Santa Fe Trail Road Trip

The Santa Fe Trail Road Trip is an unforgettable journey that starts in Lamar, United States and ends in Santa Fe, United States. Along the way, you will traverse 576 km of diverse landscapes and attractions. The first stop is La Junta, which is home to a variety of museums and galleries. After La Junta, the road trip continues to Trinidad, where you can explore the history of the Santa Fe Trail. From Trinidad, you will move on to Cimarron, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This road trip is best taken between April and October, when the weather is mild and the roads are in good condition. Travelers can complete the journey in four days, and it is suitable for all types of drivers. The Santa Fe Trail Road Trip can be managed on a moderate budget, making it an ideal way to explore the Southwest.

Lamar is a great starting point for a road trip along the Santa Fe Trail. The city is full of history and culture, and there’s plenty to see and do. Start your journey with a visit to the Lamar Public Library, where you can browse the shelves of books and local newspapers. The city is also home to the Lamar Lights Festival, a yearly celebration of music, art, and local cuisine. For a true taste of the local culture, explore the Lamar Downtown Historic District, where you’ll find a variety of shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the Lamar Rodeo, a yearly event that features bull riding, barrel racing, and more. Nature lovers will want to check out the Lamar State Park, which features a variety of trails and outdoor activities. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB), located just 25 miles away. From here, visitors can rent a car and start their Santa Fe Trail Road Trip. There are also several car rental companies in Lamar, so you can easily pick up a car and explore the city on your own.

Welcome, road-trippers! This stage of your journey starts in Lamar, United States and ends in La Junta, 57mi away in less than an hour. In Lamar, you can explore the Santa Fe Trail Museum, which tells the history of the area, or the Spreading Antelope Wildlife Area, where you can take a stroll and admire the wildlife. In La Junta, you can visit the Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, a reconstructed 1840s fort, or the Koshare Indian Museum, which features an impressive collection of artifacts. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Welcome to the La Junta-Trinidad road trip! This is one of the stages of a larger tour that will take you through some of the most beautiful places in the United States. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! This stage of the tour is 79 miles long, and will take you fewer than two hours to drive. La Junta, the starting point of this stage, is a beautiful small town with a rich history. Here, you can explore the Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, a reconstructed 1840s adobe fur trading post. You can also visit the Santa Fe Trail Museum and learn more about the history of the area. Your next stop is Trinidad, a charming town with a rich cultural heritage. Here, you can explore the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art and learn more about the history of the Wild West. You can also visit the Trinidad History Museum and the Trinidad Lake State Park, where you can enjoy stunning views of the lake. Along the way, you will also find several restaurants, campsites, and accommodation options. For more information about these and other attractions, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready for an unforgettable road trip! La Junta-Trinidad is the perfect place to start your adventure. Enjoy your journey!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Trinidad to Cimarron? This 62mi journey will take you less than 1 hour and it's one of the stages of a larger tour. Along the way, you will be able to visit Raton Pass, a mountain pass located on the Colorado-New Mexico border, known for its magnificent views. Once you reach Cimarron, you can explore the Cimarron Canyon State Park, a great spot for hiking, camping, and fishing. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

Embark on an exciting road trip starting in Cimarron, United States and heading to Santa Fe! This 159 mile journey will take you fewer than 3 hours and is part of a larger tour. Along the way, you will pass through Fort Union, a historical site full of interesting artifacts and stories. Be sure to take some time to explore the ruins and learn more about the area’s history. You’ll also be able to take in the breathtaking scenery and get a few great pictures. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Cimarron to Santa Fe!

Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is the perfect end point for the Santa Fe Trail Road Trip. This vibrant city is full of culture, art and history, making it a great place to explore for a few days. Start by visiting the oldest church in the United States, San Miguel Mission. Then head to the Loretto Chapel, where the mysterious “miraculous staircase” is located. Be sure to check out the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, dedicated to the iconic artist’s work. For a taste of the culture, visit the Palace of the Governors, the oldest continuously occupied public building in the USA. Then take a stroll around the city’s historic plazas and admire the nearby Spanish colonial architecture. For those who prefer to be outdoors, explore the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains and take a day trip to the nearby Bandelier National Monument. Make sure to take in the breathtaking views of the desert and the Rio Grande Valley. Those traveling by air will find the closest international airport to be Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). Santa Fe offers something for everyone and is the perfect place to end the Santa Fe Trail Road Trip. With its unique culture, history, art, and outdoor activities, Santa Fe promises an unforgettable experience.

Before you set off

Embark on the iconic Santa Fe Trail Road Trip, a journey steeped in history that spans approximately 576 kilometers (358 miles) from Lamar, Colorado to the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico. This route provides a window into the Old West and early American frontier life, delivering a mosaic of breathtaking landscapes and a treasure trove of historical landmarks and cultural heritage.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• La Junta, Colorado: Home to Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, an 1830s trading post that played a crucial role in the fur trade and served as a cross-cultural meeting point. The town also hosts the Koshare Indian Museum, showcasing Native American art and history.
• Trinidad, Colorado: This picturesque city not only enlightens visitors on the Santa Fe Trail's significance but also features the Trinidad History Museum and the A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art. The area's coal mining past is also on display at the Trinidad History Museum.
• Cimarron, New Mexico: Here, travelers are greeted with the extraordinary vistas of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Cimarron's Philmont Scout Ranch and Museum and the Old Mill Museum offer glimpses into local history, including the ranching and scouting experiences unique to the region.

Best Time to Go:

Travelers typically find the April to October window most appealing for the Santa Fe Trail Road Trip, as it offers pleasant weather and favorable Road conditions. During this period, the trail blooms with the colors of wildflowers and the landscapes are comfortably navigable.

Potential Risks:

• Travel outside the optimal season can lead to challenges, such as sudden snowstorms or intense summer heat.
• Common long-distance driving risks include driver fatigue and possible wildlife crossings, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

• The Santa Fe Trail was a 19th-century transportation route that connected Franklin, Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico.
• A Road Trip along this historic trail is typically achievable in four days, allowing ample time for exploration and discovery.
• The journey is accessible for drivers of all skill levels, with well-maintained Roads and clear signage.
• With careful planning, it's possible to complete this Road Trip on a moderate budget.
• The route is dotted with national parks, monuments, and sites that celebrate the natural beauty and historical significance of the American Southwest.

A good choice for:

The Santa Fe Trail Road Trip is an unforgettable adventure that beckons travelers to immerse themselves in the Southwest's distinctive heritage and spectacular scenery. It is a journey not just through landscapes but through time, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking an educational and enriching travel experience that combines the allure of the open Road with a deep dive into American history.