The Old Spanish Trail developed from indigenous footpaths and early trade and exploration routes through a rugged environment where travel was risky but offered rich rewards through the exchange of valuable goods. For 20 years, Mexican and American traders traveled different routes linking Sante Fe, New Mexico, to Los Angeles, California, which were part of Northern Mexico at the time. The first Old Spanish mule caravan in 1829 took the southern Armijo Route, but later parties chose the Northern Route for its easier passages and more abundant grass and water resources, while travelers from Taos, New Mexico, used the North Branch.