Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
In 1857, businessman and transportation entrepreneur John Butterfield was awarded a contract to establish an overland mail route between the eastern United States and growing populations in the Far West.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
About Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
In 1857, businessman and transportation entrepreneur John Butterfield was awarded a contract to establish an overland mail route between the eastern United States and growing populations in the Far West. What became known as the Butterfield Overland Trail made an arcing sweep across the southern rim of the country. Stagecoaches left twice a week carrying passengers, freight, and mail.
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Driving times from Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Getting there
Due to the length of the trail, be sure to consult local weather sources for the region you'll be visiting. Check out the forecast with the National Weather Service and search for the area you'd like to visit: weather.gov
Frequently asked questions
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Chamizal National Memorial (47 min), El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail (2 h 20 min), White Sands National Park (2 h 31 min), Fort Bowie National Historic Site (2 h 58 min), Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument (3 h), Chiricahua National Monument (3 h 38 min).