National Historic Trail · CO, KS, MO, NM, OK

Things to do in Santa Fe

The National Park Service lists 8 things to do at Santa Fe National Historic Trail. 3 have no extra fee, 8 need no reservation, and 7 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.

Updated · NPS Data API

A junior ranger badge over the picture of a ruined adobe mission.
Photo: NPS Photo

Become a Santa Fe Trail Junior Ranger

Learn about the Santa Fe Trail and earn your junior ranger badge! This activity can be completed virtually or after visiting a site along the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. Worksheets can be submitted either electronically or by mail.

Pets allowed

Junior Ranger Program

A bike strapped with bags leans on bridge railings with a tunnel through a cliff in background
Photo: NPS / McCarthy

Bike the Katy Trail

Katy Trail State Park runs 240 miles across the state of Missouri between Clinton and Machens. Known as the country's longest continuous rail-trail, it attracts cyclists, walkers, equestrians, nature lovers, and history buffs seeking adventure along the…

0-7 Days Year-round Pets allowed

Biking

Hike on the Santa Fe Trail

Travel the trail today and you can almost hear the whoops and cries of "All's set!" as trail hands hitched their oxen to freight wagons carrying cargo between western Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Pets allowed

Hiking

A paved path leads to a reconstructed adobe fort. Two tipis are set up in the foreground
Photo: NPS Photo

Trail to History

The entrance to the reconstructed fort is gained from the one-quarter mile paved pathway extending from the shade shelter to the fort doors. The pathway is wheelchair accessible; however, the perimeter and interior flooring of the fort plaza is loose sand.

3-15 Minutes Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

A table shaped rock formation in the distance
Photo: NPS Photo

View Landmarks along the Santa Fe Trail

There has been a lot of change since the mid 1800's. Landmarks are an opportunity to view the trail similar to the way the traders did. Some landmarks may sit in their original viewshed, giving you a real experience of stepping back to the trail days.

Fee applies Pets allowed

Arts and Culture

View Santa Fe Trail Ruts

Imagine Prairie Schooners rumbling over the landscape, 10 feet tall and 23 feet long (with yoke). Imagine further that today you can still see evidence of those 44-50-inch diameter wooden wheels in the terrain from Missouri to New Mexico!

Fee applies Pets allowed

Self-Guided Tours - Auto

Visit Historic Sites on the Santa Fe Trail

Visiting historic sites along the Trail will give you an opportunity to step back in time. Explore adobe ruins, historic military forts, and other sites that will give you an opportunity to experience the historic landscape. Start planning your trip today!

Fee applies Pets allowed

Arts and Culture

Before you go

Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Santa Fe. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.

Things to do at nearby parks

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