On October 10, 2026, approximately 100 members of the California Mission Walkers (CMW) gathered in historic San Juan Bautista for the organization’s second bi-annual conference. The event brought together people who share a passion for walking California’s historic mission trail, exploring the state’s history, and connecting with fellow walkers.
Unlike conferences focused primarily on mission preservation and scholarship, the California Mission Walkers gathering emphasizes community. Members share their experiences on the trail, celebrate those who have completed the challenging 800-plus-mile journey between California’s 21 historic missions, and recognize the volunteers who help sustain the organization.
The conference combined presentations on California history with opportunities to socialize, celebrate achievements, and explore the historic town of San Juan Bautista.
Celebrating the California Mission Walk
The California Mission Walkers organization brings together people who walk, or hope to walk, the route connecting California’s 21 Spanish missions along El Camino Real.
For some, the journey is a spiritual pilgrimage. Others are drawn by California history, the challenge of long-distance walking, or the opportunity to experience the state’s landscapes and communities on foot.
The conference offered an opportunity for members to reconnect, share stories, and celebrate those who have completed the entire mission walk. A slideshow highlighted members who had finished the journey, while awards recognized walking accomplishments and contributions to the organization.
The informal atmosphere also left plenty of time for conversation. Several dozen members arrived the evening before the conference for an optional, informal gathering at Jardines restaurant in San Juan Bautista.
Exploring California’s History Through Three Presentations
Although fellowship was central to the event, the conference also featured an informative program exploring several important aspects of California history.
Naomi Torres: The 250th Anniversary of the De Anza Expeditions
Naomi Torres, former superintendent of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, delivered the keynote presentation on the 250th anniversary of the De Anza Expeditions.
The 1775–1776 expedition led by Juan Bautista de Anza helped establish a land route from New Spain into Alta California and brought settlers north to establish a community at San Francisco. The expedition’s history provides an important backdrop for understanding California’s early Spanish and Mexican periods and the routes that connected settlements throughout the region.
Edie Littlefield Sundby: The Story of the El Camino Real Mission Bells
Edie Littlefield Sundby, author of The Mission Walker, spoke about Mrs. A.S.C. “Harrye” Forbes and her efforts to place commemorative bells along El Camino Real.
The bells have become familiar landmarks associated with the historic route connecting California’s missions. Sundby’s presentation highlighted the people and efforts behind this enduring symbol of California’s mission heritage, and the impact of the commemorative bells on her personal journey.
Peter Hiller: The Life and Art of Jo Mora
Artist and author Peter Hiller presented a talk on Jo Mora, the celebrated artist, illustrator, and chronicler of the American West.
Hiller’s book, The Life and Times of Jo Mora: Iconic Artist of the American West, was available for purchase at the conference.
Mora’s artistic legacy offers another way to explore California and the American West, complementing the historical and cultural themes that run throughout the mission-walking experience.
Lunch, Fellowship, and Recognition
The conference schedule balanced its presentations with opportunities for members to spend time together.
Attendees enjoyed a lunch of deli sandwiches and salad, accompanied by music from guitarist Cisco Jim Aceves. The program also included the mission-walker slideshow, organizational updates, and recognition of those who had completed the trail or contributed to the group.
These moments of fellowship are an important part of the California Mission Walkers community. Walking the full route can be a demanding undertaking, and the experiences of those who have completed it can encourage and guide those still making their way between the missions.
A taco dinner and additional socializing rounded out the day’s activities.
Afternoon Tours of Historic San Juan Bautista
In the afternoon, attendees chose from three tours that highlighted different aspects of San Juan Bautista’s rich history.
- Mission San Juan Bautista: A visit to the historic mission, founded in 1797 and known for its long-standing place in the religious and cultural history of California.
- Historic buildings: A tour of historic buildings operated by California State Parks, offering a closer look at the town’s architectural and community heritage.
- Historic San Juan Bautista walking tour: An opportunity to explore the town on foot and discover the historic streets and buildings that contribute to its distinctive character as the “City of History.”
The tours gave conference participants a chance to experience the history discussed during the presentations in the places where that history unfolded.
San Juan Bautista was a fitting location for the gathering. Its mission, historic buildings, and enduring connection to El Camino Real make it a natural destination for people interested in California’s past and the routes that helped shape it.
A Growing Community of Mission Walkers
The California Mission Walkers conference is about more than completing a long-distance route. It celebrates the shared experiences, friendships, and historical discoveries that make the journey meaningful.
By bringing walkers together to exchange stories, recognize accomplishments, learn from knowledgeable speakers, and explore historic places, the conference strengthens the community surrounding the California Mission Walk.
The October 2026 gathering in San Juan Bautista continued that tradition, combining an appreciation of California’s history with a celebration of the people who experience it one step at a time.
For anyone interested in walking California’s 21 missions, the California Mission Walkers offer a community in which to learn about the route, share experiences, and connect with others pursuing the same journey.
Learn more about the organization and the California Mission Walk at the California Mission Walkers website.
Growing up in California, every school kid learns about the California missions. A long-time staple of the 4th-grade mission curriculum was the mission model project. Years ago, the models were usually built from sugar cubes. More recently, students have been able to buy “kits” to build more elaborate models of their chosen mission.