Group Embarks on Inauguration Trek of Camino De San Francisco

Pilgrimage connects two California missions over two days

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Around 10 people, including a high school freshman, embarked on a two-day, 24.5-mile Catholic pilgrimage called the Camino de San Francisco, connecting the Mission San Rafael Arcangel in San Rafael to a mission in San Francisco. The trek was guided by faith, honor, and tradition.

Why it matters

The Camino de San Francisco is a new pilgrimage route that aims to connect the faithful between two historic California missions, reviving a tradition of spiritual journeys on foot in the region.

The details

The group began their trek with a moment of gratitude on the steps of the Mission San Rafael Arcangel before setting off on the two-day journey. One participant, a freshman at Junipero Serra High School named Alessandro Deleon, said he was doing the pilgrimage to get closer to God and stay active.

  • The group embarked on the Camino de San Francisco pilgrimage on February 23, 2026.

The players

Alessandro Deleon

A freshman at Junipero Serra High School who participated in the Camino de San Francisco pilgrimage.

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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 San Francisco)

The takeaway

The Camino de San Francisco pilgrimage represents a new effort to revive spiritual traditions and connect the faithful between two historic California missions, providing an opportunity for personal reflection and community building.