California National Historic Trail

National Park Service, Wyoming.

Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s: the greatest mass migration in American history. The California National Historic Trail is over 5,000 miles long and covers portions of 10 states. Step into history along more than 1,000 miles of ruts and traces from travelers and their overland wagons.

Nearby Activities

  • Auto Touring
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding

Directions

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.

Additional Information

  • California National Historic Trail Map
  • California National Historic Trail Official Website

Photo Gallery

  • View of West Pass on Carson RouteView of West Pass on the Carson Route of the California NHT.
  • Wagon at Register Rock in City of Rocks National Reserve
  • A visitor reads a wayside exhibit at New Fork River Crossing Historical Park in Wyoming
  • A creek in Carlin Canyon, Nevada on the California Trail
  • Trail ruts on through Humboldt Wells in Nevada
  • Devil's Gate, WyomingDevil's Gate was an important emigrant landmark in Wyoming.

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