Santa Fe National Historic Trail - National Park Directory

Warm light from the setting sun gives an orange glow to a rock bluff overlooking a grassland.

Visit Cimarron National Grassland to experience the Santa Fe Trail.

A wide river with green grass parks on the side.

The Neosho River in Council Grove was an important crossing on the trail.

emigrant wagons pulled by oxen and horses cross the prairie with people walking alongside

After spending weeks crossing hundreds of miles of lonely and desolate prairie, a trading post appeared: a welcome respite where travelers could repair their wagon and trade for coffee, sugar, blankets, and ammunition.

desert landscape with a mountain that looks like a wagon from a distance, verdant green grasses

Wagon Mound was a landmark on the Santa Fe Trail. Coming from Raton, New Mexico, travelers looked for this wagon-like hill to know that they were close to Santa Fe. Leave Interstate 25 at the village of Wagon Mound in Mora County to find this landmark.

A stone path leads into the distance next to adobe ruins.

The Santa Fe Trail traverses through Fort Union.

Photos: National Park Service

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!

Quick Facts

State Colorado

Designation National Historic Trail

State Code CO,KS,MO,NM,OK

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…

Location & Map

Santa Fe National Historic Trail is located in Colorado.

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Operating Hours

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.

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 Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Auto Hiking Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits

Getting There

You can visit many sites of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail over the 900-mile historic route that crosses five 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

Architecture and Building Arts Photography Colonization and Settlement Commerce Trade Explorers and Expeditions Forts Military Native American Heritage Tragic Events Wars and Conflicts Indian and Frontier Wars Civil War Spanish-American War Westward Expansion Grasslands Rock Landscapes and Features Scenic Views Trails

Things To Do

Trail to History

The entrance to the reconstructed fort is gained from the one-quarter mile paved pathway extending from the shade shelter to…

Become a Santa Fe Trail Junior Ranger

Learn about the Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe Trail. Worksheets can…

Hike on the Santa Fe Trail

Travel the trail today and you can almost hear the whoops and cries of "All's set!" as trail hands hitched…

Hiking and walking opportunities will vary by location. Please check with the individual site for more information.

View Landmarks along the Santa Fe Trail

There has been a lot of change since the mid 1800's. Landmarks are an opportunity to view the trail similar…

Sites operating hours and public admittance will vary by location. Some sites may be available to view, but not visit.…

View Santa Fe Trail Ruts

Imagine Prairie Schooners rumbling over the landscape, 10 feet tall and 23 feet long (with yoke). Imagine further that today…

Visit Historic Sites on the Santa Fe Trail

Visiting historic sites along the Trail will give you an opportunity to step back in time. Explore adobe ruins, historic…

Opportunities available will vary by location but might include: sightseeing, cultural demonstrations, dining, shopping, etc. Please check with the individual…

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