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National Historic Trail · 10 states

California National Historic Trail

National Historic Trail in 10 states. No entrance fee. 1 hikes listed.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Historic Trail
StateCalifornia, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkGrand Teton (140 mi)
Closest airportRIW (48 mi)
A white canvas wagon sits in front of a large rock buttress with mountains in the distance.
Wagon at Register Rock in City of Rocks National Reserve Photo: NPS Photo

California National Historic Trail is a national historic trail run by the National Park Service in 10 states.

In the park service’s words

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.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Become a California Trail Junior Ranger: Learn about the California Trail and earn your junior ranger badge! This activity can be completed virtually or after visiting a site along the California National Historic Trail. Worksheets can be submitted either electronically or by mail. Take a look and start exploring the trail today!
  • Birdwatching on the California Trail: Emigrants on the California Trail were introduced to many new plants and animals as they made their journey west. With over 2,000 miles of trail, through countless habitats, there are a number of places where you can have a similar experience! The following places along the trail are noted for their birdwatching opport
  • Go See Oregon Trail Ruts: One of the best ways to experience the Oregon Trail is by taking a step back in time while visiting a trail rut. Luckily, there are still places where you can have that experience today. Take a look at the the list below and plan your visit to the mid-1800s today!
  • Hike on the California Trail: 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. There are a variety of hiking opportunities across the full length of the trail. We've selected a few places in Idaho, Nebraska,
  • Horseback Riding on the California Trail: Take a ride back in time on the California Trail! The variety of opportunities ranges from historic landscapes to modern views, and from short to longer trail rides. Riding the Trail is a great way to connect to this fascinating story of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of Calif
  • Check out Museums and Visitor Centers along the California Trail: There are a variety of museums and visitor centers along the California Trail. In some places, you may find more interpretive exhibits, information, and programs. In other places, being in the location will enrich your experience, even with minimal facilities. Visit one of these locations to learn more about the histor

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. The California National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead it is a corridor that passes through communities, urban areas, public lands, and Wilderness. The route travels across a variety of land ownerships and management, including private land. Each location varies as to the hours of operation and access. Please contact individual trail sites before your visit for more information.

Getting there

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.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Central Wyoming Regional Airport (RIW) Riverton, WY No road route 48 Regional
Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport (RKS) Rock Springs, WY No road route 59 Regional
Casper-Natrona County International Airport (CPR) Casper, WY No road route 119 Regional
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) Salt Lake City, UT No road route 203 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

Weather

Due to the length of the California National Historic Trail, be sure to consult local weather sources for the region you'll be visiting. Check out the forecast with the National Weather Service and search for the area you'd like to visit: weather.gov

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Grand Teton, about 140 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at California National Historic Trail?

No entrance fee.

Where is California National Historic Trail?

In California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Central Wyoming Regional Airport, about 48 miles away.

More sites nearby

The visitor center sits in the middle of mixed grass prairie. National monumentsAgate Fossil Beds National Monument National Monument in Nebraska. No entrance fee. 2 hikes listed. Aerial photograph of trail through lava along the Hawaiian Coast TrailsAla Kahakai National Historic Trail National Historic Trail in Hawaii. No entrance fee. 1 hikes listed. View of the Alcatraz Lighthouse and Island from the water Other Park Service sitesAlcatraz Island Park Service site in California. No entrance fee. 1 hikes listed. A water tower on the horizon next to trees Historic sitesAmache National Historic Site National Historic Site in Colorado. No entrance fee. TrailsAppalachian National Scenic Trail National Scenic Trail in 14 states. No entrance fee. 1 hikes listed. A group of visitors stand around a large wooden apparatus in a plaza courtyard. Historic sitesBent's Old Fort National Historic Site National Historic Site in Colorado. No entrance fee. 1 hikes listed.