Old Spanish National Historic Trail

AZ,CA,CO,NV,NM,UT

Plan Your Visit NPS.gov

hikers walk beside a river with cottonwoods alongside the river

desert scrub in foreground, spiky mountains in background, clouds

desert scenery, dead tree, blue sky with puffy coulds

a river carves through the landscape, greenery in the foreground, mountains and redrock backdrop

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About Old Spanish National Historic Trail

Follow the routes of mule pack trains across the Southwest on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Los Angeles, California. New Mexican traders moved locally produced merchandise across what are now six states to exchange for mules and horses.

Things To Do

Become an Old Spanish Trail Junior Ranger

Learn about the Old Spanish Trail and earn your junior ranger badge! This activity can be completed virtually or after visiting a site along the Old Spanish National Historic Trail. Worksheets can be submitted either electronically or by mail. Take a look and start exploring the trail today!

Available Activities

Arts and Culture

Theater

Auto and ATV

Scenic Driving

Hiking

Horse Trekking

Weather

Due to the length of Old Spanish 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.

Getting There

You can visit many sites of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail over the 2,700-mile historic route that crosses 6 states.

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Plan Your Visit

Let Cairn help you plan the perfect trip to Old Spanish National Historic Trail with AI-powered itineraries.

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Hours

Old Spanish National Historic Trail

There are many places of history and commemoration on the Old Spanish 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.