The Portola expeition led by Gaspar de Portolà from July 14, 1769 to January 24, 1770 was the first known recorded attempt by Spain to explore Upper California by land. The purpose of the expedition was to secure bases in Upper California before the Russians. The plan was to establish a base in the Port of Monterey (now Monterey, California) as described by Sebastián Vizcaíno. The expedition consisted of 64 men in all, and approximately 200 horses and mules. The expedition started in San Diego on July 14 and returned on January 24, 1770 - failing to find the Port.