Companion Trail to the Santa Fe Trail - Hiking trail near Elkhart, Kansas, United States - Description

This trail parallels the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, which served as a primary trade route between Franklin, MO and Santa Fe, NM during the mid-1800’s. The companion trail closely follows the existing remnants of the Santa Fe Trail, and consists of a grassy trace across the prairie. Sagebrush and cacti have been removed to make the trail sufficiently evident to the hiker without noticeably altering the prairie vistas.

Travel north of Elkhart on Highway 27, cross the Cimarron River bridge and take the first gravel road east (FS 600, a right turn if you are heading north). Continue 7 miles east to Wilburton Crossing, go another 3 miles east, then north 2 miles to the Conestoga Trailhead. A gravel parking lot accommodates passenger vehicles and vehicles with stock trailers. The following facilities are available: unloading, watering, and stock tying facilities, handicapped mounting/dismounting facilities, and restrooms. Identical facilities are available at the Murphy Trailhead, 19 miles southwest.

Trailheads

The eastern terminus of the Companion Trail is the Conestoga Trailhead located 3 miles east of the Wilburton Crossing on FS 600 (FS 600 parallels the Cimarron River to the north side), then 2 miles north

Western terminus is the Murphy trailhead, about 7 miles west of highway 27 on FS 600. To reach the Murphy trailhead, take FS 600 west where it crosses highway 27. Follow for approximately 7 miles the trailhead is on the north side of FS 600.