El Camino Real National Scenic Byway

El Camino Real National Scenic Byway

Parks Directory of the United States / National Scenic Byways

Address: c/o El Camino Real International Heritage Center
PO Box 175
Socorro, NM 87801
Phone: 505-854-3600;
Web: www.byways.org/browse/byways/2065/ Description: Beginning in the 16th century and spanning more than 300 years of active use, El Camino Real ("The Royal Highway") served as a major artery for travel and commerce from Mexico City through the provinces of New Spain to the Rio Grande Valley in the Santa Fe area, some 1500 miles to the north. Portions of the road follow the Rio Grande Pueblo Indian Trail, which was in use before the first Spanish settlers. Byway passes alongside a number of national historical sites, indian pueblos, historical towns, state parks, and wildlife refuges. Ranging from the low-lying flatlands of the south to the 10,000-foot peaks of the northern mountains, the byway also provides a gateway for a variety of recreational opportunities.
Legth: 299 miles. Start/Endpoint: Follows the Rio Grande River from the US-Mexico border to San Juan Pueblo, just north of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Time to Allow: 9 hours. Designation/Year: National Scenic Byway (2005).

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See other parks in New Mexico.