Old Spanish Trail

The Old Spanish Trail is America's 15th National Historic Trail.

I have it placed as a part of Abiquiu, on our site, because Abiquiu was the far distant outpost on the edge of civilization, at the time when settlers, traders, trappers and outlaws blazed this trail to the Pacific Ocean. Only the Grand Canyon prevented a straight line, however, Indian attacks, rough terrain, varying landscape and temperatures killed many. By fact, the trail is very..very crooked! Technically, it ran from Santa Fe to Los Angeles.

The Genizaro's of Abiquiu were very talented guides along the trail and those who'd venture would make their way to Abiquiu, wait for a group to form..and hire a local mixed blooded Indian ..Genizaro.

Indeed, Indians opened the first trail, but by the 17th century, Spanish peoples of Los Angeles craved the sheep and woolen blankets of New Mexico..whereas the traders brought back, with them, the then famous California bred horses. It was a mule train trail until the mid 1800's and it took months to complete. The excellent Music Video below depicts the trip after that time, when wagons..and soon trains.. were being able to be employed, making it more productive..and easier. More Info: http://www.oldspanishtrail.org/