Sandy introduces our newest trekking journey – the 800-mile California Missions Trail!
Growing up in California, I have vivid memories of studying the state’s history as a fourth grader. I remember being fascinated with the network of 21 missions that were established in Spain’s “Alta California” region. As a project, I even had to build a mission out of sugar cubes.
Construction of the mission network, beginning with San Diego in the south and ending in Sonoma in the north, took place between 1769 and 1823. They were built in response to Russian trappers and British and French explorers who threatened Spain’s claim to the land. The missions were situated about a day’s horseback ride, or 30 miles, apart.
The mission period was an important part of California’s history, with some of the sites developing over time into the major cities of San Diego, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco. With the first missions predating the American Revolution, the surviving buildings are among the state’s oldest structures.
Location of the 21 missions founded in California (by Shruti Mukhtyar, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
Fast forward to the beginning of the 2000s, when a group of Camino de Santiago hikers decided to explore the possibility of linking all the California missions together by foot. The California Missions Trail or “California Camino” was first officially walked in 2011. The 800-mile trail stretches from the San Diego de Alcala Mission (the first built) to the San Francisco Solano Mission in Sonoma (the final constructed).
I first heard of the trail during the pandemic. As it reminded us of our 2018 Camino Portugues trekking experience, we put it on our list of hikes to consider in the future.
This year, two things happened to bring this trek to the top of our list for 2023. The first was the publication of a new guide and simultaneous update of the original book created after the initial 2011 hike, providing up-to-date information on routes and accommodations.
The second development was a shift in our priorities for the year. We had planned a 700-mile wilderness backpacking trip from the end of April to mid-June timeframe. But due to the extreme snow and rain that fell in the U.S. West this winter, we had to reconsider our plans, leaving that trek for another time.
Our hike on the California Missions Trail will begin in San Diego. The path passes along the coastal cities of Oceanside, San Clemente, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Monterey, and Santa Cruz. The trail also traverses through the urban areas surrounding Los Angeles and San Francisco. Over ninety percent of the route is along roads, but it overlaps in places with the historic Juan Bautista de Anza National Trail and the California Coastal Trail. Near the end of the hike, we will cross the Golden Gate Bridge before reaching Sonoma.
Mission San Antonio de Padua near Jolon, California
During our 57 stages of trekking, we hope to learn about the cultural significance of the missions through the perspectives of both the Franciscan priest missionaries and the Native peoples, who provided much of the labor and, at times, dealt with forced resettlements and injustices. Our time outside the urban areas will follow quiet rural roads, bike paths, trails, and coastal footpaths. We hope to highlight the diverse beauty of California’s coastline and mountain ranges as we hike.
Map of our route and the California missions
We plan to provide frequent updates on social media, so follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as we begin our trek.
You certainly are explorers and historians, as well as determined trekkers.
Blessings, safety and good health on your treks.
Abe & Betty
Thanks, Abe and Betty! Always great to hear from you!