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California National Historic TrailScotts Bluff in western Nebraska. Most emigrants view this as they trekked westward.
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California National Historic Trail
Fees & Reservations

There are no Fees collected by the California National Historic Trail. However, other federal and state agencies may have Recreation and Use fees that are collected for managed resources and lands. Many of the private museums and interpretive centers along the trail may also have fees. You should inquire locally about these.

he Links and Resources page includes contact information for many of the interpretive centers and land agencies that manage trail resources. There, you will also find a bibliography of suggested books and resources that may be useful as well.

Information about purchasing the National Park Golden Eagle & Parks annual passes, the lifetime Golden Age and Access passes (now called the America the Beautiful Passes) is available here. There are no fees for visiting the national historic trails, but some trail resources and sites are on federal lands managed by other agencies that do collect these fees.

Although administered by the National Park Service, the Trail is not a traditional National Park area with campgrounds, lodges and borders. Reservations for camping and lodging may be available in many areas, but you will need to contact the local land managing agency or property owner. Sometimes reservations may be available for guided tours and interpretive programs at Trail sites. Again, inquire locally with the site manager for this information.


Photo image of a painting by William Henry Jackson called Crossing the Missouri.  

Did You Know?
William Henry Jackson painted this scene of emigrants crossing the Missouri River from Independence, MO. Each Spring hundreds and thousands of emigrant wagons lined up for days waiting their turn to cross over into what was wilderness in the mid-1800s on their way to a new beginning.
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Last Updated: December 12, 2006 at 10:46 EST