In some places, as in this section in Cedar Valley, the Old Spanish Trail is clearly visible. Inset: The late William R. Palmer of Cedar City organized the Spanish Trail Association to publicize the trail's route, indicated by these markers found on public buildings and in other prominent places. All photographs are courtesy of the author.
Utah's Spanish Trail BY C GREGORY C R A M P T O N
Old Spanish Trail, ran between Santa Fe and Los Angeles over a long 1,200-mile northward-looping great circle course traversing six states, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California. Traveled by traders, trappers, horse dealers, Indians, and slavers, the trail was in use from 1829 to 1848 when it was the main corridor (hostile Indians blocked a more direct route farther south) through the Southwest. It was the first and most extenI H E SPANISH TRAIL, OFTEN CALLED THE
Dr. Crampton is professor emeritus of history, University of Utah. This article was the foundation for the inaugural David E. Miller Lecture on Utah and the West delivered at the university on April 18, 1979. The lecture was sponsored jointly by the U t a h State Historical Society and the Department of History, University of Utah.
