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. NPS Photo

Santa Fe National Historic Trail

Federal Recreation Area · Colorado · National Park Service

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!

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Official site: www.nps.gov
Managed by: National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: 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

Activities & features: Arts and Culture · Theater · Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Auto · Hiking · Junior Ranger Program · Museum Exhibits