America’s first international highway, the Santa Fe Trail connected Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico from 1821 to 1880. Traders, troops and travelers trod this 800+ mile route for business, war, and hope for a better life. Over 180 miles of the Mountain Route of the trail crossed southeast Colorado with many portions still visible today. The Cimarron Route of the trail clips the corner of Colorado too, in far southeast Baca County.

Open daily. This route across the Comanche National Grassland is often marked with stone markers. Trail sites to visit include Bent’s Old Fort, Bent’s New Fort, Boggsville, and the Baca and Bloom Houses in Trinidad.
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MORE INFORMATION: Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway – Mountain Branch
National Park Service
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PHOTO CREDITS: Canyons & Plains