California National Historic Trail

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California National Historic Trail

The California Trail carried over 250,000 gold-seekers and farmers to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840's and 1850's, the greatest mass migration in American history. Today, more than 1,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen in the vast undeveloped lands between Casper Wyoming and the West Coast, reminders of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American travelers and settlers. More than 240 historic sites along the trail will eventually be available for public use and interpretation. The California Trail system (more than 5,500 miles) was developed over a period of years, and numerous cutoffs and alternate routes were tried to see which was the "best" in terms of terrain, length and sufficient water and grass for livestock. The general route began at various jumping off points along the Missouri River and stretched to various points in California, Oregon, and the Sierra Nevada. The specific route that emigrants and forty-niners used depended on their starting point in Missouri, their final destination in California, the condition of their wagons and livestock, and yearly changes in water and forage along the different routes. The trail passes through the states of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, and California.

IN DEPTH

Park Regulations & Safety Passes & Permits While the California National Historic Trail is not a fee area of the National Park Service, some sections of the trail will fall within lands administered by...read more

Things To Do Things To Do Camping The National Park Service does not offer any camping facilities along the trail. Inquire with local land managers (see Links and Resources page for contact information). Short Hikes...read more

Sights to See Chimney Rock Chimney Rock - Bayard, Nebraska Crawling slowly up the North Platte River, emigrants peered eagerly ahead for their first view of Chimney Rock, the most famous of all the...read more

Who's Who at the Park Our Partners Partner Organizations: Oregon-California Trails Association PO Box 1019 Independence, MO 64051-0519 Tel: 816-252-2276 ...read more

History The California Gold Rush "I reached my hand down and picked it up; it made my heart thump, for I was certain it was gold." - James Marshall, 1848 At a...read more

Preservation Management Documents Challenge Cost Share Program and Forms The purpose of the Challenge Cost Share Program (CCSP) is intended to increase participation by qualified partners in the preservation and improvement of...read more

Frequently Asked Questions Where can I obtain a map and brochure for the California National Historic Trail? Trail brochures may be obtained from a number of locations, including the National Trails...read more

Planning Your Visit Plan Your Visit National Historic Trails recognize diverse facets of history such as prominent past routes of exploration, migration, trade, communication and military action. The historic trails generally consist of...read more