by Susie Morgan
On Saturday, October 22, 2016 a confluence of government entities came together for the good of Santa Fe County,
the country, and history.
Santa Fe National Forest and BLM teamed up with Santa Fe County to pool resources and brains
to prepare for the retracement of the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail.
Amazingly, three Historic Trails run through Santa Fe. First traveled by Spanish Conquistadors in
1598, the route ran from Mexico City to San Juan Pueblo (Okay Owingeh). The caravan traveled
as fast as a pig could trot.
Spearheaded by team leader and County Planner, Colleen Baker, who organized a think tank
meeting last fall. Tim Rogers, Trails Program Manager for Santa Fe Conservation Trust, made
the suggestion to evaluate the old rail bed of The Chili Line Rail Road as a pre-existing and
natural trail bed running along the same path. Tim spearheads an effort working to achieve the
daunting task of linking all existing trails together in Santa Fe.
The narrow gauge spur Chili Line (nick-named for the many ristras that hung on homes along
the route) ran from downtown Santa Fe to Antonito, Colorado in the early 1900s and ran along
the same route as the old El Camino Real headed to the San Juan Pueblo along the banks of the
Rio Grande. The Chili Rail Road line was the only train that brought passengers to the State
Capitol until its demise September 1, 1941. A street sign near the Farmers Market in The
Railyard still says “Chili Rail Road”.
Saturday, the National Parks Service Centennial was celebrated by all involved in the El Camino
Real retracement. The day’s activities included an Informational Hike, bike rides to the
ceremony from town, and horseback rides from the ceremony location in 3 different directions;
up Dead Dog Trail, down Diablo Canyon, and a history loop through the valley. Horsemen were
well-represented.
Presentations from government officials including County Manager, Kathleen Miller and City
Commissioner Ed Maestas addressed the crowd along with representatives from BLM and
SFNF. Other dignitaries present included County Commissioners-Elect Anna Hansen and Ed
Moreno.
The October afternoon, which was a warm and sparkling Santa Fe day, ended with celebratory
cake and fresh fruit hosted by the County. This is a remarkable accomplishment to bring
together the County, BLM and Santa Fe National Forest to retrace this historic trail. Kudos to all
that were involved and especially Colleen Baker, County Planner for spearheading this project.
Grand Opening expected next year.