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Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

National Historic Trail · AZ,CA

The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail covers over 1200 miles through the homelands of 70+ Tribal communities. It follows the historic route of the 1775-76 Spanish colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico to San Francisco, CA. Whether urban or rural, the trail offers adventure, diverse cultural perspectives, and an opportunity to experience history.

Official NPS page →

Entrance Fees

This park is fee-free.

Upcoming Events

Anza Exhibit at the Monterey History & Art Association Museum at Stanton Center

Aug 31, 2026 · Monterey History & Art Association Museum at Stanton Center 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940

Anza 250: A Documentary Film

Sep 17, 2026 · Presidio Theatre 99 Moraga Avenue San Francisco, CA 94129

Things to Do

Experience the Anza Trail by Train

Experience the Anza Trail with NPS volunteer historians and interpreters on board Amtrak's Coast Starlight between Santa Barbara and San Jose.

Hike, cycle, or ride through Fort Ord National Monument

Hike or ride a strenuous 4.5-mile segment that crosses the majestic grasslands of Fort Ord National Monument. The Monument segment is anchored by the Creekside Terrace Trailhead and the Badger Hills Trailhead where restrooms, maps, and interpretive displays are provided. The Creekside Terrace Trailhead has potable water.

Hike the Anza Trail from Tumacácori to Tubac, AZ

Hike through shady cottonwood galleries and mesquite bosques along this six-mile stretch of the Anza Trail between Tumacácori National Historic Park and Tubac Presidio State Historic Park.

Hike the Anza Trail through Moreno Valley

Enjoy an easy 8-mile out-and-back urban trail through Moreno Valley. This multi-use paved path starts at a city park and ends at a California state recreation area.

Hike the Arrowhead Loop Trail

Explore part of the Anza Recreational Retracement Trail by hiking this challenging 4-mile one-way loop through Coyote Valley Open Space Preserve in Santa Clara, CA.

Hike the Delta de Anza/Mokelumne Loop

Enjoy a moderate 5.62-mile loop by taking the Mokelumne Coast-to-Crest Trail to the Delta de Anza Trail. This paved loop passes through or near several schools and community parks and provides access to Contra Loma Regional Park and Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. The trail has several steep inclines and is not recommended for people who use a wheelchair.

Hike the Santa Cruz River

The Santa Cruz River forms a ribbon of life in the Pimería Alta. Whether walking to its edge or along its length, visitors will encounter the fundamental building blocks of nature and human civilization.

Visitor Centers

  • Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center
  • Big Break Visitor Center at the Delta
  • Gila Bend Visitor Center
  • Griffith Park Visitor Center
  • Saguaro National Park East - Rincon Mountain District Visitor Center
  • Saguaro National Park West - The Red Hills Visitor Center
  • Santa Monica Mountains Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center
  • William Penn Mott, Jr. Presidio Visitor Center

Source: National Park Service.

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail: Alerts, Camping & Things to Do | ExploreParksUSA