The "Old Spanish Trail" was once a trade-route which connected Santa Fe, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California. The trail's heyday was the period between 1836 and 1848, when the trail served as a "highway" for pack trains and freight wagons, as well as for soldiers during the Mexican-American War. By the early 1850's, use of the trail ended almost completely. During winter, snow made the trail nearly impassable. In the summer, travelers had to contend with deadly heat. The development of alternate routes, which passed through more temperate climes, was a major factor in the demise of the Old Spanish Trail.
Today, remains of the trail exist only in segments, some of which are now paved highways. The segment of the trail shown in the photograph, is located near Fort Irwin, in California's Mojave Desert. Note the wagon ruts that are still visible!
Parking my Jeep, I'd hiked to the top of the hill; behind me was the boundary of the Fort Irwin.
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| Photo by Scott Schwartz. |
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