Following the Santa Fe Trail in New Mexico - Last-Minute Vacation '91

Sunset, June, 1991

Following the Santa Fe Trail in New Mexico If Santa Fe's too crowded this summer, make the journey up the Santa Fe Trail to Las Vegas and Cimarron. (For more on the Santa Fe Trail, see the May 1988 Sunset). Through these high plains and forests came merchants hauling wagons with everyting from bathtubs to canned peaches at 15-mile-a-day speeds. They stayed in these towns along the trail and you can, too.

Las Vegas, 65 miles northeast of Santa Fe, boasts a third (900) of New Mexico's National Register buildings, including the 1882 Plaza Hotel--(505) 425-3591--and antiques-filled Carriage House B & b (454-1784). For brochures on the Santa Fe Trail, historic walking tours, and other area attractions, call 425-8631.

Another 90 miles east lies tiny Cimarron. Don't miss the 1872 St. James Hotel (13 rooms; 376-2664). Four miles south, see deer, buffalo, and more on the 127,395-acre Philmont Boy Scout Ranch. June 13 through August 25, join free daily tours of its 1927 mansion. Or nearby at Kit Carson's old cabin, look in on historic reenactments. For more, call 376-2417.

If you fly to Albuquerque, a 400-mile loop drive takes in Taos, Cimarron, the adobe ruins at Fort Union, and Las Vegas. Another option: take Amtrak to Lamy (call 982-8829 for a Santa Fe shuttle) or Las Vegas (425-8631 for local car rentals).