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Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

American Indigenous Tourism Association Partnership

From the fiery sunsets of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert to the rugged California coast, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail spans 1,200 miles of breathtaking landscapes. The Travel Guide to Tribes Along the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail highlights the Nations and communities who have called these lands home since time immemorial and who continue to thrive today.
Developed in partnership between the American Indigenous Tourism Association, the National Park Service Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail Program, Visit California, Visit Arizona and Tribal partners, the Guide highlights Native destinations where visitors can experience indigenous foods, art and cultures of the Tribes and Native-owned businesses.
Inside the Guide, find opportunities to visit tribal museums and cultural centers to learn about their history, struggles and continued existence. Savor Native cuisine at restaurants serving Native foods. Take a walking tour of public art. Experience outdoor recreation such as hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hikes, water sports and more. Stay at one of the many luxury resorts and enjoy a round of golf on courses beautifully. Travel the Trail to follow the Expedition, learn about their encounters with the Tribes and experience the vibrant cultures of the Tribes today.
American-Indigenous-Tourism-Association-anza-trail

Representative of “the ultimate strength, the woman fighter, the mother who protects her children from harm,” the legacy of civil rights leader Toypurina (Tongva, 1760-1799) lives on the main wall of Ramona Gardens in East Los Angeles as a 60-by-20 foot mural along Anza National Historic Trail. Photo by NTorres/National Park Service

Traditional Place Names Maps

The Guide includes three 11"x17" fold-out maps featuring traditional place names, generously shared by Tribal leaders. Highlighting Arizona, Southern California, and the northern Trail up to the Bay Area, the maps remind us that these lands and stories endure today.

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YouTube Videos

The American Indigenous Tourism Association has also published videos featuring interviews with Tribal elders, leaders, artists, and historians. Watch them on our Destination Native America YouTube Channel.

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Resources

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

“¡Vayan Subiendo!”(“Everyone mount up!”) was the rousing call from Juan Bautista de Anza. In 1775-76, he led some 240 men, women, and children on an epic journey to establish the first non-Native settlement at San Francisco Bay. Today, the 1,200-mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail connects history, culture, and outdoor recreation from Nogales, Arizona, to the San Francisco Bay Area.

National Park Service

The Anza Trail Today and Commemorating 250 Years

The years 2025 and 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the historic Anza Expedition. Since the establishment of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail in 1990, public history has changed dramatically. We have broadened our understanding of the people and forces at play during the expedition and included multiple narratives in the story. Join Naomi Torres, Superintendent of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail for an update on trail activities to date and a shared view into the future.

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Anza Trail Interactive Map

Use the interactive map on the National Park Service site to customize your own trip along the Ana Trail.

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Anza National Historic Trail on Facebook

Join the nearly 4,000 fans following the history and happenings of the Anza National Historic Tail on Facebook.

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