Group Embarks on Inaugural Camino de San Francisco Trek

The 24.5-mile Catholic pilgrimage connects two historic missions in the Bay Area.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Around 10 people, led by Father Christopher Iwancio, embarked on a two-day journey along the newly established Camino de San Francisco, a 24.5-mile Catholic pilgrimage connecting the Mission San Rafael Arcangel and Mission Dolores in San Francisco. The group walked about 15 miles on the first day, from the Mission San Rafael Arcangel to the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge, in celebration of the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi.

Why it matters

The Camino de San Francisco pilgrimage aims to connect people to their faith and the history of the region, following in the footsteps of Junipero Serra and St. Francis of Assisi. As a new tradition, it provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection and community building in the Bay Area.

The details

The group of around 10 people, including students from Junipero Serra High School, embarked on the inaugural Camino de San Francisco trek led by Father Christopher Iwancio. On the first day, they walked about 15 miles from the Mission San Rafael Arcangel to the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge. The full 24.5-mile pilgrimage connects the two historic missions, celebrating the 800th anniversary of the passing of St. Francis of Assisi.

  • The group began their journey on February 22, 2026 from the Mission San Rafael Arcangel.
  • The group reached the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge on the first day of their trek.

The players

Father Christopher Iwancio

The leader who guided the group on the Camino de San Francisco pilgrimage.

Alessandro Deleon

A freshman at Junipero Serra High School who participated in the inaugural trek.

Billy Byrnes

The Ministry Director at Junipero Serra High School who felt fortunate to be part of the inaugural Camino de San Francisco.

Cooper Smith

A student at Junipero Serra High School who participated in the trek and appreciated seeing the sites that Junipero Serra had visited.

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What they’re saying

“I'm doing this because I think it's a great experience where I can get closer to God, and just get active.”

— Alessandro Deleon, Freshman, Junipero Serra High School (CBS News)

“We are walking in the footsteps of Junipero Serra and following St. Francis of Assisi. We're basically walking from the Mission of San Rafael to Mission Dolores in San Francisco. We're celebrating the 800th anniversary of the passing of St Francis.”

— Father Christopher Iwancio (CBS News)

“This is a great connection between St. Serra and our students and our school. Also, this being the inaugural Camino de San Francisco, I really feel fortunate and blessed to be a part of that.”

— Billy Byrnes, Ministry Director, Junipero Serra High School (CBS News)

“You got to see a lot of sites that even Junipero Serra went on – a lot of places that have amazing views. It was all around amazing.”

— Cooper Smith, Student, Junipero Serra High School (CBS News)

“Take a walk with somebody. Take a walk with your neighbors and meet people. Try to meet the people who are around you. Maybe you might experience the world a little bit differently.”

— Father Christopher Iwancio (CBS News)

What’s next

The group plans to complete the full 24.5-mile pilgrimage by crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and finishing at Mission Dolores in San Francisco on Saturday.

The takeaway

The inaugural Camino de San Francisco pilgrimage provides a new opportunity for spiritual reflection, community building, and connection to the history and faith traditions of the Bay Area. By walking in the footsteps of Junipero Serra and St. Francis of Assisi, participants can deepen their own sense of purpose and appreciation for their local surroundings.