Santa Fe Trail
Visitor Services

There are visitor services found in the towns along the byway, as well as at periodic points between these towns. Rest areas are located at each entry point into Colorado, in addition to one...[more]

Service Description Service Description
Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

This byway is well equipped for passenger vehicles and bicyclists, offering flat or slightly rolling terrain. Highways 160 and 350... [more]

 Camping

Camping

There are places to camp along this byway.
Food

Food

A selection of roughly 50 restaurants can be found dispersed along the byway in La Junta, Lamar, Las Animas, and Trinidad and more.

 Gasoline

Gasoline

Gas service stations are available in Trinidad, La Junta, Las Animas, Lamar, and Holly. The majority of these service stations include... [more]
Information

Information

There are several interpretive centers along the byway.

 Lodging

Lodging

There is overnight lodging along this byway.
Phone

Phone

Public phones are available along this byway.

 Restrooms

Restrooms

Restrooms are located at both the Trinidad and Lamar Welcome Center.
Retail

Retail

There are places to shop along this byway.

NOTE: The America's Byways® website is federally funded and cannot promote commercial businesses. This data may not be complete or up to date. The National Scenic Byways Program is not responsible for the quality of your travel experience. See the right column on the Byway Overview page for local contact information.

Special Considerations

The southeast area of Colorado has a generally moderate climate and only light levels of snow. Most of the byway is found at elevations below 5,000 feet. The segment on I-25 from Trinidad to Raton Pass, the highest point on the byway at 7,834 feet, is the most likely spot along the byway to be closed due to weather conditions, although road closures are rare.

There are narrow shoulders (2 feet) in some places along the byway.

Summer temperatures may reach 100 degrees F. Many of the points of interest do not have water available, so it is advisable to have water with you at all times, especially in the summer months.

In most places, the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway is the frontage road to Interstate 25. These frontage roads allow travelers to drive more slowly, view the scenery, and stop for walks and photographic opportunities.

When visiting Indian Pueblos, please keep the following in mind:

  • Please obey all rules and regulations of the individual Pueblos.
  • Please control children and see that they are respectful.
  • Homes are private, do not enter without an invitation.
  • Stay in the immediate village area, do not wander.
  • Do not climb walls or other structures as they may be hundreds of years old and easily damaged.
  • Do not pick up or remove any artifact or objects such as pieces of broken pottery.
  • Kivas and graveyards are not to be entered by non-Pueblo people.
  • Alcohol, weapons and drugs will not be tolerated.
  • No pets.

Restrictions

There are few, if any, seasonal limitations along the byway. All roads are paved, and snow is cleared if there is any significant accumulation.

Seasons

High Season

Tourist season reaches its height during summer months, but that will not be noticeable while driving the byway.

Road Conditions

To find up to date information about the road conditions along Santa Fe Trail, please visit the FHWA listing of web sites for more information.
Colorado
New Mexico