National Historic Trail

California

A white canvas wagon sits in front of a large rock buttress with mountains in the distance.
Wagon at Register Rock in City of Rocks National Reserve NPS Photo

Overview

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.

States: CA, CO, ID, KS, MO, NE, NV, OR, UT, WY

Hours

  • Sunday: All Day
  • Monday: All Day
  • Tuesday: All Day
  • Wednesday: All Day
  • Thursday: All Day
  • Friday: All Day
  • Saturday: All Day

Fees & Passes

    Map

    Things To Do

    Category

    6 Results
      A junior ranger badge on a picture of a sandy desert.

      Become a California Trail Junior Ranger

      Free

      Description

      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 submitted either electronically or by mail. Take a look and start exploring the trail today!

      More info
      Pet Friendly
      Bird with red head searches for food in tree

      Birdwatching on the California Trail

      $

      Description

      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 places where you can have a similar experience! The following places along the trail are noted for their birdwatching opportunities. Check them out!

      More info

      Fees

      Pet Friendly
      A person walks on a grassy hill.

      Go See Oregon Trail Ruts

      $

      Description

      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 at the the list below and plan your visit to the mid-1800s today!

      More info

      Fees

      Pet Friendly
      People walk up a through a sage brush covered ravine.

      Hike on the California Trail

      $

      Description

      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 are a variety of hiking opportunities across the full length of the trail. We've selected a few places in Idaho, Nebraska, and Wyoming for you to check out.

      More info

      Fees

      Fees being charged will vary by location. Please check with the individual site for more information.

      Pet Friendly
      A stone sign with the entrance to the visitor center.

      Check out Museums and Visitor Centers along the California Trail

      $

      Description

      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 location will enrich your experience, even with minimal facilities. Visit one of these locations to learn more about the history and culture of the Trail.

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      Fees

      Nominal fees may be charged at some locations. Please check with the individual site for more information.

      Person in red shirt horseback riding

      Horseback Riding on the California Trail

      Free

      Description

      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 to connect to this fascinating story of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s.

      More info
      Pet Friendly

    More Images

    A white canvas wagon sits in front of a large rock buttress with mountains in the distance.
    A white canvas wagon sits in front of a large rock buttress with mountains in the distance.
    A still creek winds through brown rolling hills.
    A still creek winds through brown rolling hills.
    A dirt road passes through sagebrush and a white post with a mountain in the background.
    A dirt road passes through sagebrush and a white post with a mountain in the background.
    A rock buttress with a notch in it surrounded by sagebrush flats.
    A rock buttress with a notch in it surrounded by sagebrush flats.
    Pine trees partly obscure a distant mountain lake with snow-capped mountains.
    Pine trees partly obscure a distant mountain lake with snow-capped mountains.