8 days on the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
Follow in the footsteps of Juan Bautista de Anza's 1775–76 expedition on this eight-day road trip from Arizona to California featuring culture and history. See historic missions, Indigenous cultural sites and hike through deserts, mountains, and beaches as you follow this national historic trail.
Day 1
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Historic missions
Tumacácori National Historical Park
After walking the grounds of this national park just south of Tucson, hike or bike the eight-mile round trip section of trail along the Santa Cruz River between Tumacácori and Tubac Presidio State Historic Park.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
Located on the Tohono O’odham Nation, San Xavier del Bac is still in use today. Visit the museum and chapel, and take time to reflect on the cultural and historical significance of this site, where Anza’s group stopped in 1775.
Day 2
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Saguaro National Park
Hike the park’s two districts
Experience the desert as Juan Bautista’s expedition would have by wandering the trails at Saguaro National Park.
Day 3
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Continuing north
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
Tour the Great House at Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, built centuries ago by the ancestral Sonoran Desert peoples. Anza’s group camped nearby in what is now Gila River Indian Community land.
Yuma, Arizona
Yuma is where the Anza expedition forded the mighty Colorado River with help from the Quechan (Yuma) people. Visit the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area and the Colorado River State Historic Park to explore the area's pivotal role in travel and trade.
Day 4 and 5
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The mountains of California
Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park lies near Camp #73 of the Anza expedition. Although the exact location is unknown, Anza’s group made camp near here at Agua Escondida. Explore creeks and oak woodlands, and reflect on the land’s Indigenous history.
Hike the Santa Monica Mountains
This national recreation area offers many miles of trails and plenty of beaches to explore. (Plan ahead to find your perfect spot. This park is the biggest urban recreation area in the world.)
Day 6
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Coastal beauty and Camp #81
Pismo Beach
The central California coast that Anza wrote about in his diaries is what is today known as Pismo Beach. Enjoy activities like visiting the Monarch Butterfly Grove, walking the pier, or taking a scenic driving tour.
Day 7
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Beauty of the California coast
Drive Highway One
As you head north to San Francisco, stop at McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Enjoy the many hikes and sights that the route has to offer.
Day 8
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San Francisco
Explore the Presidio of San Francisco
The Presidio of San Francisco was originally established as a fort by Juan Bautista de Anza, as Spain's northernmost outpost. It has since been used as a military base by many nations and has played several important roles in our nation's history. Walk the grounds, tour the buildings, and learn about the lasting impact of Anza's expedition.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area
End your journey with a sunset at the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, reflecting on the historic trek that helped shape California’s early identity.
Optional add-on
Mission San Juan Bautista & San Juan Bautista State Historic Park
Visit one of California's most intact missions, and historic buildings at the nearby state park, including restored 19th-century buildings like a jail, plaza hotel, and blacksmith shop. While not one of the stops that Juan Bautista made on his expedition, this important cultural site is a way to deepen your knowledge of the area's histories.
Visit Smart
Plan ahead
Check each park’s website for current conditions, trail updates, and special events.
Pack smart
Bring plenty of water, sun protection, sturdy footwear, and appropriate hiking gear. Many trail segments cross arid terrain, so being prepared is essential.
Check the time
Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time and this trip crosses time zones. Doublecheck hours to make sure you arrive when you want to.
Leave no trace
This trail passes through lands important to many Indigenous communities, including the O’odham, Akimel O’odham, Tohono O’odham, Chumash, Tongva and Ohlone. Visit with respect.
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