Trail of the Forty-Niners

I-40 Exit 252 Westbound Rest Area, Santa Rosa, NM
Phone:

East < GO > West

This historic marker at I-40 west bound rest stop at exit 252 commemorates the Trail of the Forty-Niners, an alternative route from Arkansas to New Mexico for people heading for the gold fields in California. The trail was opened up in 1849 and parallels I-40 from this point to Albuquerque according to the marker.

There is a short section of old 66 heading west from this rest area just past the on ramp to the freeway. Driving access was blocked by a huge pile of gravel when we there in 2013.

Photo(s): Spring 2013