Final answer:
Black and white cowboys were not formally segregated on the cattle trails, but racial tensions and discrimination were present. Despite these challenges, cowboys of different races often worked together on cattle drives.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the era of cattle trails from 1865 to 1885, black and white cowboys were not formally segregated. However, racial tensions and discrimination were prevalent during this time period. Many cowboys were Hispanic or African American, and they faced racial discrimination from some white cowboys and ranchers. Despite these challenges, cowboys of different races often worked alongside each other on cattle drives and shared a common profession and way of life.