Historic Maps of the Juan Bautista de Anza ExpedtionHere, you will find maps that show the historic route of Juan Bautista de Anza, Some maps show an overview, while others are based upon sections of the route. When available, you will find links to download each map in a viewable format. For more information on the expedition of Juan Bautista de Anza, please click on our History and Culture link, People and Places as well as our Research page.
Map: The Anza Expedition 1775-1776In 1776, while American patriots fought for their independence from England, Spanish Lt. Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza led more than 240 men, women, and children some 1,800 miles to establish a settlement at San Francisco Bay. These families were the first colonists to come overland across the frontier of New Spain into present-day California.
Al mismo tiempo que en 1776 los patriotas angloamericanos iniciaban la lucha por su indepenencia de Inglattera, el teniente coronel español Juan Bautista de Anza condujo a unas 240 colonoes más de 2900 kilólimetros para establecerse en Alta California. Era la primera vez que se utilizaba la ruta terrestre de Neuva España para traer pobladores en este caso los que habian de establecer el pueblo de San Francisco.
If you would like a printed copy of our traditional brochure map or the The Anza Expedition Map. Please email us.
Story MapsA unique way to view the story of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. Follow the historic corridor and learn about the landscapes they traveled through, their experiences and stories, hike segments of the Anza Recreation Trail, and find historic and interpretive sites that have been preserved for us today.
Places to Go: Interactive Trail Map
Personalize your trail experience by finding historic and interpretive sites and recreation trail within Arizona and California. The web map is an interactive web mapping application that allows viewers to explore interact with geographic data relating to Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. You can plan your visit, or learn more about this historic exploration of the United States. You can also visit our Places to Go page to find more, text-based, information about premier sites in Arizona and California, passport cancellation stamp locations, and recreation trail segments.
A Brief History of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the National Trails Act, the National Park Service invites you to take a brief look at the 1775-1776 Anza Expedition, the 1976 and 1996 re-rides, the establishment of the Anza Trail, and what the National Park Service and our partners are doing today!
The Anza Trail in Southern Arizona
The Santa Cruz Valley in Southern Arizona is the cradle of this rich chapter in American history and one of the premier places the experience the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail in the United States. It is the homeland of the Tohono O'odham people. Water once flowed in the river year-round at specific locations like the Tohono O'odham village of Tumacácori where a permanent source of water was present even in the driest years. The Spanish colonized the Sonoran Desert in the late 1600s and the area, know as the Pimería Alta, was the northern frontier of the Spanish empire into the late 1700s. The Story Map below introduces you to the history, environment, and recreational opportunities
Alameda CountyAfter measuring the Palo Alto, and camping in the vicinity of the Guadalupe River at the southern tip of the bay, Font, Anza, Moraga and the exploratory band of soldiers made a sharp "U" turn to ascend into the low hills parallel to the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay, roughly following the Interstates 880 and 80 corridor.. At many of the creeks along the way, they encountered American Indians of the Chocheno (Costanoan) tribes. They continued north to San Pablo Bay. In Alameda and Contra Costa County visitors can travel the recreation trail within the East Bay Regional Park System and along the San Francisco Bay Trail.
The Anza Trail in Imperial County
The Yuha Desert in Imperial County provides trail visitors some of the best opportunity to experience the Anza Trail Historic Corridor as the expedition would have experienced it. While this area was the most treacherous part of the journey because of the lack of water, it is also one of incredible beautiful and has been occupied by indigenous peoples for hundreds of years. The Story Map below follows the expedition as they crossed the Colorado River and entered the deserts of what is now upper Baja California and Imperial County in the throes of winter. Learn more about the expedition and how to access this segment of recreation trail on Bureau of Land Management and California State Parks land. Disponible en español aquí.
Let's Learn Together: A Child's View of the Expedition
If you (or your child) have become a Junior Ranger, are eager to become one, or would like to learn more about the Anza Expedition check out the Story Map below aimed at fourth graders to further comprehend the Anza Expedition. The Anza Expedition comes to life through Maria, a child who was part of the expedition of 1775-1776. She tells you the story of her experience traveling over 1,800 miles to reach San Francisco. During her trip she faced many challenges and made many new friends, including those indigenous to the lands through which she traveled. We hope you enjoy the Story Map and are inspired to visit the Anza Trail.
Last updated: September 13, 2021