El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, Historic trade route in Santa Fe County, United States

El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro was a 2,560-kilometre road running from the Plaza Santo Domingo in Mexico City to its northern terminus at San Juan Pueblo (Ohkay Owingeh), New Mexico, in use from 1598 to 1882. Along the Mexican section, 55 sites and five existing World Heritage Sites were added to the World Heritage List in 2010, among them bridges such as the weathered stone structure with two rounded arches over a central pier near San Acacia, listed on the National Register in 2014.

Spanish colonizers established this trade route in the 16th century to connect Mexico City with northern settlements for commerce and missionary work. The route evolved over generations into a vital transportation corridor that shaped economic and cultural development across northern territories.

The route reflects blended Spanish, Mexican, and Native American influences visible in the architecture, crafts, and daily practices of communities along the way. Local residents continue traditional skills and ways of life that have persisted through centuries.

The route runs 2,560 km from the Plaza Santo Domingo in Mexico City to Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico; the U.S. stretch of 650 km is a National Historic Trail. Caravans once took six months, resting two to three weeks en route, and the Jornada del Muerto beyond El Paso meant nearly 100 km without water. Plan by section, since conditions differ greatly between the Mexican and U.S. portions.

In April 1598, scouts led by Juan de Oñate lost their way south of Paso del Norte; a captive named Mompil drew the only safe crossing in the sand, and that sketch became part of the route. The trail's northern end is Ohkay Owingeh, not Santa Fe.