Historic Roads of Olompali

Saturday, May 17

10:00 a.m. to noon

 

For thousands of years Olompali has been an important residence and a waypoint for travelers. In the 19th century it was a stop along El Camino Real connecting the missions at San Rafael and Sonoma. Author and historian Brian K. Crawford has researched the location of the original road and its several successors, using LIDAR, travelers’ accounts, and historical maps at the Maps and Special Collections annex of the California Room, where he works as a cataloger and archivist of tens of thousands of old maps of Marin. Consulting with archaeologists and historians, he has located the route of the road, which moved several times. Come join him to hear the results of his research!

 

We will walk to a beautiful overlook where the whole spread of the park will be before us, with San Pablo Bay and Mount Diablo in the distance. He will talk about the history of Olompali, the missions, the Russian settlements, and the various roads that passed through the area. On our return, we will walk in the footsteps of the Miwok, padres, rancheros, and soldiers as they traveled El Camino Real.

 

The walk is just over a mile, with a gentle slope and 150’ of elevation gain. There may be a muddy spot or two. Wildflowers will be out in profusion. Bring water and a hat.

 

Location: Start at the Olompali parking lot

 

Cost: There is no charge for the event, but parking is $8. Pay by cash, check, or via smart phone with QR code at the parking lot. No parking fee is charged if you borrow a free State Parks pass from your local public library.