Kieffer Walks Across America - Via Virtual

Near Cimarron, 32 miles east of Garden City and 16 miles west of Dodge City, the main track of the Santa Fe Trail crossed the Arkansas River and headed southwest across the waterless plain of the Jornada del Muerto on what was known as the Cimarron Cut-off. (Notice the ruts that still exist after 150 years) This desolate region is also where, in 1831 in the earliest days of the trail, legendary mountain man Jedediah Strong Smith was killed by a band of Comanche warriors. The route cut off 10 days travel time to Santa Fe vs following the northern side of the Arkansas River. Note: Now walking every other day, mostly, and doing resistance training on the off walking days. Need overall extra strength as I move west and march into old age. (older age) Looking forward to completing this journey and arriving in decent shape.


Santa Fe Trail (ruts)