Distance: 3.3 miles out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: Less than 5% grade
Trail Highlights
The Mission La Purisima Loop Trail offers an adventure for both the mind and body. This trail takes you through the agricultural fields surrounding the mission, passing by historic features like a cistern that once irrigated the mission’s crops. At the 2-mile point, the trail connects with the historic El Camino Real, allowing visitors to loop back to the main mission complex. Here, you can explore the restored mission church, living quarters, administration buildings, workshops, and farm.
Trail Description
This 3.3-mile loop features a combination of dirt and paved surfaces with an average width of 8 to 10 feet. While the trail is mostly flat, the terrain can be uneven in some areas, and there is very little shade along the route, so proper sun protection is recommended. The park is home to California's most fully restored mission, with over 20 buildings and plenty of interpretive signs for a self-guided tour. Throughout the year, La Purisima Mission State Historic Park offers various events and craft demonstrations, often featuring costumed docents recreating the daily life of the early 1800s. The area is perfect for walking, birding, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and running. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be kept on a leash. The park features amenities such as a public parking lot, visitor center, museum, gift shop, farm, and restrooms. The parking fee is $8 per vehicle.
Directions
The trailhead is located at 2295 Purisima Road in Lompoc, California. From Highway 101 in Buellton, take Exit 140A for Buellton/Solvang (Highway 246) and head west. Continue for approximately 18 miles, passing the La Purisima Golf Course. After the golf course, take the second road on the right and follow Purisima Road for about 1 mile to the mission entrance on the right.
Learn More →
Healthy People Healthy Trails map: https://healthypeoplehealthytrails.org/maps/mission-la-purisima-loop-trail.pdf
Article in All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/la-purisima-trail
