Kurt Hegre

On The Trail Of Joaquin Murrieta

Each year a group of riders sets out on horseback to make a 62-mile pilgrimage to the spot where it is believed that Joaquin Murrieta was killed by California Rangers in 1853.

Murrieta is a legendary figure in California history who, depending on who one believes, was either a Robin Hood figure or a violent outlaw.

For three days each July, riders make their way across the farmland of Central California, stopping to camp and hold fiestas along the way. The journey ends with a ceremony at Cantua Creek, where Murrieta is thought to have been killed.

Three riders make their way across the west side of Fresno County during the annual Joaquin Murrietta pilgrimage.
   
Rider and horse near Madera.
   
Riders take a break near Firebaugh.
     
  
Riders hit the road after a stop near Firebaugh.
   
A boy and his horse rest in the shade after several hour of riding in 100 degree heat.
   
Along the route the riders are met with musicians who entice the horsemen to dance with the locals.
     
  
Father and son on their way to a fiesta in Three Rocks.
   
Lowrider meets horsemen in Three Rocks.
   
Corn husks near Kerman.
     
  
On the way to the dance in Three Rocks.
   
Members of a Mexican band take a break between songs at a festival in Three Rocks, California.
   
Dance, Three Rocks.
     
  
A couple dances in Three Rocks.
   
A rider arrives at the church inThree Rocks for the final night of the pilgrimage.
   
First Communion, Three Rocks.
     
  
Watering the horses at Cantua Creek.
   
Shooting squirrels, Cantua Creek.
   
Sig Christopherson, founder of the pilgrimage, releases a dove at the end of the ride in honor of Murrieta.
     
  
A lone dove rests on a riderless horse during a ceremony to honor Murrieta at the end of the ride.