Colorado's Santa Fe Trail
The Santa Fe Trail served as a trade route between Missouri and the Mexican
frontiers from 1821 to 1880. The Mountain Branch was traveled by caravans
of traders, often with four horses abreast. Although the Mountain Branch
was 100 miles longer than the Cimarron Route, and the climb over Raton Pass
was difficult, the Mountain Route was preferred since water was more accessible
and it was less vulnerable to Indian attacks. In 1987 the Santa Fe Trail
was designated by Congress as a National Historic Trail. Heritage travelers
visit today to discover the magic and retrace authentic steps taken by merchants
and traders on the way to Santa Fe. Recreate life along the Trail by visiting
historic trading posts like Bent's
Old Fort and Boggsville;
stage coach ruins, visible wagon ruts, graves, ruins of Trail-era ranches
and statues and monuments commemorating famous characters of the west.
Comanche
National Grassland is home to North Americas largest dinosaur tracksite
and can be explored on self guided tours or guided four wheel drive tours.
The region was home to native Americans, Spanish explorers, pioneer traders,
miners and Victorian merchants. Today's travelers can explore the trail's
history on the auto tour of the Santa Fe Trail. The trail follows the shores
of the Arkansas and Purgatoire Rivers of Southeast Colorado. Look closely
on a clear day and you can see wide bands of wagon tracks across the prairie.
Especially during the spring when the vegetation in the ruts are a different
color than the surrounding prairie.
Our rich heritage and culture can be seen in the historic architecture
of the Corazon
de Trinidad National Historic District . The Santa Fe Trail goes
through the brick streets of Trinidad,
through quaint rural farm towns and the cities of Lamar,
La
Junta, and Las Animas,
all of which have wonderful historic buildings which tell the stories of
merchants, cattlemen, railroad developers and miners. Men and women built
empires from the Santa Fe Trail; historic figures like Kit Carson, the Bent
brothers, Bat Masterson and Billy the kid - add to it's wild west charm.
History is plentiful and provides a romantic backdrop along this 184 mile
corridor of culture and beauty of Colorado's Santa Fe Trail. The Santa Fe
Trail beckons you to explore the wide variety of adventure and recreational
opportunities in water sports, hiking, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing
and hunting. Some our nations most treasured secrets still lie here on the
Mountain Branch of Colorado's Santa Fe Trail. |
 Visit our points of interest, click on the map below.
A brief history
of the Mountain Branch
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