About California National Historic Trail
Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s: the greatest mass migration in American history. The California National Historic Trail is over 5,000 miles long and covers portions of 10 states. Step into history along more than 1,000 miles of ruts and traces from travelers and their overland wagons.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
The California National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead it is a corridor that passes through communities, urban areas, public lands, and Wilderness. The route travels across a variety of land ownerships and management, including private land. Each location varies as to the hours of operation and access. Please contact individual trail sites before your visit for more information.
Activities
Getting There
Those portions of the California National Historic Trail authorized by Congress include nearly 2,000 miles of historic trail that was once the primary "road" taken by farmers, enterprising business managers, gold-seekers, and fortune hunters who chose to make a new life on the California frontier. The route passes through ten states from Missouri to California.
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Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Become a California Trail Junior Ranger
Learn about the California Trail and earn your junior ranger badge! This activity can be completed virtually or after visiting…
Junior Ranger activity can be completed virtually at home, or after visiting a site along the California Trail. Worksheets can be…
Birdwatching on the California Trail
Emigrants on the California Trail were introduced to many new plants and animals as they made their journey west. With…
Go See Oregon Trail Ruts
One of the best ways to experience the Oregon Trail is by taking a step back in time while visiting…
Plan a roadtrip to see Oregon Trail wagon ruts along the Oregon Trail. Trail sites are listed by state, so…
Hike on the California Trail
Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during…
Check out Museums and Visitor Centers along the California Trail
There are a variety of museums and visitor centers along the California Trail. In some places, you may find more…
Horseback Riding on the California Trail
Take a ride back in time on the California Trail! The variety of opportunities ranges from historic landscapes to modern…
Visitor Centers
The California Trail Interpretive Center
Between 1841 and 1869, up to 250,000 people sold their belongings, packed wagons, and set out for California. The California Trail Interpretive Center ,operated by…
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