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!
Photo: NPS Photo
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.
- LocationSanta Fe, NM
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now87°F Sunny
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Architecture and Building
- Arts
- Civil War
- Colonization and Settlement
- Commerce
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Forts
- Grasslands
12 more topics
- Indian and Frontier Wars
- Military
- Native American Heritage
- Photography
- Rock Landscapes and Features
- Scenic Views
- Spanish-American War
- Trade
- Tragic Events
- Trails
- Wars and Conflicts
- Westward Expansion
Things to Do
8 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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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 visiting a site along the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. Worksheets can be…
Learn more about Become a Santa Fe Trail Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Bike the Katy Trail
Katy Trail State Park runs 240 miles across the state of Missouri between Clinton and Machens. Known as the country's longest continuous rail-trail, it attracts cyclists, walkers, equestrians, nature…
Learn more about Bike the Katy Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Check Out Museums and Visitor Centers along the Santa Fe Trail
Fee applies
There are a number of museums and visitor centers will differ along the Santa Fe Trail. In some places, you may find more interpretive exhibits, information, and programs. In other places, being in…
Learn more about Check Out Museums and Visitor Centers along the Santa Fe Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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 their oxen to freight wagons carrying cargo between western Missouri and Santa Fe, New…
Learn more about Hike on the Santa Fe Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Trail to History
Fee applies
The entrance to the reconstructed fort is gained from the one-quarter mile paved pathway extending from the shade shelter to the fort doors. The pathway is wheelchair accessible; however, the…
Learn more about Trail to History on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
View Landmarks along the Santa Fe Trail
Fee applies
There has been a lot of change since the mid 1800's. Landmarks are an opportunity to view the trail similar to the way the traders did. Some landmarks may sit in their original viewshed, giving you a…
Learn more about View Landmarks along the Santa Fe Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
View Santa Fe Trail Ruts
Fee applies
Imagine Prairie Schooners rumbling over the landscape, 10 feet tall and 23 feet long (with yoke). Imagine further that today you can still see evidence of those 44-50-inch diameter wooden wheels in…
Learn more about View Santa Fe Trail Ruts on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Visit Historic Sites on the Santa Fe Trail
Fee applies
Visiting historic sites along the Trail will give you an opportunity to step back in time. Explore adobe ruins, historic military forts, and other sites that will give you an opportunity to…
Learn more about Visit Historic Sites on the Santa Fe Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 8 of 8
All 9 activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Santa Fe National Historic Trail
Hours details
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Santa Fe National Historic TrailOpen 24 hours, daily
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.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
National Trails Office Regions 6, 7, & 8, Santa Fe National Historic TrailSanta Fe, NM 87505
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
87°F
Sunny · feels like 79°
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Today
90° 72°
Sunny17% rain
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Tomorrow
89° 70°
Sunny36% rain
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Wednesday
74° 57°
Overcast79% rain
Updated 7 min ago
What to expect by season
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
Photos
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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. — NPS -
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Getting There
Santa Fe, NM 87505
You can visit many sites of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail over the 900-mile historic route that crosses five states.
Mailing address: National Trails Office Regions 6, 7, & 8, Santa Fe, NM 87505
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