California National Historic Trail
California National Historic Trail traces the historic westward route used by 19th-century emigrants, from Missouri to California. Follow the path of the Oregon and California Trails, passing across deserts, plains and high mountain passes; visit remaining historic sites, trail segments and interpretive resources. Ideal for long-distance <b>hiking</b>, driving reconstructions or learning about westward migration.
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Geography
| Address | California National Historic Trail, CA, USACross-country route Historic Route |
|---|---|
| Continent | North America |
| Region | Western US |
| Subregion | Western United States |
| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| County | N/A |
| District | N/A |
| City | N/A |
| Neighborhood | N/A |
| Postal Code | N/A |
| Timezone | AmericaLos Angeles |
| Latitude | 39.5 |
| Longitude | -119.5 |
| Maps |
11:58 AM LOCAL TIMECalifornia National Historic Trail commemorates the historic routes used by Oregon Trail and California Trail pioneers crossing the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains to arrive on the Pacific slope. The route extends roughly 1,500 miles from St. Louis, through states like Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada and California, and from the mid-20th century has been marked by a combination of physical trail segments, roadside signs and interpretive parks. Travelers vary from long-distance <b>hikers</b> and bicycle touring parties to scenic drives tracing designated alignments—though route accuracy can vary and much of the trail is a matter of approximate corridor rather than continuous pathway. Highlights include historic crossing points such as Chimney Rock, Fort Laramie, South Pass, and approaches to the Sierra Nevada; visitor centers and state park segments provide contextual background and interpretative exhibits. When planning a visit, consider local sources and official state or agency resources for specific segment conditions, permitted activities and safety advice; the trail’s legacy is best appreciated through layered visits to multiple sites, rather than uniform route-following.
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