Last updated: May 14, 2026
Place
Santa Fe River Park
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Parallel to E. Alameda Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Significance:
Traders visiting Santa Fe would use this area to camp and graze their animals. It was historically outside of town.
Designation:
Historic site on the Santa Fe, Old Spanish, and El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro NHTs.
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
What you see today is a small trickle of the river that Santa Fe Trail traders once camped by. Flowing down from what is now the Santa Fe National Forest, the river was a place for traders to let their animals graze while they waited to do their business in town. The 12-acre, tree-shaded park was built in 1935 and gives visitors an opportunity for a walk.
Site Information
Location (Parallel to E. Alameda Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico.)
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail
Santa Fe National Historic Trail
Old Spanish National Historic Trail
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. This tour leads your from the busy plaza and other major tourist locations to lesser known sites along quiet, old Santa Fe streets.