A guidebook to walking or cycling the California Missions Trail. The 802 mile (1291km) pilgrimage route from Sonoma to San Diego links 21 Christian missions founded by the Spanish over 200 years ago. It can be enjoyed by walkers of all abilities, or alternatively, 95% of the route is also suitable for road bikes. The Missions Trail is described in 20 stages of between 16 and 60 miles (26–97km), with alternative options for cyclists. It can be walked in 50–60 days or cycled in 12–20 days. GPX files available to download 1:100,000 mapping plus larger-scale town maps for key locations Handy route summary tables and pilgrim lodging listings help you plan your itinerary Detailed information about refreshments and facilities along the route Advice on planning and preparation The history of the missions, as well as the story of the Native Americans who originally shaped the landscapeTable of Contents: 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 Purísima Stage 13 Mission La Purísima 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