A multi-agency committee convened by Supervisor Horsley is working towards designation of a new National Historic Trail along the route of Spanish explorer Portolá in time for the 250th anniversary of the 1769 expedition, which stumbled upon San Francisco Bay. A grant application has been made to the National Park Service for assistance in this effort, which will recognize 10,000 years of Native American settlement in San Mateo County, the impact of the Portolá Expedition, and opportunities to complete the California Coastal Trail.
The June 8, 2016, Trail Committee meeting featured a presentation on the history of Native American villages and trail network in San Mateo County by representatives of the Amah Mutsun and Muwekma tribes. The talk is also captured in the meeting minutes. There are maps (1 & 2) of “best guess” Portolá Expedition route, which followed Native American trails from village to village.
UPDATE 3/8/17: New name for the trail is Ohlone/Portolá Heritage Trail.
