NPS Santa Fe National Historic Trail
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  • 543. Retracement on Comanche National Grassland from Sierra Vista to Timpas Picnic Area

    Green and red covered wagon pulled by two white horses. Several spectators i nteh background while two people are dressed in period attire.
    Covered Wagon on the Santa Fe Trail

    Santa Fe Trail retracements can be done anytime, but one of the easiest ways to take the walk is to join the group participating in the Santa Fe Trail Encampment weekend at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site.

    The walk begins at Sierra Vista (Stop 542) and ends at Timpas (Stop 541) or vice versa.

    Wagons and animals from Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site and volunteer organizations.

    Adults and children dressed in period wear in front of a freight wagon pulled by oxen and a covered wagon pulled by horses on the Santa Fe Trail.
    This is a great opportunity to get a taste of what it was like to traverse the plains in the 1840s. Discover what it is like to walk beside oxen, horses, and mules and their wagons and carts along the historic Santa Fe Trail.
    Several adult and children walk in the Comanche National Grassland along the Santa Fe National Historic Trail.
    You can also follow the trail on the grassland during your visit. The walk is approximately three miles and a low to moderate-level activity as you are walking on an undeveloped path that follows from one Santa Fe Trail limestone marker to the next.
    A man kneels beside a limestone Santa Fe Trail marker while wearing pioneer clothing as a retracement including a covered wagon pulled by horsed and a freight wagon pulled by oxen pass by.
    Keep an eye out for similar limestone markers with the Santa Fe National Historic Trail logo as you retrace the trail in the area.
    A rattlesnake in the soft sand of the trail.
    Also watch your step – there’s grass, shrubs, cactus, and other surprises, such as the young rattlesnake found on a recent retracement.