Old Spanish Trail

More than 150 years ago, the Old Spanish Trail was the main commerce route between Sante Fe, New Mexico, and Los Angeles. It passed through the Las Vegas valley to take advantage of the natural springs but today there is very little left of the original route. In August 2001 three segments of the trail that ran through southern Nevada were placed on the National Register of Historic Places, marking the trail's historical significance. The northern section that is covered here and not recognized yet, is an excellent way to have an overlanding experience on a truly historic route. The trail travels from north Las Vegas all the way to the Valley of Fire Highway, accessing some remote and primitive camping along the way.