Santa Fe Trail is a 300-mile byway traveling throughout northeast New Mexico. The byway follows a series of US Highways and State Highways, all of which are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Much of the byway follows the frontage road of I-25. Santa Fe Trail remains open year-round.
The Santa Fe Trail was the first of America’s Trans-Mississippi routes. The portion running through New Mexico travels across the grassy plains of the northeast corner into the mountainous region around Santa Fe. Numerous sites of historical significance are located all along the byway.
Near Watrous is Fort Union National Monument. Fort Union was established in 1851 as a guardian of the Santa Fe Trail. Three forts were built during its 40-year history; a self-guided tour path takes you among the remains of two. The largest visible network of Santa Fe Trail ruts can be seen here.
East of Santa Fe is Pecos National Historical Park, which preserves the ancient pueblo of Pecos, two Spanish Colonial Missions, Santa Fe Trail sites, and the site of the Civil War Battle of Glorieta Pass. A self-guided trail takes you through Pecos pueblo and the mission ruins.
Public campgrounds are available in four state parks near the byway: Sugarite Canyon, Clayton Lake, Storrie Lake, and Hyde Memorial State Park. Sugarite Canyon State Park is east of Raton off NM 72. It has 40 RV and tent sites; 11 have electric hookups. Clayton Lake State Park is about eight miles north of Clayton. It has a total of 37 campsites, seven with hookups. Storrie Lake State Park is located along the byway north of Las Vegas. It offers 50 primitive campsites and 37 developed sites. Hookups are available at 18 sites. Hyde Memorial State Park is located along the Santa Fe National Forest Scenic Byway. It has 45 campsites, some with hookups. All the parks are open year-round.