In the footsteps of history: Trekking California’s ‘El Camino Real’

California’s Historic Mission Trail holds spiritual significance during the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, a holy year proclaimed by Pope Leo XIV that concludes Jan. 10, 2027. The trail follows El Camino Real, or the Royal Road, which runs along or near U.S. Route 101.

The route connects 21 Catholic mission churches established by Spain between 1769 and 1823, stretching from San Diego to Sonoma. These missions represent a major historical impact of St. Francis of Assisi and his religious order in the United States.

Christian Clifford, author of “Pilgrimage: In Search of the Real California Missions,” conducted a survey to understand why people walk the trail. Clifford reported that religious and spiritual reasons were the primary motivations for participants, followed by an interest in California history and the desire for an athletic challenge.