Re: Regarding William, Gail, ( Auggie)

California Riding & Hiking Trail

In 1944, through the interest of many individuals a California Riding
and Hiking Trails Project Committee was established to initiate
development of a statewide trail system. The 1945 Legislature approved
the California Riding and Hiking Trail Bill which became Law under
Chapter 1469, Statutes of 1945, and signed by Gov. Earl Warren.

Responsibility for the project was placed with the California State
Park Commission. The plan called for a 3,000 mile trail, extending from
San Diego county near the Mexican Border, north through the Tehachapi
Mts. and Sierra Nevada to the Oregon Border and returning southward
through the Coast Range.

As much as possible the route was established over pre-existing trails
and dirt roads on public lands. State funds provided for construction
and helped to create jobs for returning war veterans. By 1962 a total
of 1,060 miles of trail had been completed. More of the trail was
completed after the 1968 Congressional dedication of the Pacific Crest
National Trail which utilized much of the same alignment.

Subsequent legislation provided for feeder trails extending from
communities and connecting public lands. Portions of the trail have
been incorporated into local and regional systems. Still, after sixty
years the continuous trail has not been completed.

For more info on the piece through the area we are all interested in, check out this trip report at the following link:

http://www.desertgold.com/park/hikes/crh.html