Anza Trail Foundation

04/02/2026

Let’s go to Los Medanos College on Saturday April 11th!

Celebration

04/02/2026

Check out this article on the 250th Anniversary of the Anza Expedition!

Thursday, March 26, marks the 250th anniversary of the Anza encampment along Burlingame Creek, when Capt. Juan Bautista Anza and a small group of men camped at a site near

12/08/2025

It was a pleasure to form part of Dr. Aaron Wright's lecture in Tucson, Arizona - part of the commemoration! Thank you to those that attended in person and through zoom. Here is a video recording where you can join in on learning of this historical trail...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFvTuHcAS5o

09/25/2025

Hey Everyone!
American Trails sponsors the annual contest for photographs of designated National Recreation Trails. Check out the website below for details on how to enter! There are awards in several categories.

The deadline to submit is DECEMBER 15!

Connecting and transforming communities through the power of trails.

09/12/2025

September 30, 2025 at the CA American Planning Association Conference () I will be presenting on the panel Connecting Communities for a Living Heritage Trail

The Spanish reign over Alta California brought about drastic changes to the Tribal world which continue to reverberate today. The Monterey peninsula was a key location in furthering the colonization of the land and people. Almost 250 years ago, the colonists of the 1775-1776 Anza expedition utilized Native trade routes to extend their frontier to San Francisco. Today, the National Park Service administers the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, which partners with land owners to commemorate and interpret the 1200-mile route, its complex story, and the compelling landscapes.

The Anza Trail’s Comprehensive Management Plan establishes a vision for a contiguous multi-use, non-motorized trail following the historic path of the expedition, known as the Retracement Trail. The Retracement Trail development presents a unique opportunity to understand the broader story of the Anza expedition and Spanish colonization, consider the role of long-distance trails in preserving the history of human movement, and to promote environmental sustainability, active transportation, and public health. This session will help the audience reflect on this opportunity as the commemorative year of the Anza expedition commences. The panelists for this session represent four of the nineteen counties that the Trail traverses and will delve into lessons learned in partnership building for recreational trails, working across jurisdictions, and serving traditionally marginalized populations.

08/31/2025

We are excited to share our Anza 250 Lecture Series with Archaeologist Dr. Aaron Wright, coming up this fall! We hope you can join us.

Register online at the following link:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/anza250-lecture-series-with-dr-aaron-wright

02/20/2025

AIANTA is working with the National Park Service the States of Arizona amd California and local partners to interpret the Native American history along the Anza National Historic Trail

Explore the Anza Trail with AIANTA and discover a journey through historical and cultural landmarks. Learn about the Anza Trail’s significance, view detailed maps, and find information on how to experience this important route. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and stories of the Anza Trail.

02/06/2025

2025 and 2026 will be the 250th commemoration of the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition, which led to the formation of the National Park Service National Historic Anza Trail from Arizona and through California. The expedition led to the European colonization of Arizona and California. It’s also a time to acknowledge 10,000 years of Native Americans presence in these states. For example, at the time of the Anza expedition California had the largest population of Native Americans compared to any state in the United States. The Anza expedition had a significant adverse impact on the Native Americans.

2025-2026 is also the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

It’s important to understand history to have a historical context for why we all live here and how we can live together in the future.

Almost 250 years ago, as the Declaration of Independence was signed on the East Coast, the Anza expedition arrived at its destination on the West Coast. Both of these events would dramatically shape the cultural and political landscapes of the United States.

02/06/2025

Many stories to be told about the Anza Historic Trail

Angel Enriquez Breault from Tucson Clean & Beautiful leads a group of volunteers in conservation efforts along the Santa Cruz River in a project called Reconciliation on the River

01/10/2025

At over 1,000 miles, the Anza Trail crosses diverse terrain from Mexico, to Arizona, and into California. It is with deep sadness that the ATF has followed the news of the L.A. fires as they rage through trail terrain and decimate homes, affecting countless individuals. For those affected, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Please follow the link below for some great suggestions on how you can help during these devastating fires.

Southern California is experiencing massive wildfires that are burning thousands of acres. Here's how you can help from the Bay Area.

11/18/2024

Anza Trail Foundation board members and trails staff met on Saturday in beautiful Tucson. Trails advocates from across the country are gathering together this week for the Partnership for the National Trails Association 2024 conference.

✨️ We are coming up to a very special anniversary during the next two years.

👣 It will be the 250th anniversary of the historic Juan Bautista de Anza expedition which brought nearly 300 immigrants and 2,000 heads of livestock from northern Mexico through Arizona and California to found the city of San Francisco in 1775-1776.

👏 So, in preparation for this milestone, stakeholders in Mexico, Arizona, and California are getting ready with events and commemoration.

🤝 In this case, Borderlandia's director, Alex La Pierre, had the chance this past weekend to meet with his fellow board members on the Anza Trail Foundation for a strategic planning session in Tucson alongside Anza Trail Superintendent, Naomi Torres and trail staff Chirstopher Bentley and Estrella Sainburg.

❓️ Have you heard of the Anza Trail or hiked it? Comment below!

🌵 Borderlandia is a binational organization committed to building public understanding of the borderlands.

10/10/2024

Anza in the News:

Mayor and a councilmember are leading a private fundraising drive to repair the 1940 monument and add history panels for context, columnist David Allen writes.