Santa Fe National Historic Trail
CO,KS,MO,NM,OK
About 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. 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!
Things To Do
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Trail to History
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 perimeter and interior flooring of the fort plaza is loose sand.
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 submitted either electronically or by mail. Take a look and start exploring the trail today!
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 Mexico. Between 1821 and 1880, the Santa Fe Trail was primarily a commercial highway. There are a variety of hiking opportunities across the full length of the trail. We've selected a few places in Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico for you to check out.
View Landmarks along the Santa Fe Trail
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 real experience of stepping back to the trail days. Other landmarks may be surrounded by the 21st century and provide a chance to think about how things have changed in 200 years.
View Santa Fe Trail Ruts
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 the terrain from Missouri to New Mexico! Their traces are often referred to as wagon ruts and they can appear a variety of ways. Visiting them is one of the best ways to experience the Santa Fe Trail. Luckily, there are still places where you can have that experience today!
Visit Historic Sites on the Santa Fe Trail
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 experience the historic landscape. Start planning your trip today!
Available Activities
Weather
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.
Getting There
You can visit many sites of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail over the 900-mile historic route that crosses five states.
Plan Your Visit
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Santa Fe National Historic Trail
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.