El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail

Learn about El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail and earn your junior ranger badge! This activity can be completed virtually or after visiting a site along El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. Booklets can be submitted either electronically or by mail. Take a look and start exploring the trail today!

There are a number of museums and visitor centers will differ along the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. In some places, you may find more interpretive exhibits, information, and programs. In other places, being in the location will enrich your experience, even with minimal facilities. Visit one of these locations to learn more about the history and culture of the Trail.

Travel along El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail to experience and learn from a complicated legacy of 300 years of conflict, cooperation, and cultural exchange between a variety of empires—European and non-European alike. There are a variety of hiking opportunities across the full length of the trail. We've selected a few places in New Mexico for you to check out.

Experiences visiting historic sites and districts really differ along the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. In some places, you may find a modern-day city. In other places, the historic nature of the city is still intact. In either circumstance, you can walk in historic footsteps.

A visit to the missions along the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro will enrich your Trail experience. The mission system is a window into the history of the Trail as it strengthened Spain's ability to hold and settle the new lands in the Americas. Deepen your understanding of Trail history and plan a visit to one of these missions.