Santa Fe Trail

States: Colorado and New Mexico
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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  Extraordinary Birding Adventures on the Santa Fe Trail

  Updated Feb 3, 2012

  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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  Visit the “Gettysburg of the West” at Glorieta Pass

  Feb 9, 2011 in The American Civil War

  Amidst sagebrush and towering mountains, explore the history of a critical battle of the Civil War at Pecos National Historic Park on the Santa Fe Trail.

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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...

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  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:

• Santa Fe Trail - New Mexico
• Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway - Colorado