This relay system along the Pony Express National Historic Trail in eight states was the most direct and practical means of east-west communications before the telegraph.
Photo: NPS photo
Pony Express National Historic Trail
It is hard to believe that young men once rode horses to carry mail from Missouri to California in the unprecedented time of only 10 days.
- LocationSanta Fe, NM
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now56°F Partly Cloudy
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Archeology
- Arts
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Monuments and Memorials
- Photography
- Ruins
- Trails
- Westward Expansion
Things to Do
4 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Become a Pony Express Trail Junior Ranger
Learn about the Pony Express Trail and earn your junior ranger badge! This activity can be completed virtually or after visiting a site along the Pony Express National Historic Trail. Booklets can be…
Learn more about Become a Pony Express Trail Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Check out Museums and Visitor Centers along the Pony Express Trail
Fee applies
There are a number of museums and visitor centers along the Pony Express Trail. In some places, you may find more interpretive exhibits, information, and programs. In other places, being in the…
Learn more about Check out Museums and Visitor Centers along the Pony Express Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Horseback Riding on the Pony Express Trail
Take a ride back in time on the Pony Express Trail! The variety of opportunities ranges from historic landscapes to modern views, and from short to longer trail rides. Riding the Trail is a great way…
Learn more about Horseback Riding on the Pony Express Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Walk on the Pony Express Trail
There are a variety of walking and hiking opportunities along the Pony Express Trail. In some places, you may find a modern-day hiking trail. In other places, the historic trail has been replaced by…
Learn more about Walk on the Pony Express Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Pony Express National Historic Trail
Hours details
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Pony Express National Historic TrailOpen 24 hours, daily
The Pony Express National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead it is a route that passes through communities, urban areas, public lands, and Wilderness. The route travels across a variety of land ownerships and management, including private land. Each location varies as to the hours of operations and access. Please contact individual trail sites before your visit for more information.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
National Trails Regions Office, Regions 6, 7, & 8, Pony Express National Historic TrailSanta Fe, NM 87505
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
56°F
Partly Cloudy · feels like 45°
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Today
57° 47°
Patchy rain nearby65% rain -
Tomorrow
52° 43°
Thundery outbreaks in nearby57% rain -
Wednesday
52° 39°
Light sleet76% rain
Updated 9 min ago
What to expect by season
Due to the length of the Pony Express 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
Photos
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A Pony Express rider silhouette can be found at the Schelbourne Station site in Nevada. — NPS photo -
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Getting There
Santa Fe, NM 87505
You can visit many sites of the Pony Express National Historic Trail over the 1,800-mile historic route that crosses 8 states.
Mailing address: National Trails Regions Office, Regions 6, 7, & 8, Santa Fe, NM 87505
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