California National Historic Trail

Things To Do Near California National Historic Trail

The California National Historic Trail offers hiking trails that will take you back in history. Retrace the steps of thousands of settlers, miners, and farmers who walked this famous trail on their journeys to California. Along the trail, you will find several visitor centers and fascinating museums with interesting historic exhibits and more information about the trail's history. You can also enjoy the beautiful landscapes and views on horseback. This historic ride will help you better connect with the story of the emigrants who rode along the trail on horseback in the 19th century. Alternatively, you can go biking, auto touring along the historic trail, or camping in an RV since the trail is wide enough for large vehicles, making it ideal for RV users.

Hiking Trails

• The Applegate Trail

  The Applegate trail stretches from Nevada at the Rye Patch Reservoir, winding up at Goose Lake that is located in northern California. This trail was used by settlers who traveled almost 500 miles through the wilderness back in 1846. From Fort Hall, this immigrant trail heads south, passing through the Black Rock Desert before entering northern California. The trail extends further to southern Oregon. With time, the trail was improved as more people have used the route.

  Location

  Fairport, CA 97635

  Length

  00 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Yreka Trail

  From 1852, several immigrants used the Yreka trail to get to northern California. This scenic trail goes through Butte Creek. The Yreka trail contributed to the increase in several economic activities like gold mining, farming, and ranching in southern Oregon and northern California as immigrants used the trail for around 10 years. The trail starts at a parking lot located at the northwestern side of state route 97.

  Location

  Sheep Rock, State Route 97, CA 96097

  Length

  38 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Ash Hollow Complex

  Ash Hollow Complex is a famous campsite that was a popular stop for immigrants trekking the arduous journey west. The popular spot features a spring, which is a welcome sight for tired travelers in need of some drinking water. This little piece of paradise features fragrant flowers, tree shades, and grapevines. Right next to this popular rest zone is the grave of Rachel Pattison, which is a popular landmark on the popular California Trail. Pattison died in 1849 as she and her husband made their way to California using the Oregon to California Trail.

  Location

  4055 US-26, Lewellen, NE 69147

• Chimney Rock

  Chimney Rock is a towering formation that resulted from the accumulation of volcanic ash. The massive geological formation sits right next to the Platte River Valley and was a major landmark among travelers who used the Oregon to California Trail. In addition, most travelers used this massive formation as a guide on their westbound trips. This historic landmark still fascinates travelers and has been a national historic site since 1956.

  Location

  9822 County Rd 75, Bayard, NE 69334

• Independence Rock

  Independence Rock is a massive chunk of granite that dates back a billion years and sits right in the calm Sweetwater River. It was an important landmark for immigrants who walked the California Trail. This massive rock helped the travelers keep time to avoid falling victim to bad weather. The westbound immigrants had to be at the rock by Independence Day to make it to their destination safely, a requirement that earned the huge rock its name. Take a closer look at the rock, and you will notice the writing carved on its surface.

  Location

  Wyoming-220, Alcova, WY 82620

Museums

• National Frontier Trails Museum

  Located in Independence, the National Frontier Trails Museum houses various exhibits of the traders and the early fur trappers. In addition, you will find plenty of information about the Oregon, the California, and the Santa Fe Trails, including the role they played in shaping the country's history. Learn about the fascinating artifacts from these ancient migrating groups, gawk at the fascinating covered wagons used by the immigrants, check out the letters and journals, take part in the interactive exhibit, or watch a film.

  Location

  318 W. Pacific Ave., Independence MO 64050

• Pony Express Museum

  The Pony Express Museum, housed in the ancient Pike's Peak Stables, documents the interesting history behind the Pony Express, a mail service established in 1860 and terminated in 1861. Although short-lived, it played an important part in America's history. Get to learn about how the pioneers ran this operation, the riders who braved the rough terrain and harsh weather conditions to deliver mail, and the various stations central to the operation.

  Location

  914 Penn Street, St. Joseph, Missouri 64503

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Explore Variety Store

  Get all your shopping done under one roof at the Explore Variety Store, a small shopping mall offering plenty of unique items. The store has a variety of must-haves, including ever-changing merchandise sourced from various shops that are emptying their shelves. You will find everything from baby clothes, toys, and candles to home décor and pet items.

  Location

  800 W. Buchanan St., California, MO 65018

• The Ruffled Hem

  Shop for trendy clothes from The Ruffled Hem. You will find a wide variety of fantastic women's clothes, so be sure to grab some for yourself or for the women in your life.

  Location

  326 S Oak St, California, MO 65018

• Jalisco Mexican Restaurant

  Jalisco serves up authentic Mexican delicacies ranging from delicious enchiladas to crispy and spicy chicken dishes. Be sure to dig into a hearty plate of beef chimichanga or try a Mexican Pizza.

  Location

  411 W Buchanan St, California, MO 65018

• Burgers Smokehouse

  A family-owned restaurant tucked away in a quiet location in California's heart, Burgers Smokehouse is the go-to place for all things meat. Try the sandwiches, ham, bacon, smoked meats, sausages, steaks, burgers, ribs, and a host of other delicious dishes.

  Location

  32819 Highway 87, California, MO 65018

How To Get To California National Historic Trail

If you are leaving Los Angeles for California National Historic Trail, drive along State Route 299, heading west to US Route 395 at Alturas. Head south onto Route 395, and then turn west toward State Route 36. Follow State Route 32 to the south, and then join State Route 99, which is to the North, and you will find the trail's end a few miles down the road.

Address

National Trails Office Regions 6|7|8, California National Historic Trail, 1100 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87505

Fee: Entry fee $0

There is no better way to understand the history behind the famous California National Historic Trail than by visiting this interesting and picturesque trail to gawk at the outstanding landmarks and attractions that are part of America's rich history and culture. You can make your trip more memorable by camping at one of the designated campsites in a cozy RV.