Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

Stretching from San Francisco to the southern reaches of Arizona, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail is a 1,210-mile trail, and massive piece of U.S. history. Juan Bautista de Anza began the exploratory trek in 1774 across the Sonoran Desert, following the Colorado River. Anza completed his initial trip in 74 days. Check out the northern-most point of the trail in the Bay Area.

On Anza's second trip, his supply of horses and Texas Longhorn bulls and cows started the cattle and horse industry in California. They established the Presidio of San Francisco and the Mission San Francisco de Asis, which became San Francisco. Learn about the history of the trail during an auto tour along the historic trail, or stop to see the landmarks, sights and National Park Service reenactments.