The California Trail Interpretive Center
Visitor Center ·
Managed by the National Park Service
- 5,015 ft
- Elevation
Between 1841 and 1869, up to 250,000 people sold their belongings, packed wagons, and set out for California. The California Trail Interpretive Center ,operated by the Bureau of Land Management, offers dioramas and interactive exhibits that immerse the visitor in the trail experience of those who endured the 2,000 mile trek.
Getting there
The California Trail Interpretive Center directions and information are available at https://www.nps.gov/places/the-california-trail-interpretive-center.htm.
40.76286, -115.93201 · 40°45'46.3"N 115°55'55.2"W
Typical weather
Typically 92°F in Jul, down to 38°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 43 | 53 | 60 | 70 | 82 | 92 | 90 | 80 | 66 | 50 | 38 |
| Low °F | 16 | 21 | 27 | 32 | 39 | 45 | 52 | 49 | 41 | 29 | 22 | 15 |
| Precip in | 1.2 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 1.2 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Member photos
Common questions about The California Trail Interpretive Center
- Can you reserve a site at The California Trail Interpretive Center?
- No. The California Trail Interpretive Center is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
Camping near The California Trail Interpretive Center
- Powerhouse Group Picnic Area 24.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Thomas Canyon 28.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Terraces Campground - Picnic Area 30.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- South Ruby Campground 46.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Angel Lake (Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, NV) 47.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Angel Creek (Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, NV) 49.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- California Trail Center less than 0.1 mi · Facility
- Angel Lake Campground 47.8 mi · Campground
- Jack Creek Campground 52.7 mi · Campground
Contact
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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