Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
Missouri · Arkansas · Oklahoma · Texas · New Mexico · Arizona · California
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.
About Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail
Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail is a national historic trail located in Missouri and Arkansas and Oklahoma and Texas and New Mexico and Arizona and California. 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
Those portions of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail authorized by Congress include nearly 3,300 miles of historic trail.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Butterfield Overland is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Butterfield Overland
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Butterfield Overland
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Butterfield Overland before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Verify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Butterfield Overland can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
- →Altitude & Hydration: The thin air and dry heat in this region will dehydrate you quickly. Pack at least 3 to 4 liters of water per person per day and pack electrolyte replacements.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Butterfield Overland. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Butterfield Overland
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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