 El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro— the Royal Road of the Interior Lands— is one of the longest, oldest, and most historic trails in the Americas. It was built along Native American footpaths, became a primary transportation corridor for the Spanish colonies, linked the American territory with the new nation of Mexico, and continues to be a thriving international highway of commerce, culture, and people. El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail runs more than 400 miles through New Mexico and Texas. From the border at Ciudad Juarez it extends another 1100 miles through Mexico. During the Spanish colonial period it connected Mexico City with the northern frontier capital of Santa Fe and the many mining communities, haciendas, fortresses, and pueblos of New Spain. Native Americans, Spanish conquistadors, soldiers, missionaries, merchants, and settlers have traveled its great length.
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The Trail 
Top Photograph: 1867 Map of New Mexico showing Jornada del Muerto
