*Due to logistical challenges, we will not be offering lunch on Saturday at the 40th Celebration. Participants will be responsible for making their own lunch arrangements that day. If you have paid for that, a refund was issued per your method of payment.
If you received an older registration form that included a Saturday lunch, please disregard that item and do not include the additional $20 lunch fee with your payment.
**Bus and train tour are closed for registration.
History Comes Alive in Trinidad: Celebrate 40 Years of the Santa Fe Trail Association
“Voices For the Trail: Interpreting the Legacy”
In 2026, the Santa Fe Trail Association invites you to do more than attend a conference—step into history and hear its voices.
From September 24–27, Trinidad, Colorado becomes the center of a once-in-a-generation celebration marking 40 years of preserving the Santa Fe Trail and returning to one of the places where the Santa Fe Trail Association truly began.
40th Flyer- Download for all the details!
This is not a typical symposium. It’s a chance to walk the same landscapes travelers once crossed, hear stories from nationally recognized historians, ride the rails over historic Raton Pass, share meals, music, and moments with a community that spans generations.
What Makes This Event Special?
Trinidad isn’t just a host city—it’s part of the story.
Here, the Mountain Route offered unique landscapes, cultures met, and history unfolded. The 2026 symposium embraces that legacy through immersive experiences designed for everyone—from curious youth to seasoned historians.
Experience the Trail Like Never Before
- Ride the Train Through History- Trinidad Tours Flyer
Journey over Raton Pass on the Amtrak Southwest Chief, where the railroad parallels the original trail route. - Explore the Landscape
Travel through Stonewall Gap and the Spanish Peaks region—places that shaped the trail experience and still inspire today. This will be a memorable afternoon along the Highway of Legends. - Learn from the Best- Symposium Flyer
Hear from acclaimed speakers, including bestselling authors, historians, artists, poets and musicians who bring the trail’s stories vividly to life. - Celebrate 40 Years of Legacy
Gather for a special 40th Anniversary dinner and awards ceremony honoring decades of preservation and passion. - Enjoy the Experience
From shared meals to live music and exhibits, every moment is designed to connect people to place, history, and each other.
For All Ages! For Every Interest!
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or lifelong trail enthusiast, this event offers something meaningful: education, adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Join Us in Trinidad!
Come celebrate where the Santa Fe Trail lives on—and where its future continues to be written.