The California Missions Trail Advent Pilgrimage
Santa Barbara to Ventura | December 11–13, 2026
Join COR, JPII Trails, and Jason Evert during the Advent season for a time of prayer, fellowship, and adventure as we journey together in anticipation of the birth of Our Lord and prepare our hearts to welcome Christ at Christmas. This experience will step into the footsteps of the early California missionaries on a 35-mile Catholic pilgrimage from Santa Barbara to Ventura, California.
Our journey follows a section of El Camino Real, AKA the Royal Road, which connects California’s historic Spanish missions. Beginning at Mission Santa Barbara, known as the Queen of the Missions, we’ll make our way south along the California coast, walking beaches, coastal paths, bluffs, and historic roads before finishing at Mission San Buenaventura in Ventura.
Over three days, we’ll cover just over 30 miles—around 9 miles on the first day, 14 miles on the second, and 10 miles on the third. On our first day, we’ll start the pilgrimage at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and walk through Summerland and end in Carpinteria and camp on the beach. On our second day we will continue along the coast through Rincon, Mussel Shoals, and camp at Faria Beach. Our final day will continue south along the coast and through Emma Wood State Park before arriving in Ventura at the Mission San Buenaventura.
But this is more than a long-distance hike. It is a pilgrimage. We’ll celebrate daily Mass, have opportunities for confession, and spend time in prayer, conversation, talks and discussion with Jason Evert. There is something powerful about stepping away from everyday life, walking together toward a common destination, and encountering God in the beauty of creation and the simplicity of the journey.
Come ready to hike, pray, learn, and grow in faith and friendship. Walk 30 miles. Camp along the California coast. Follow in the footsteps of the missionaries who came before us. Lastly, enter into Pilgrimage.
What to Expect
A Simple Pilgrimage Experience
This is intentionally a simple and humble pilgrimage rather than a luxury trip. Instead of hotels, we’ll stay at established campgrounds along the California coast, including beautiful locations near the beach. We’ll embrace the simplicity of pilgrimage through walking, camping, shared meals, prayer, and community.
Camping Gear, Clothing and Weather
COR will provide three-season tents, winter-rated sleeping bags, and inflatable sleeping pads, so you do not need to bring your own camping equipment, although you are welcome to do so. December on the California coast typically brings mild daytime temperatures in the mid-60s°F and cool nights in the low-to-mid 40s°F, with the possibility of rain, so come prepared for changing weather and cool nights while camping. Participants should bring comfortable walking/running/hiking or athletic shoes, outdoor clothing, a daypack, water bottle, and personal items appropriate for three days of coastal walking and camping. COR will provide a standard clothing and gear list after registration and, at no additional cost, offers rental items such as fleece jackets, raincoats, headlamps, and camp chairs that can be reserved after registration.
Flights
Fly into Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) on Friday, December 11, arriving no later than 9:00 a.m. COR will pick up the group and provide transportation throughout the pilgrimage.
For your return flight, plan to depart SBA no earlier than 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 13. We expect to arrive at the airport around 3:00 p.m., two hours before a 5:00 p.m. flight.
Meals
COR will provide all meals from lunch Friday through lunch Sunday. COR staff will prepare simple campground-style meals rather than restaurant dining, but they will be hearty, plentiful, and designed to keep you well-fed for the journey. You can provide any food allergies or dietary needs during registration.
Spiritual Programming & Mass
Jason Evert will provide the programming for the pilgrimage, rather than COR's standard spiritual programming. A priest will accompany the group and provide daily Mass and opportunities for confession, as well as join the community on the trail and throughout the pilgrimage.
Lightweight Packs & Vehicle Support
Participants will carry a lightweight day pack with clothing layers, a rain jacket, water, snacks, and other daily essentials. Overnight bags and camping gear will be transported between camps by a support vehicle. The vehicle will not travel alongside the group, but will provide gear transport so participants can walk with relatively light packs.
The Spirit of the Pilgrimage
The goal is not luxury. It is to step away from our normal routines, simplify life, make room for God, and experience the pilgrimage together. The beauty of the California coast, the challenge of the miles, daily Mass and prayer, and the community formed along the way are what make this experience special.
Location: Santa Barbara to Ventura
Dates: December 11–13, 2026
Cost: $995*
*Non-refundable 20% deposit at registration. Flights are not included in cost.