Hiking and Cycling the California Missions Trail

Journey the length of California on the unforgettable California Missions Trail, where sun-drenched coastlines, historic Spanish missions, and vibrant communities line a spectacular 800-mile (1291km) pilgrimage from Sonoma to San Diego. Experience the best of the Golden State as you traverse rolling vineyards, bustling cities, iconic beaches, and the serene landscapes shaped by Native Americans and Spanish settlers over two centuries ago.

Perfect for long-distance walkers and cyclists of all abilities, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook presents the complete California Missions Trail, described in 20 stages ranging from 16 to 60 miles (26–97km), with alternative options for cyclists.

The well-waymarked route links all 21 historic missions, following a scenic corridor that never strays more than 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean, and can be enjoyed year-round thanks to California’s mild coastal climate. Walkers typically complete the trail in 50–60 days, while cyclists can cover the distance in 12–20 days.

• Includes detailed advice for planning your journey, whether you wish to walk or cycle the full California Missions Trail, complete a section, or tailor stages to your schedule and fitness.
• Each stage features clear at-a-glance information on start and finish points, distance, elevation, accommodation, and refreshment options along the California Missions Trail, as well as advice on alternative cycling routes and logistical tips for both northbound and southbound travel.
• Explore California’s most celebrated destinations: stroll across the Golden Gate Bridge, wander the redwood forests, relax on the beaches of Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara, and soak up the culture of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
• Delve into the rich history of the missions and the story of the Native Americans who first shaped California, with informative background sections bringing context to every stage.
• Features 1:100,000 mapping and larger-scale town maps for key locations such as San Francisco, Carmel, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego, plus free downloadable GPX tracks and comprehensive route summary tables to ensure confident navigation and smooth daily planning along the California Missions Trail.
• Covers essential advice specific to the California Missions Trail, including travel, accommodation, budgeting, training, equipment, claiming your pilgrim credential, and practical guidance on food, climate, and available facilities across California’s diverse landscapes.

Plan your adventure on the California Missions Trail with the definitive Cicerone guidebook and discover a route that blends spiritual tradition, Californian hospitality, and the ever-changing beauty of one of America’s most fascinating states, all the way from the North Bay Area to the US/Mexico border.