As a preface to a consideration of stagecoaching in the mid-1800s Southwest and West, Ancient Footsteps examines what the Tribal Representatives, Anthropologists, and Archaeologists of today understand about the origins of ancient trails over which many later transportation and communication developed. Considering their ancient appearance, stability through time, adaptability, and later, European appropriation, it sets the stage for commercial and technological change to follow.

Using an approach tailored to preservation of these ancient artifacts of mankind, discussion focuses on trail characteristics in prehistoric, historic, and modern times with a final focus on the possible future of these irreplaceable linear artifacts.