In 1822 William Becknell, known as the "Father of the Santa Fe Trail," first traveled what would become the trail's "dry route''—the cutoff route heading straight south to the Cimarron River. Although it was the most direct passage to Santa Fe, it was a dangerous section of the trail—hostile Indians and no water. In 1878 Cimarron was settled and named for the nearby river. Historical markers for the trail and a map are in the park along a half-mile paved walking path.