Old Spanish National Historic Trail • AZ,CA,CO,NV,NM,UT

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hikers walk beside a river with cottonwoods alongside the river

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Follow the routes of mule pack trains across the Southwest on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Los Angeles, California. New Mexican traders moved locally produced merchandise across what are now six states to exchange for mules and horses.

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.
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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.
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Sierra Blanca is a prominent mountain in the Sangre de Cristo Range along San Luis Valley on Highway 17. Locating landmarks were essential to traveling the Old Spanish Trail.
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The San Rafael Swell is a huge craggy geologic feature (an anticline), about 75 miles by 40 miles, located in south-central Utah approximately 30 miles west of Green River.
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This section of the Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area is off Interstate 15 about 20 miles southwest of St. George, Utah and about 20 miles northeast of Mesquite, Nevada
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This trail segment is 5.25 miles, and is part of the Old Spanish Trail/Mormon Road Historic District, outside Blue Diamond, Clark County, Nevada.
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Old Spanish Trail travelers used this section of the historic Mojave Road is within Mojave National Preserve.
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A dirt road leads off through the desert, next to a tall yucca tree.

Planning a Trail Visit

Do you want to experience the trail? Learn more about where you can go, historic sites you can visit and more!

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Where is this National Historic Trail?

Take a look at interactive, historic, and trip planning maps to learn more about locations along the trail.

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What is a National Historic Trail?

Many folks wonder what a national historic trail actually is. Hear from trail staff about how we define these important parts of history.

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Last updated: May 1, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

National Trails Office Regions 6, 7, & 8
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
1100 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87505

Phone:

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