Old Spanish National Historic Trail | American Tour Association

PLACES THAT KEEP THE PAST CLOSE

A story worth following.

Explore the pack-trade routes between Santa Fe and Los Angeles. Desert landscapes and historic communities recall trade, cultural exchange and the difficult histories of exploitation along the corridor.

crumbling adobe structure with blue sky — Santa Rosa de Lima de Abiquiú provided a way station for travelers along the Old Spanish Trail in the 1800s. It is privately owned by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe.
NPS · Public domain, NPS

hikers walk beside a river with cottonwoods alongside the river — This section of the Rio Chama River, tributary of the Rio Grande, is located about six miles north of Abiquiú, New Mexico and flows through the Carson National Forest.
NPS · Public domain, NPS

BUILD YOUR OWN CHAPTER

Places to begin

Abiquiú
Southern Utah interpretation sites
Los Angeles historic plaza

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

Historic branches cross remote terrain. Follow published public-access routes rather than attempting to track the original path.

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.

Official visitor information ↗

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.