A guidebook to walking or cycling the California Missions Trail. The 802 mile (1291km) pilgrimage route from Sonoma to San Diego links 21 Christian missions founded by the Spanish over 200 years ago. It can be enjoyed by walkers of all abilities, or alternatively, 95% of the route is also suitable for road bikes.

The Missions Trail is described in 20 stages of between 16 and 60 miles (26–97km), with alternative options for cyclists. It can be walked in 50–60 days or cycled in 12–20 days.

• GPX files available to download
• 1:100,000 mapping plus larger-scale town maps for key locations
• Handy route summary tables and pilgrim lodging listings help you plan your itinerary
• Detailed information about refreshments and facilities along the route
• Advice on planning and preparation
• The history of the missions, as well as the story of the Native Americans who originally shaped the landscape

Overview map

Overview profile Mission Sonoma to Mission San Diego

Map key

Route summary table

Introduction

California’s natural history

The era of Native peoples

Spanish exploration on the West Coast of North America

Missionaries, soldiers, and settlers bring an ecological upheaval

The mission era

The Mexican era

The Early American period: gold rush, land rush—and genocide

A multicultural California emerges

A new walking and cycling route features California history

Planning your walk or ride

Northbound or southbound?

Where to begin and how to get there and back

When to go

Walking or cycling the route

Where to stay

Where to eat

How much money should I budget?

How do I secure my credential?

Tips for making the most of your walk

Topography of the route

Training for your walk or ride

What to pack

Health and well-being

How to use this guide

Route summary information

Route descriptions

Maps

App, GPX tracks, and accommodation downloads

Bay Area section: Sonoma to Santa Cruz

Prologue Sonoma, California

Stage 1 Mission Sonoma to Mission San Rafael

Stage 2 Mission San Rafael to Mission San Francisco

Stage 3 Mission San Francisco to Mission San José

Stage 4 Mission San José to Mission Santa Clara

Stage 5 Mission Santa Clara to Mission Santa Cruz

North Central Coast section: Santa Cruz to San Miguel

Stage 6 Mission Santa Cruz to Mission San Juan Bautista

Stage 7 Mission San Juan Bautista to Mission Carmel

Stage 8 Mission Carmel to Mission Soledad

Stage 9 Mission Soledad to Mission San Antonio

Stage 10 Mission San Antonio to Mission San Miguel

South Central Coast section: San Miguel to Ventura

Stage 11 Mission San Miguel to Mission San Luis Obispo

Stage 12 Mission San Luis Obispo to Mission La Purísima

Stage 13 Mission La Purísima to Mission Santa Inés

Stage 14 Mission Santa Inés to Mission Santa Barbara

Stage 15 Mission Santa Barbara to Mission San Buenaventura

South Coast section: Ventura to San Diego

Stage 16 Mission San Buenaventura to Mission San Fernando Rey

Stage 17 Mission San Fernando Rey to Mission San Gabriel

Stage 18 Mission San Gabriel to Mission San Juan Capistrano

Stage 19 Mission San Juan Capistrano to Mission San Luis Rey

Stage 20 Mission San Luis Rey to Mission San Diego

Appendix A Stage planning table

Appendix B Useful contacts

Appendix C Missions, historical locations, state and national parks

Appendix D Bibliography

Seasons

California's moderate coastal weather allows virtually a 12-month season, with no freezing temperatures or snow on the route. Watch for high summer heat in inland valleys and fog near the coast.

Centres

Metropolitan San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego; the seaside towns of Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Santa Barbara, Carlsbad and Solana Beach

Difficulty

This route is suitable for all levels of walkers, with no special gear necessary. Cyclists can cover 95% of the route on conventional or electric-assist street bikes, but mountain bikes are advised for a few specific mountain paths.

Must See

The trail visits 21 California missions, historic landmarks along this epic adventure that crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, traverses coastal mountain ranges, hugs the Pacific coast through charming beach towns like Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara and Carlsbad, and crosses vast farmlands in the Salinas Valley, the 'Salad Bowl of America'.

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