Santa Fe Trail | American Tour Association

THE JOURNEY IS THE REASON TO GO

Let the road set the pace.

One of America s first great trade routes, the Santa Fe Trail was critical to our country s westward expansion. Visit historic sites and landmarks like Bent s Fort, Trinidad, Raton Pass, Cimarron, Fort Union, Pecos, Point of Rocks, and Santa Fe. Enjoy spectacular scenery, from rugged mountains to the plains.

The experienceNational Scenic Byway

Start with this outlineChoose a section of the named byway

Fishers Peak can be seen from the highway as clouds haze around the mountain. — View of Fishers Peak
Public Domain. Photo by Wyvonne Phillips Graham · Photo credits

Before you drive

Choose your stops before departure and check current road access, weather and vehicle suitability. A byway listing does not guarantee that every section or visitor facility is open.

Make it a satisfying day

Choose a realistic section, then allow time for viewpoints, a town stop and breaks. Scenic mileage rarely tells the whole story of how long an outing will take.

Match the road to your vehicle

Check the exact roads for your car, RV or motorcoach. Tunnel dimensions, turning space, grades and road surfaces can matter as much as distance.

Official route information ↗State road-condition links ↗

Route overview and designation: Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways. Research: October 2026. This is a travel idea, not live navigation or a guarantee that the full route is open. Confirm exact roads, current conditions, parking and any attraction reservations before departure.