The 800-mile California Missions Trail leads walkers and cyclists through some of the most scenic and historic sites of one of America's most beautiful states. The 21 missions, founded 200-250 years ago, are key to understanding California's history and form the spiritual and cultural landmarks of this epic journey that stretches from the North San Francisco Bay Area to San Diego, near the US/Mexico border. The route never strays more than 30 miles from the sunny Pacific Coast, touching famous California beaches at Santa Cruz, Carmel, Santa Barbara, San Clemente and Carlsbad, not to mention metropolitan areas of San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. California's diverse wine regions play a starring role, as does the vast Salinas Valley, the 'Salad Bowl of America'.
This guide offers everything you'll need to make your trip of 50-60 walking days or 12-20 cycling days on this epic West Coast adventure. There is a wealth of information to help you prepare for the journey, including packing lists and transport notes. In addition to clear route description, each stage of the route includes scale maps for easy orientation and comprehensive details of facilities available on or near the route. The trail is presented in sections, so it can either be undertaken in its entirety or split as desired, and an accompanying appendix displays distance intervals between towns and cities offering accommodation, in case you should wish to choose your own itinerary. The route can be walked or cycled; for cyclists, around 95% of the trail can be completed on a road bike.
From Mission Sonoma to Mission San Diego, you'll follow the journey of 18th-century Spanish missionaries as they created 21 missions to convert the native inhabitants to Christianity. Included is a sensitive recount of the history of the missions, highlighting the story and monuments of the Native Americans who formed the foundation of the landscape, rather than the Spanish and Franciscan priests. From the sunlit sea to swathes of vineyards, to the bustling metropolis of San Francisco, and with historic, spiritual and scenic interest aplenty, the California Missions Trail offers an unforgettable journey through America's Golden State.
By:
The Reverend Sandy Brown
Imprint: Cicerone Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 172mm,
Width: 116mm,
Spine: 18mm
Weight: 350g
ISBN: 9781786311139
ISBN 10: 1786311135
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 15 January 2023
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
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 Jos&##xe9; Stage 4 Mission San Jos&##xe9; 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 Purisima Stage 13 Mission La Purisima to Mission Santa In&##xe9;s Stage 14 Mission Santa In&##xe9;s 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
Sanford 'Sandy' Brown is an author, community activist, long-distance walker, and ordained minister from Seattle, Washington. In 2020, Sandy joined Cicerone Press as Associate Publisher for Caminos and Pilgrimages. Since 2008, when he trekked the Camino de Santiago, he has walked over 13,000km on pilgrim trails in Europe. He records his pilgrim adventures in his popular blog, www.caminoist.org.
