Santa Fe National Historic Trail

Santa Fe
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!

M3P6+VM
Santa Fe, NM 97501
United States

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505-988-6098

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Discover Santa Fe National Historic Trail

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The Santa Fe National Historic Trail follows the path of traders, settlers, and adventurers who journeyed between Missouri and New Mexico from 1821 to 1880. This vital commercial route connected the United States with the Southwest, fostering trade, cultural exchange, and westward expansion. Today, visitors can explore historic sites, museums, and scenic landscapes along the nine-hundred-mile trail, retracing the footsteps of those who helped shape the American frontier. From the rolling prairies of Kansas to the high desert of New Mexico, the Santa Fe Trail offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and opportunities of life on the trail.

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From mugs to ornaments, our keepsakes make perfect gifts for all ages. Every purchase supports the parks!

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100 Common Wildflowers of the Tallgrass Prairie

$12.99

Prairie Dog Eco Pal Plush Toy

$17.99

Santa Fe National Historic Trail Travel Stamp

$3.99

Prairie Traveler

$12.95

Santa Fe National Historic Trail REPREVE® T-Shirt

$39.99

Santa Fe National Historic Trail

Discover adventure along the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. From the 1820s to 1880, the Santa Fe Trail was a major trading route used by Indigenous peoples, Gold Rush emigrants, traders, military regiments, and important figures in Western history. Today, the historic corridor offers plenty of opportunities for recreation and learning. With over 1,200 miles stretching from Missouri to New Mexico, you can explore preserved forts, trading posts, open spaces where American bison once roamed, stunning mountain passes, fascinating museums, and national park sites that connect past to present.

Bison grazing on a grassy hill at sunset.
Sunny field with green grass stretching to the horizon.

4 days on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail

Explore the Santa Fe Trail's historic route in Kansas and learn about local Indigenous communities on this four-day trip.

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Stop at key historic sites

Visit locations like Bent’s Old Fort in Colorado and the Santa Fe Plaza in New Mexico for a deeper look at trail history.

Drive scenic sections

Follow highways that trace the original route, with markers and interpretive stops along the way.

Learn Indigenous perspectives

The trail crossed Native lands, and many sites provide insight into how Westward Expansion impacted Indigenous communities.

Visit a living history event

Some sites, such as Fort Larned in Kansas, offer reenactments and ranger programs that bring the trail’s history to life.

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Our contribution

Over $162 million

Since our founding in 1938, WNP has provided more than $162 million in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research.

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Why stop at just one?

If you love Santa Fe, check out these other amazing parks.

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