Two things to note before reading, and subsequently relying upon, Marc Simmons' Following the Santa Fe Trail: A Guide for Modern Travelers: (1) The book is pushing 30 years old now and I'm not aware of any revisions since the 1986 edition, and (2) this shouldn't be a hindrance since the Santa Fe Trail hasn't moved for over a hundred years and, for the most part, the modern landmarks Simmons references are still recognizable.

I live in the Kansas City area, a prominent jumping off point for U.S. westward expansion during the 19th century, and from my own in-town experience I'm sure a competent map reader would have little trouble following the Santa Fe Trail via Simmons' 1980s instructions. There's also the occasional historical marker pointing the way. With the rural towns, I'm less familiar. Still, a modern guide for the 21st century adventurer would be even better. I'm envisioning a wiki-type phone app with user photos that interfaces with Google Maps. I think I even remember seeing a website for a geocaching tour.

I guess a dusty old wagon trail, nearly wiped clean from the earth, just isn't that popular with the kiddos these days. Here's hoping that interest in the Santa Fe Trail undergoes a renaissance as its 200th anniversary arrives in 2021. ( )