• Chimney Rock was an important emigrant landmark in western Nebraska

    California

    National Historic Trail CA,CO,ID,KS,MO,NE,NV,OR,UT,WY

Brochures

California National Historic Trail Map and Brochure

Please e-mail us to request a copy of the official trail brochure.

California Trail Topographical Map (pdf file)

Because the 2,000-mile trail covers multiple states, this map measures approximately 50" x 10". Download map

Auto Tour Route Interpretive Guides (pdf files)

These are state by state interpretive guides that provide an overview of local trail history and driving directions to suggested sites and points of interest that have interpretive media and/or educational services.

Auto Tour Route Interpretive Guides can also be found at many travel and tourism centers along the historic trail route.

The Auto Tour Route Interpretive Guide series are a work in progress. Below are the interpretive guides currently available. As new guides are developed, they will be posted here.

Did You Know?

Gates of the Bear River, WY. Photo courtesy of The Wagner Perspective.

Rivers played an important role in establishing the 1840s - 1860s Emigrant Road to Oregon and California. In general, the route left the Missouri River to follow the Platte, then the Sweetwater to the Bear, the Snake and then either North to the Columbia or South to the Humboldt. More...