When William Becknell took his first load of trade goods west over what would come to be called the Santa Fe Trail he was following Indian paths, which had been used for centuries for commerce and annual migrations. The year was 1821 and his profit margin (an incredible 2,000%) sealed the fate of the once tranquil thoroughfare.

Retrace the 900-mile route from Independence, Missouri across the plains of Kansas, over the dreaded Raton Pass of the Mountain Route in Colorado, and into the trail's namesake on this 9-day interpretive tour. We'll view actual wagon ruts which have survived the onslaught of modern highways, visit historic forts and trading posts built to protect the commercial traffic, and learn of trail life in the outstanding interpretive centers along the way. We'll even meet some of the characters who peopled the trail-solders, bullwhackers, and assorted hangers-on as they help us interpret this fascinating part of America's western heritage.

Capture the romance and adventure of this exciting American drama as we head the "wagons" westward once again along the Santa Fe Trail!

Day 1: Arrival
Kansas City International Airport. Airport transfers. Overnight: Independence, MO.

Day 2: Fort Leavenworth
National Frontier Trails Center, Steamboat Arabia, Harvey Girls luncheon, Fort Leavenworth. Overnight: Lenexa, KS.

Day 3: Shawnee Mission Indian Museum
Shawnee Mission Indian Museum, Alexander Majors Home, Legler Barn Living History Program. Overnight: Lenexa, KS.

Day 4: Kansas State Museum
Mahaffie Farmstead, Kansas State Museum, Council Grove, Hays House. Overnight: Council Grove, KS.

Day 5: Pawnee Rock State Monument
Fort Larned National Historic Site, Pawnee Rock State Monument. Overnight: Garden City, KS.

Day 6: Bents Old Fort, Koshare Indian Museum
Cimarron Crossing, Bents Old Fort, Koshare Indian Museum. Overnight: LaJunta, CO.

Day 7: Fort Union National Monument
Baca House, Raton Pass, historic Cimarron, Wagon Mound, Fort Union National Monument. Overnight: Las Vegas, NM

Day 8: Pesco National Monument
Pesco National Monument, End of the Trail. Overnight: Santa Fe, NM

Day 9: Departure
Airport transfers to Albuquerque. 


Price Includes:
8 nights' lodging, deluxe motorcoach & driver, professional tour director, baggage handling, 5 evening meals, 1 luncheon, 2 breakfasts, all admission fees, park entrance fees, airport transfers.

Not Included:
Airfare is not included, but available.