All parks › California National Historic Trail
California National Historic Trail: fees, hours, camping and when to visit
California National Historic Trail is a unit of the U.S. National Park System that passes through ten states: California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming[3]. NPS lists it as a fee-free park, so there is no entrance fee[1].
Entrance fees and passes
The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for California National Historic Trail[1]. Some tours, campgrounds or permits inside a park can still have their own fees.
When to visit and hours
The trail is a long route through towns, public lands and private land, so there is no single set of hours[4]. NPS says each site along it sets its own hours and access, so contact the site before you go[4]. Weather also depends on which part of the route you visit. NPS suggests checking the National Weather Service for that area[5]. NPS lists 1 visitor center, the California Trail Interpretive Center[2].
Pets and dogs
Under the national NPS rule, where pets are allowed they must be kept in a crate or cage, or on a leash of six feet or less[6]. Pets are not allowed in public buildings or on public transportation, and service animals are excepted[6]. NPS marks pets as permitted on 5 of its 6 listed things to do here, and each park can close more areas to pets[7][6].
Before you go
- NPS lists no entrance fee for this trail[1].
- Hours and access differ at each site, so check with the site first[4].
- NPS notes that 2 of its 6 listed things to do require a reservation[7].
- NPS lists activities such as scenic driving, hiking, horseback riding and museum exhibits[8].
- Fees and hours change, so confirm on the official NPS page before a trip.
Questions people ask
- Is there an entrance fee for California National Historic Trail?
- NPS lists it as a fee-free park, so there is no entrance fee[1].
- What are the hours?
- There are no single hours. NPS says each location varies and suggests contacting individual sites before your visit[4].
- Are dogs allowed on the California National Historic Trail?
- NPS lists pets as permitted on 5 of its 6 things to do here[7]. Where pets are allowed they must be on a leash of six feet or less, or crated[6].
- Is there a visitor center?
- NPS lists 1 visitor center, the California Trail Interpretive Center[2].
Facts and sources
- NPS lists California National Historic Trail as a fee-free park: there is no entrance fee. National Park Service
- Visitor centers listed by NPS: 1 (The California Trail Interpretive Center). National Park Service
- California National Historic Trail is a unit of the U.S. National Park System (designation: National Historic Trail) in California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming. National Park Service
- Operating hours, California National Historic Trail: The California National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead it is a corridor that passes through communities, urban areas, public lands, and Wilderness. The route travels across... National Park Service
- NPS weather and seasons overview for California National Historic Trail. National Park Service
- National Park Service rule 36 CFR 2.15: where pets are allowed they must be crated, caged or on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, and pets are not allowed in public buildings, on public transportation or on designated swimming beaches (service... eCFR, 36 CFR 2.15
- NPS lists 6 things to do at California National Historic Trail: Become a California Trail Junior Ranger, Birdwatching on the California Trail, Go See Oregon Trail Ruts, Hike on the California Trail, Horseback Riding on the California Trail, Check out... National Park Service
- Activities NPS lists for California National Historic Trail: Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Auto, Hiking, Horse Trekking, Horseback Riding, Junior Ranger Program, Museum Exhibits. National Park Service