Santa Fe Trail Scenic & Historic Byway Interpretive Master Plan

Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway Statements of Significance

These statements capture the essence of the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway. They are those ideas about the Byway that make it different from any place else. They are the reasons the Byway was designated, why visitors will want to visit it, and represent what people will learn about the Santa Fe Trail.

The historic route of the Santa Fe Trail has been used as a footpath, then as a horse trail, followed by a wagon route, a railway and finally, as a 20th Century highway. Travel along that corridor has been growing faster and faster with each shift in mode — from 2 months between the Missouri River by wagon and Santa Fe in the mid 1800s to 20 hours by train, nowadays.

The Byway courses through country that offers to travelers a wide variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing and enjoying Colorado history.

Theme The theme is the single idea that ties together the essence of the Byway. If visitors leave learning just one thing, it should be the theme. The Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway generally follows the route of the historic Santa Fe Trail, a major trade route between the U.S. and Mexico that fostered a cultural exchange between the two countries that still exists today.

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