Old Spanish Trail – California
The California section of the Old Spanish Trail is a historic route crossing remote deserts and mountains, linking a diverse range of landscapes from arid lowlands to mountainous terrain.
This trail, once a critical trade route between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Los Angeles, California, showcases the rugged beauty of the American Southwest while offering glimpses into the history of early trade and cultural exchange.
With sections marked by desert scrub and mountain backdrops, this portion of the trail is primarily for experienced hikers, history enthusiasts, and those interested in experiencing a piece of the historic Old West.
The California segment is part of a larger 2,700-mile trail that spans six states. It’s an out-and-back hike that ranges from moderate to challenging, depending on which section you tackle.
Trail Details
| Difficulty | Moderate to challenging |
| Trail Type | Thru-hike, out-and-back |
| Length | Varies by section; California portion stretches ~200 miles |
| Elevation Gain | Varies; generally low to moderate with some steeper areas |
| Location | Mojave Desert, Southern California |
| Best Season | Fall and spring for milder weather |
Getting to the Trailhead
One of the primary access points to the California portion of the Old Spanish Trail is the I-15 freeway, which heads northeast from Los Angeles.
Exit at Baker, California, where you’ll follow Highway 127 north into the Mojave Desert. Several trail entry points exist along this stretch; consult with the Bureau of Land Management or the National Park Service for specifics on parking, permits, and access.
Note that some trail sections may cross private or protected lands, so be sure to check for any access restrictions before embarking.
Trail Overview
The California portion of the Old Spanish Trail winds through the arid Mojave Desert, providing a journey through sparse, open landscapes dotted with creosote bush, sagebrush, and other desert shrubs.
The surrounding mountain ranges, including sections near the Mojave National Preserve, add to the ruggedness of the trail, making this portion of the Old Spanish Trail a physically and mentally rewarding experience for the prepared hiker.
This section was part of the original route taken by Antonio Armijo in 1829. Traders would move woolen goods and hides from New Mexico to California, bringing back horses and mules.
The California route offers a chance to walk in the footsteps of early traders, with occasional historical markers denoting key points along the way. Wildlife sightings may include desert hares, lizards, and even bighorn sheep in higher elevations.
The National Park Service, which manages part of the trail’s lands, has created an interactive trail map with points of interest along its length.
Points of Interest
Points of interest along the California portion of the trail include:
Mojave River Valley Museum
Located in Barstow, this museum preserves the Mojave Desert’s cultural and historical heritage and offers exhibits on local history and ecology.
Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum
This landmark in the City of Industry presents a century of Los Angeles history (1830–1930), featuring historic buildings like the Workman House, El Campo Santo Cemetery, and La Casa Nueva.
Agua Mansa Pioneer Cemetery
A historic cemetery in the San Bernardino Valley, it’s one of the earliest non-native settlements in the area, preserving the memory of its first settlers with a chapel and remaining headstones.
Juan Matias Sanchez Adobe
The oldest house in Montebello, this adobe connects to the Old Spanish Trail through William Workman, a key figure in early Californian migration.
Mission San Gabriel Archangel
Near Los Angeles, this mission served as a vital stop on the trail, marking the interactions between Indigenous peoples, Europeans, and Americans.
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
Located at the trail’s western end, this monument showcases the foundational history of Los Angeles with historic buildings and cultural sites.
Mojave National Preserve
Featuring the Mojave Road, this preserve includes diverse desert habitats and opportunities to explore an area with a rich 10,000-year human history.
Cajon Pass
A critical mountain pass between the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, Cajon Pass was used for centuries as a pathway from the Mojave Desert into the Los Angeles Basin.
Amargosa Canyon
Known for its natural springs and migratory bird habitats, Amargosa Canyon’s China Ranch Trail follows paths once traveled by early explorers on the Old Spanish and Mormon Trails.
Historical Significance
The Old Spanish Trail was an essential commercial route before the advent of the railroads, establishing Santa Fe as a central trade hub. Traders faced harsh conditions, crossing deserts and mountains to transport goods and livestock.
As you traverse this California section, you’ll encounter parts of the route that played a vital role in the economic exchanges between New Mexico and California, forming a commerce network that involved trade with Native American tribes.
Trail Etiquette and Preservation
Since the Old Spanish Trail is a designated National Historic Trail, it is important to respect its natural and historical features. Avoid disturbing artifacts, refrain from digging or collecting, and respect any private land boundaries.
This route has seen centuries of cultural interaction, and the Bureau of Land Management, in partnership with the National Park Service, encourages hikers to help preserve this important historic landscape.
