Santa Fe Trail

States: Colorado and New Mexico
National Forest: Carson National Forest, Santa Fe National Forest
Length: 565.0 mi / 909.3 km
Time to Allow: 12 hours to drive the entire byway

One of America's first great trade routes, the Santa Fe Trail was critical to our country's westward expansion. Visit historic sites and landmarks like Bent's Fort, Trinidad, Raton Pass, Cimarron, Fort Union, Pecos, Point of Rocks, and Santa Fe. Enjoy spectacular scenery, from rugged mountains to the plains.

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  • History on Colorado’s Santa Fe Trail

    Experience the Old West as you have never done before by taking a trip along the Santa Fe Trail in Colorado. Your car will become a time machine as you become immersed in the history and culture found on this fascinating byway.

  • Extraordinary Birding Adventures on the Santa Fe Trail

    If you are looking for an extraordinary birding adventure, travel the Santa Fe Trail. The byway, rich in history, provides you with ample opportunities to immerse yourself in the history as well as the natural wonders of the West. Bring your binoculars to the Santa Fe Trail, a great place to explore the region's wildlife.

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  • 3-Day Trip: Santa Fe Trail Tour
    (New Mexico)

    The Santa Fe Tour begins in Santa Fe, New Mexico and heads east over to Clayton, near the borders of Texas and Oklahoma. With a little back...

  • 1-Day Trip: Santa Fe Trail Historical Tour
    (Colorado)

    This tour begins at Bent's Old Fort and follows the trail westward towards Trinidad. Let history and adventure unfold as you explore the Santa Fe...

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The following byways are part of the designated byway Santa Fe Trail: