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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.
6 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Learn about the California Trail and earn your junior ranger badge! This activity can be completed virtually or after visiting a site along the California National Historic Trail. Worksheets can be…
Learn more about Become a California Trail Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Reservation required Fee applies
Emigrants on the California Trail were introduced to many new plants and animals as they made their journey west. With over 2,000 miles of trail, through countless habitats, there are a number of…
Learn more about Birdwatching on the California Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Fee applies
There are a variety of museums and visitor centers along the California Trail. In some places, you may find more interpretive exhibits, information, and programs. In other places, being in the…
Learn more about Check out Museums and Visitor Centers along the California Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Reservation required Fee applies
One of the best ways to experience the Oregon Trail is by taking a step back in time while visiting a trail rut. Luckily, there are still places where you can have that experience today. Take a look…
Learn more about Go See Oregon Trail Ruts on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Fee applies
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. There…
Learn more about Hike on the California Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Take a ride back in time on the California Trail! The variety of opportunities ranges from historic landscapes to modern views, and from short to longer trail rides. Riding the Trail is a great way…
Learn more about Horseback Riding on the California Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 6 of 6
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Find visitor centers and other services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Visitor 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 the…
Open 24 hours, daily · California National Historic Trail
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.
No entrance fees listed.
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Due to the length of the California National Historic Trail, be sure to consult local weather sources for the region you'll be visiting. Check out the forecast with the National Weather Service and search for the area you'd like to visit: weather.gov
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.
Mailing address: National Trails Office Regions 6, 7, & 8, Santa Fe, NM 87505
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