In a Rut

Total Number of Days/Nights: Two

Itinerary Summary: The Santa Fe Trail, the West's first major trade route, spanned 900 miles from Missouri to Santa Fe (then part of Mexico). Showcasing a fascinating cultural mix of Euro-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans, the historic wagon route took on a life of its own—especially in the 1880s before a railroad replaced it.

An early traveler along the Santa Fe Trail once wrote that  "the vast plain heaves and rolls around like a green ocean." Today, you can explore the history of the area that inspired such words, thanks to the cooperation of the National Park Service, the Santa Fe Trail Association, and other local outfits committed to retaining the area's rich past.

In Colorado, there are several access points to the Mountain Trail Route—called the Santa Fe Trail's high route through Colorado. This route was 100 miles longer, but was considered safer during war times. The trail cuts through a significant portion of the Comanche National Grassland.
 

Day One
Drive southeast toward La Junta on CO 50, which today mirrors much of the old Santa Fe route, and make a stop at the Bent's Old Fort, a replica of the fort that flourished as a trading post in the 1800s. Here you'll gain extensive insight from costumed workers, a documentary film and interpretive signs.

From there, head down US 350 16 miles and turn right on CR 16.5, cross the railroad and turn right on the access road to the Timpas Picnic Area and the Sierra Vista Overlook. This area marks the spot where travelers knew they were leaving the vast prairie and entering the foothills. They used the two Spanish Peaks to the west as a marker. From here, you can take a half-mile loop trail to Timpas Creek or a three-mile trail that follows the actual ruts of the Santa Fe Trail between the Timpas Picnic Area and the Sierra Vista Overlook. Stop at Timpas for a picnic lunch.

Next, head south again on US 350 to Iron Spring, a livestock watering hole along the Santa Fe Trail. In 1861, the Missouri Stage Company built a stage station on the site, which was the only real stop between Bent's Old Fort and Trinidad. Some remnants of the original building remain, and trail ruts are visible both north and west of the site.

Follow US 350 south to Trinidad, where you can find comfortable accommodations and the Santa Fe Trail Museum in historic downtown.

Day Two
From Trinidad, head east on US 160 to the Granada Fort Union Military Route, which was used in the early 1870s to transport military freight between the railhead and Fort Union in New Mexico. Ruts marked by limestone posts are visible along this southerly route. Where CR 169 and 160 cross, there's a wooden marker and old stone foundations at the former town of Tobe, 10 to12 miles west of Kim. Be careful: there's no shoulder to pull off the road here.

Follow US 160 east to Springfield, where you can stop for lunch at Trails End or The Longhorn Steakhouse. After lunch, prepare for a driving challenge. Head east on US 160 and then south on US 287 to CR R, then right on CR 36 for about one mile to CR Q; head east for about five miles until you see the sign for the Aubury Cutoff Crossing (this route is about 15 miles of graded, dirt road). This sub route, which provided pioneers with more water and grass than the southerly Cimarron Route of the Santa Fe Trail, became a favorite for parties in the 1850s and 1860s.

Back on US 28, head south to Boise City, OK, then go east on US 56 to Elkhart; head north on KS 27 to Cimarron River Bridge. Just north of the river is a sign for Middle Springs & Point of Rocks. This was a welcome site for travelers along the 36-mile stretch of the waterless prairie before it (wagons only traveled about 15 miles a day). Point of Rocks later became a livestock trading site. Today well-preserved wagon-wheel ruts remain, and short interpretive trails provide more information at both sites.

Note: Following the Day Two itinerary makes for a long day of driving, so it's best to try it as you're heading out of Colorado