Santa Fe Trail prepare · Prepare in Santa Fe Trail
All Destinations | Europe | Asia | North America | Africa | South America | Oceania | Hotels
Prepare in Santa Fe Trail
Prepare in Santa Fe Trail
Step number one is to decide exactly how you're going to cover this ground. Although some walk or bicycle the nearly 1000 miles of the Trail, it's more practical to drive from point to point along the route, pausing to sight-see/hike where there is something notable. This guide will presume you're one of the drivers. Note: if you're renting a car to make this trip, it'll be worth checking rates, and decide whether to make a round trip. The starting point is out in the boonies, so the nearest car-rental companies are some distance away, and likely to have a significant drop-off charge if you return the vehicle other than where you rented it.
Although the Trail bends significantly southward, temperatures don't change much because the Trail rises as it heads south. Santa Fe is at 7,000 feet, and there are two significant passes to cross. Accordingly, you may find it cooler when you get to the "desert Southwest" than when you left (it'll certainly be less humid). Pack accordingly. The best time to do this trip from a weather standpoint is probably late summer (August to early September), when highs may be around 80-90 Fahrenheit at the start and will get as low as the seventies at the high end.
Most attractions along the Trail don't require advance preparation. However, if you're planning to see Trail-related things at Pecos National Historical Park (see below under "Home stretch"), you may have to make inquiries in advance. Lodging is usually available in larger towns without reservation. Santa Fe is an exception; if you're going to spend any time there, definitely make reservations.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Santa Fe Trail
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Santa Fe Trail - updated May 2024
SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Santa Fe Trail hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!
>>> SEARCH FOR DEALS <<<
WHERE TO TRAVEL NEXT IN 2020
Santa Fe Trail Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.