Santa Fe Trail
Places to Visit

• Timpas Picnic Area (CO)

  Timpas Creek was the first source of water for the Santa Fe Trail travelers after leaving the Arkansas River heading southwest. Between 1869 and 1871 the Metcalf Ranch, previously located here, served as a stage coach station.

  Directions: From La Junta, Colorado drive southwest along Highway 350 for 16 miles. Turn right (nothwest) at County Road 16.5 crossing the railroad tracks and then turn right (northeast) to the parking lot.

• Trinidad (CO)

  Trinidad was settled in 1859 on what was then known as the Mountain Route of the Santa Fe Trail. People of many cultures built this city, a heritage which can be seen in the city's historic downtown, 'El Corazon de Trinadad.'

• Trinidad History Museum (CO)

  This museum complex houses five attractions in one location. Visitors to the site can visit the Santa Fe Trail Museum, Baca House, Bloom Mansion, Historic Gardens or the Bookstore.

  Location on Byway: Located in Trinidad at 300 East Main Street.

• Trinidad Lake State Park (CO)

  Nestled in the foothills of southern Colorado, this beautiful state park offers boating, fishing, hiking and modern camping year-round.

  Directions: Located three miles west of Trinidad on Highway 12.

• Vogel Canyon Picnic Area (CO)

  Geologically scenic Vogel Canyon is a tributary on the Purgatorie River drainage. Two permanent springs located at the bottom of the canyon help to support a variety of wildlife, which can best be seen early in the morning or just before sunset.

  Directions: From La Junta, Colorado drive south on Highway 109 for 13 miles. At the Vogel Canyon sign turn right (west) for 1 mile, then turn left (south) for 2 miles to the parking lot.

• Aztec Grist Mill (NM)

  Built in 1864, the Aztec Grist Mill provided ground grains for the Maxwell Ranch, the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation, and Trail travelers. Now, it serves as a museum, houses working mill parts and displays life-size figures from local history.

• Capulin Volcano National Monument (NM)

  Capulin Volcano rises over 1,000 feet above its surrounding region. It stands as proof of the volcanic processes and geology that characterizes northeastern New Mexico. Today, animals such as mule deer, wild turkeys, and black bears are found here.

  Directions: Take US Hwy 64/87 east from Raton. The park entrance is off NM Hwy 325, 3 miles north of the town of Capulin.

• Carson National Forest (NM)

  Some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest is found in the Carson National Forest. Elevations rise from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest in New Mexico.

• Cimarron Canyon State Park (NM)

  Cimarron Canyon State Park is part of the 33,116-acre Colin Neblett Wildlife Area -- the largest wildlife area in New Mexico.

  Location on Byway: Cimmaron Canyon is just north od Cimmaron, along the byway on State Hwy 64.

• City of Las Vegas Museum and Rough Rider Memorial Collection (NM)

  The City of Las Vegas Museum and Rough Rider Memorial Collection display the history of Las Vegas, the Rough Riders, the Santa Fe Trail and New Mexico. Collections feature Native American pottery, Rough Rider memorabilia, and more.