The historic Missions of California were established beginning in 1768 by Franciscan missionaries led by Saint Junipero Serra, as a means for evangelization, conversion, to spread the word of God and to bring Jesus to the people of what was then referred to as “Alta-California”.

Although likely not the exact route traversed by the Franciscans, the way between the missions became known as the Camino Real.  These holy paths were the main routes connecting the towns of California for travel, migration and commerce.  Over time, many of these footpaths became usurped by roads, freeways, private landowners and general development.  In recent years, several Camino Real champions have sought to re-establish the Camino Real as a walking route, including the California Mission Walkers, California Missions Trail Alliance, and the National Parks Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail. 

CaminodeCalifornia.org seeks to build on and complement the work of these champions, focusing on re-establishing and supporting the Camino Real as a pilgrimage route, similar to that aspect of the Camino de Santiago in Spain, where hearts, minds and souls are transformed through the spiritual tradition of a walking pilgrimage.

In previous years our focus has been on an annual Lenten pilgrimage connecting the 21 missions from Mission San Diego to Mission Sonoma.  Due to the extraordinary opportunity to coordinate with the National Eucharistic Revival, the 2025 pilgrimage will be held during the period from June 7th to June 22nd, 2025.