Last updated: May 14, 2026
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El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, Old Spanish Trail, Santa Fe Trail: Santa Fe, New Mexico Itinerary
Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the US, founded in 1610, and the highest in elevation at 7,000 ft. The city is the historic hub of the southwest, connecting three national historic trails: El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, the Santa Fe Trail, and the Old Spanish Trail. These tours leads your from the busy plaza and other major tourist locations to lesser known sites along quiet, old Santa Fe streets.
Looking for a park ranger in your pocket? Be guided by the NPS app! You can find the tours by searching for the Santa Fe Trail!
Looking for a park ranger in your pocket? Be guided by the NPS app! You can find the tours by searching for the Santa Fe Trail!
Santa Fe Plaza Walking Tour
What visit to Santa Fe, New Mexico doesn't include a walk around the historic plaza? The unique sense and feel of Santa Fe is best experienced as you stroll along the sidewalks, but it can be confusing what story you are stepping into. Use this tour to take a peek into Santa Fe's past, back to the days when traders gathered in the plaza, dust would be covering your boots, and, just as today, you could hear the church bell's chime.
Historic Trails Tour
"Where are you from?" is a common phrase to hear around Santa Fe. There are many reasons people visit the city today, or have moved here in the past. A recent history of migration, of trade, of cultural exchange, explains the varied stories of Santa Fe's visitors and residents. But the essence of the phrase, of the unknown nature of those who are gathered here, can also be extended to the longer history of Santa Fe.
As the Santa Fe trail brought in people, goods, and culture from the east, El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro extended that exchange to Mexico City to the south. To the west, to and from Los Angeles, California, the Old Spanish trail furthered the cultural richness of this city. Explore the sites along this tour to gain a better understanding of the history of the why, where, and how of Santa Fe.