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. Sta
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead, it is a corridor that passes through communities, urban areas, public lands, and Wilderness. The route travels across a vari
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact N/A · ntir_information@nps.gov
Those portions of the Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail authorized by Congress include nearly 3,300 miles of historic trail.
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Depends What are the hours?
The Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead, it is a corridor that passes through communities, urban areas, public lands, and Wilderness. The route travels across a vari
Nearby sites
Picacho Peak Recreation Area
ConfirmedThis site is free — no fee is charged, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Tortugas Mountain Recreation Area
CheckThis Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.