Last updated: June 17, 2022
Article
Plan Like a Park Ranger on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail
Are you ready to explore the Santa Fe Trail? Use these 10 tips to plan like a Park Ranger!
Image/NPS
1. Choose the path less traveled
While some Santa Fe Trail sites are in cities and populated areas, others are off the beaten path. Visiting a remote site can help you experience the sites, sounds, and smells that travelers experienced nearly 200 years ago!
2. Plan to lose internet and phone reception
Some areas of the trail don’t have any phone reception. Don’t rely solely on directions provided by internet; instead map out your route ahead of time and save the Santa Fe National Historic Trail for offline use on the NPS app. The app provides information about sites, safety, and events along the trail, but it requires internet if it’s not downloaded. Download and save before you go so you are never without important directions and information.
3. Contact trail sites before you visit
Most of the places you’ll want to visit on the Trail are not NPS sites. Make sure you check with each site for information about when they are open, if they have any special events happening, amenities available, and if they require reservations in advance. The best way to learn site information is to visit their website or call them directly. Check out the many places to go on the trail!
4. Public or Private? Know before you go!
The Santa Fe National Historic Trail crosses private land as well as public land. While some private land owners allow the public to visit sites, some do not. Respect private property by obeying signs at sites and check if a property is open to the public before you go. Our places pages (available on the NPS app and website) provide information about public access. However, site ownership and rules can change, so always follow rules provided by a site, even if it contradicts what you find on our website.
Learn more: Principles to respect sites and leave no trace
5. Give yourself plenty of time
A road trip on the Santa Fe Trail may take longer than you think! Roads on the Trail can be unpaved and winding, so it can take longer to travel. Give yourself extra time to travel in remote areas and consider road surface when planning your trip.
6. Fuel up and stock up
Many areas on the trail are remote and you won’t be able to stop for necessities like food, gas, and first aid supplies. Know where gas stations, grocery stores, accommodations, and restrooms are before you go. Bring plenty of water and food with you, and always have a first aid kit on hand.
7. Don’t get tripped up
You will encounter uneven terrain on trails, on roads, and at sites. Stay alert on trails, wear appropriate footwear, and make sure your tires are in good condition and your vehicle is appropriate for the road surface.
8. Check your altitude
Visitors accustomed to sea level may find traveling through high elevation areas can cause breathing difficulty and fatigue. The sun burns more quickly at high elevations sites; wear sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the heat and sunburn.
9. Weather the storm
Weather on the Trail can change rapidly, and storms can appear suddenly. Bring appropriate clothing layers, sunscreen, a hat, and any other items to protect you from the elements. Check the weather before you go.
10. Respect Wildlife
You may encounter a range of wildlife on the trail. Keep your distance from wildlife; don’t bother them and, in general, they won’t bother you. Never feed wildlife you encounter on the trail and give them plenty of room by using your zoom for photos.
Learn more: Tips for watching wildlife
Want more tips?
Visit the NPS guide for planning park visits.
- A path winding through mountains with the text, “Choose the path less traveled.”
- A smartphone with the text, “Plan to lose internet and phone reception” inside
- A smartphone and a laptop with the text, “Contact trail sites before you visit.”
- A fence with the text, “Public or private? Know before you go.”
- A winding road with the text, “Give yourself plenty of time.”
- A bag of groceries, three bottles of liquid, and a gas pump with the text, “Fuel up and stock up.”
- A person walking on uneven ground with the text, “Don’t get tripped up.”
- A mountain with the text, “Check your altitude.”
- A raincloud with the text, “Weather the storm.”
- A coiled rattlesnake with the text, “Respect wildlife.”