Junior Ranger

 
The cover of the california trail junior ranger booklet, with the title and the map of the United States, depicting the trail route from Missouri to California.
Click the image to access the Junior Ranger Program!

How to Become a Trail Junior Ranger

1. Download the Junior Ranger Program, print the program front to back, and fold it in half.

2. Complete the program using the official map and guide text (Look for: Download the text only trail brochure in large print) and/or use California Trail Junior Ranger Information.

3. Once you are done, Email us (at NTIR_Junior_Ranger@nps.gov) a photo of your completed worksheet. Be sure to include your full name and address in the email, in addition to the worksheet. We'll check your answers and send you an exclusive Junior Ranger badge!

Note: the "contact us" email, and the email listed above are NOT the same.

Or you can mail your worksheet to:
(expect a few weeks for response time)

National Park Service
National Trails
1100 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, NM 87505

 
A certificate that includes a junior ranger badge for students.
Students who complete the junior ranger worksheet will earn a certificate!

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For Teachers

Are you a teacher? Interested in your students becoming junior rangers?

1. Download, print, and have your students complete the junior ranger worksheet.

2. Follow the instructions listed above (email or mail) to submit the completed worksheets. (Please include your email address.)

3. A park ranger will check your student's worksheets and email official junior ranger certificates for your classroom!

(We apologize that due to the number of classroom requests, rangers can't send individual badges for participation. Thank you for your understanding.)

 
 

Other National Historic Trails

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National Historic Trails Junior Rangers

Become a junior ranger for another national historic trail.

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National Trails Office Regions 6|7|8

Learn more about national historic trails.

 

More ways to learn about the Trail

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Take a Deeper Dive into the Past

History and Culture

Do you want to know more about trail history and culture? Learn more about trail significance, the people, the places and the stories!

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Connect with Us!

View trail photo galleries, connect on social media, explore deeper on mobile apps, watch videos, and check out other digital media!

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NHT? What could that be?

What is a National Historic Trail?

Many folks wonder what a national historic trail actually is. Hear from trail staff about how we define these important parts of history.

Last updated: September 17, 2026

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

National Trails Office Regions 6, 7, & 8
California National Historic Trail
1100 Old Santa Fe Trail

Santa Fe, NM 87505

Phone:

N/A -N/A

Contact Us