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is off Interstate 15 about 20 miles southwest of St. George, Utah and about 20 miles northeast of Mesquite, Nevada
rocky trail through desert with yucca, mountain in the background
This trail segment is 5.25 miles, and is part of the Old Spanish Trail/Mormon Road Historic District, outside Blue Diamond, Clark County, Nevada.
trail through desert scrub with Joshua trees, mountains in the distance, puffy clouds
Old Spanish Trail travelers used this section of the historic Mojave Road is within Mojave National Preserve.
Photos: National Park Service

About Old Spanish National Historic Trail

Follow the routes of mule pack trains across the Southwest on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Los Angeles, California. New Mexican traders moved locally produced merchandise across what are now six states to exchange for mules and horses.

Quick Facts

State Arizona
Designation National Historic Trail
State Code AZ,CA,CO,NV,NM,UT
Weather Due to the length of Old Spanish National Historic Trail, be sure to consult local weather sources for the region you'll be visiting. Check out the forecast with the National…

Location & Map

Old Spanish National Historic Trail is located in Arizona.

Operating Hours

There are many places of history and commemoration on the Old Spanish 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.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Arts and Culture Theater Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Hiking Horse Trekking

Getting There

You can visit many sites of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail over the 2,700-mile historic route that crosses 6 states.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address National Trails Office Regions 6, 7, & 8, Santa Fe, NM, 87505
Phone N/A
Email ntir_information@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Archeology Ruins Arts Photography Commerce Trade Explorers and Expeditions Hispanic American Heritage Westward Expansion Trails

Things To Do

Become an Old Spanish Trail Junior Ranger

Become an Old Spanish Trail Junior Ranger

Learn about the Old Spanish Trail and earn your junior ranger badge! This activity can be completed virtually or after…

Junior Ranger activity can be completed virtually at home, or after visiting a site along the Old Spanish Trail. Worksheets…

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