Domínguez Escalante Trail

Historical marker location:

US 84 , Española vicinity, New Mexico

( north of Española)

On July 25, 1776, two Franciscans, Fray Francisco Atanasio Domínguez and Fray Silvestre Velez de Escalante set out on horseback on an expedition from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Monterrey, California. The purpose of the expedition was two-fold; to open communications between the two missions (Santa Fe and Monterrey) and to convert the Indians (Utes and Havasupais) between pueblo land and the Pacific Coast. The party did not reach Monterey, however, but only got as far as the Utah Basin. Due to the onset of winter weather, lack of provisions and frequent desertion of Indian guides, their goal was reconsidered, causing much dissension. Lots were cast to continue on or to return to Santa Fe. Thus it was decided to turn back to Santa Fe.