Wagon at Register Rock in City of Rocks National Reserve
California National Historic Trail
National Historic Trail · CA, CO, ID, KS, MO, NE, NV, OR, UT, WY
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.
Park report
Current Alerts
How this is rated
Good: no active alerts or closuresNo active alerts
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Visitor Centers
Good1 visitor center
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available9 activities
Park Name
InfoCalifornia National Historic Trail
Designation
InfoNational Historic Trail
State(s)
InfoCA, CO, ID, KS, MO, NE, NV, OR, UT, WY
Phone
InfoN/A
ntir_information@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoThe 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.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Visitor Center: The California Trail Interpretive Center
InfoSee park for hours
Activity: Auto and ATV
InfoAvailable
Activity: Scenic Driving
InfoAvailable
Activity: Guided Tours
InfoAvailable
Activity: Self-Guided Tours - Auto
InfoAvailable
Activity: Hiking
InfoAvailable
Activity: Horse Trekking
InfoAvailable
Activity: Horseback Riding
InfoAvailable
Activity: Junior Ranger Program
InfoAvailable
Activity: Museum Exhibits
InfoAvailable
Theme: African American Heritage
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Archeology
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Arts
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Photography
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Poetry and Literature
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Colonization and Settlement
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Explorers and Expeditions
InfoFeatured at this park
Weather Info
InfoDue 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 se
Getting There
InfoThose 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 ma
GPS Coordinates
Info42.4000° N, -108.7024° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website