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We begin this scenic drive in La Junta which is east of Pueblo on Hwy 50. Bent's Old Fort is 8 miles east by taking 109 from Hwy 50 to 194 east.
To continue from La Junta, you take Hwy 350 southwest through the Comanche National Grasslands to Trinidad. From there you travel I-25 over Raton Pass to the Cimarron cutoff taking Hwy 64 west to Cimarron.
From the main street of Cimarron, you turn south on Hwy 21 through the Philmont Scout Ranch, Rayado, and Springer. Hwy 85 travels along the east side of I-25 from Springer south through Wagon Mound and Watrous where you can follow the signs to Fort Union.
Return to Watrous and take Hwy 161 to Hwy 518, then Hwy 518 south through Sapello and into Las Vegas. Hwy 85 becomes Grand Ave. in Las Vegas.
Continue south on 85 all the way to Santa Fe with a side trip to Villanueva State Park on Hwy 3 and to Pecos National Historical Park on Hwy 63.
The Plaza in Santa Fe is the end of the trail.
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Before Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, no trade was allowed with the United States. But after 1821, Mexico opened the Santa Fe Trail as an international route for American and Mexican traders and trade with the US began. Taos became a thriving trade center along the route. [more]
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