2020 Old Spanish National Historic Trail Highlights

Old Spanish Trail Association (OSTA)

OUTREACH

Media —

The Old Spanish Trail Association (OSTA) filmed video footage documenting segments of the longest waterless stretch of the trail at Emigration Pass and Resting Springs in the Mojave Desert. This video footage will document the Old Spanish Trail at Emigration Pass with the intent that this can eventually connect to part of a greater OST interpretation plan and be used as a potential interpretive resource to promote an upcoming OSTA conference.

La Vereda del Norte Chapter, in a collaboration with the Colorado Rock Art Society, have begun video documenting significant parts of the trail that include Petroglyphs and Petrographs.

The Nevada Chapter & PBS produced a documentary highlighting Nevada’s Old Spanish Trail section. 

Programs — 

The Salida Del Sol chapter secured a grand from the NPF to engage Taos County students to explore their public lands, through the “America’s Best Idea” program;

 “La Vereda Vieja”, an exploration of the Old Spanish Trail will connect underserved youth from Taos and Penasco to the cultural & natural resources the trail has to offer. 

PROTECTION

Maps — The Tecopa Chapter are working with NPS & BLM in a project to convert waypoints from their GPS field excursions into GIS files consistent with the USGS maps and government data sheets.

Signs — Eight Old Spanish Trail highway signs have been installed in San Luis County, completing a much larger signage plan; 17 sign panels & interpretive signs at Fort Uncompahre to be completed by the North Branch Chapter. 

Culture — The Mojave River Chapter collaborated with the local Community College and Excelsior K-12 Charter School during the eighth Annual “Old Spanish Day” Festival with a historic art exhibit involving youth to participate in interpreting Old Spanish trail history with art projects.

Apps — The La Vereda del Norte Chapter collaborated with the Sangre De Cristo National Heritage area and the Los Caminos Antiguos National Scenic Byway with the completion of a “Tour Guide” app for smart phones on the Colorado Byway which included a section of the Old Spanish trail along the East Fork of the North Branch in the Western foot hills of the Luis Valley, Colorado. This will enable visitors to drive or walk the trail and learn about the history of the Old Spanish Trail.