Ready to take our harrowing journey from New Mexico to Los Angeles on a network of crude mule and footpaths webbing what is now South West Colorado, North West New Mexico, Southern Utah and Northern Arizona? By the way, it’s dangerous, sprawling unmapped and 2,700 miles long. Welcome to the Old Spanish Trail.
Called "the longest, crookedest, most arduous pack mule train in the history of America," the Old Spanish Trail is both one of the nation’s least known trails and one of the most important pack mule trading trails in this region.
A featured exhibit of the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, "The Old Spanish Trail: Connecting a Network of Paths" traces this trail’s fascinating history through illustrated wall panels, textiles, and many artifacts. The Old Spanish Trail was established in 1829 by Mexican trader Antonio Armijo to create a direct trade route between New Mexico and Los Angeles to move his goods. A caravan of 60 men and 100 mules blazed the trail across Nevada.
The Old Spanish Trail: Connecting a Network of Paths
Through May 15
The Museum is open Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
FREE for Museum members. Non-members pay at Springs Preserve box office.
Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas
309 S. Valley View Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89107
