Between 1821 and 1880, the Santa Fe Trail was primarily a commercial highway connecting Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico. From 1821 until 1846, it was an international commercial highway used by Mexican and American traders. In 1846, the Mexican-American War began. The Army of the West followed the Santa Fe Trail to invade New Mexico. When the Treaty of Guadalupe ended the war in 1848, the Santa Fe Trail became a national road connecting the United States to the new southwest territories. Commercial freighting along the trail continued, including considerable military freight hauling to supply the southwestern forts. The trail was also used by stagecoach lines, thousands of gold seekers heading to the California and Colorado gold fields, adventurers, fur trappers, and emigrants. In 1880 the railroad reached Santa Fe and the trail faded into history.

The National Park Service administers the Santa Fe National Historic Trail in partnership with other federal, state, and local agencies; non-profit organizations; and private landowners. Participating national historic trail sites display the official trail logo.

The Santa Fe Trail Association is a major partner with the National Park Service. The association is a national organization dedicated to preserving resources, and fostering public awareness and appreciation of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail.

 Directions 

Plane - You can reach the trail by flying into a number of airports, including Kansas City, Jefferson City, and St. Louis, Missouri; Wichita, Topeka, Dodge City, Great Bend, and Garden City, Kansas; Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico; and Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo, Colorado.

Car - You can reach most trail sites by auto or bicycle, or on foot. Some sites are along unpaved roads.

Public Transportation - Commercial bus service is available to many cities and towns along the trail.