FOLLOW THE LANDSCAPE. DISCOVER THE STORY.

El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail

America’s stories are written into its landscapes.
Header: Visit Cimarron National Grassland to experience the Santa Fe Trail. · NPS Photo · Public domain, NPS · Photo credits
PLACES THAT KEEP THE PAST CLOSE

A story worth following.

Explore a network of Spanish colonial roads and older Indigenous travel corridors linking communities across Texas and into Louisiana. Missions, town centers and interpretation make rewarding regional outings.

BUILD YOUR OWN CHAPTER

Places to begin

  • San Antonio Missions
  • Nacogdoches
  • Los Adaes State Historic Site

Suggested starting points, not a turn-by-turn route. Choose a manageable local section; stops may be far apart.

Make the visit work for you

The historic road is a network, not one fully marked drive. Confirm access and opening arrangements at each chosen site.

Give the story time

Allow time for interpretation, a short walk and conversations. One well-chosen historic place can be more rewarding than a rushed list of stops.

Bring your group comfortably

Confirm parking, restrooms, walking surfaces and group reservations with each site. A historic trail designation does not guarantee coach access.

U.S. visits only. Historic routes may cross private property or have disconnected public sections. Official links provide current maps, access and operating information. Photographs may show earlier conditions.