Walking 'El Camino Real': Pilgrims seek faith and history on mission trail

Pilgrims are walking California's El Camino Real to connect with the history of the 21 Catholic mission churches established between 1769 and 1823. These missions, stretching from San Diego to Sonoma, represent the influence of St. Francis of Assisi and his religious order in the United States.

The trail holds spiritual importance during the Jubilee Year of St. Francis, which Pope Leo XIV proclaimed to conclude on January 10, 2027. Author Christian Clifford, who has walked the full 800-mile route, conducted a survey to identify why people trek the path. Clifford reported that religious and spiritual reasons were the primary motivations for participants, followed by an interest in California history and athletic challenges. He noted that few people have completed the entire route.