PÓMNIV

The Way To Go

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I have come to believe that somehow I am being led from place to place just to meet these incredible people! You may never see them again in your life, but there is something perfect about the bonds you make in those special random coincidental meetings.

Read Jim Ostdick's full letter here

You're part of the here and now, part of the daily experience of living life and of appreciating every moment.

Read Ilia Carson-Letelier's (Founder) full letter here

Walking means freedom. It’s primal, stretching the physical limits of heart and feet to become less cerebral creature and more wild animal. I love the remarkably simple, positively monotonous rhythm of my own footsteps; a soothing mantra that quiets the concerns of a spinning mind.

Read Anna Cody's full letter here

Walking for me is slow travel, slowed right down to its most basic form. It continues to amaze me that, one step after the next after the next, I actually cover very long distances, much longer than I could have imagined. What’s better, compared to other forms of travel, walking affords me a much deeper connection to the landscape and the villages and fields I journey through.

Read Magdalena Vanderkooy's full letter here

Participating in California history through hiking the El Camino is an exciting experience. It melds the past with the now and allows hikers of all abilities to be a part of the wonderful story of California.

Read Julie Larsen's full letter here

[Pómniv] covers all of the 21 California Missions from San Diego to the northern most mission, San Rafael Arcangel. Most of us have covered all of this or some of it by car and perhaps think we know it. But on foot it comes to life in a way that you could never imagine. It was my pleasure to spend four days walking with Ilia from the Santa Barbara Mission, Buena Ventura Mission and almost all the way to the San Fernando Mission. It was a blast from the neighborhood markets, unknown cafe/restaurants, the scenic serene back roads of Santa Barbara, the glorious vistas along the coast from Carpenteria to Ventura, traversing the Santa Susana Pass from Simi Valley to the San Fernando Valley and walking around and through in awe at the historical beauty of the missions themselves. If you have only half the enjoyment and pleasure that I had then you will feel that you had experience much more than you had hoped for.

Read Dan Curtis' full letter here

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A journey into the history, sights, and culture of CA.

Pómniv (meaning both 'trail', and "his/her/its past tracks" in the Luiseño/Payómkawichum/Pechanga Indian language) is an 800 mile historic urban and rural route. It can be completed at one time or in sections.

The route is educational, encourages people to exercise, provides mental well-being, and promotes creativity.

Multiple route choices.

With countless things to see and do, there's something for everyone! Visit the 21 CA Missions, walk through botanical gardens, ride a roller-coaster at Knott's Berry Farm, see where the Monarch Butterfly hibernates for the winter, eat fresh CA cuisine, dine in a multitude of ethnic restaurants, stay at historic hotels, and spend the night in an actual Mission.

Signage along the route keeps you informed of where you're headed. Our website provides up-to-date information on what to see, local restaurants, and where to spend the night. Future plans include digital experiences to keep you informed and entertained throughout the entire 800 mile long journey.

where to stay

As a Pómniv member, you'll get exclusive deals on hotels and be linked into home-stay partners like Servas. A bed and shower will be waiting for you at the end of each day.

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what to eat

Local diners, international treats, and fresh produce are found along the Pómniv route. Explore CA and see why so many people call this great state their home!