Directions

A directional highway sign with the official California National Historic Trail logo helps visitors find New Fork River Crossing Historic Park in Wyoming.

Traveling the California National Historic Trail

Those 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 managers, gold-seekers and fortune hunters who chose to make a new life on the California frontier. The route passes through ten states from Missouri to California.

 

 

NPS photo

Signs

A family of road signs has been initiated across California Trail to help you find original routes, trail crossings, and local sites. Follow the signs exhibiting the distinctive California National Historic Trail logo.

 

Maps and Places to Go

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  Maps, maps and more maps!

  Where is this National Historic Trail?

  Take a look at interactive, historic, and trip planning maps to learn more about locations along the trail.

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  Find Trail Sites to Visit

  Places to Go

  Where can you visit the trail? Use the interactive map to find places to visit.