A Trail Into The Past:
"Experience The Oregon Trail"
The Emigrant Trail follows the same Bell Rapids Grade used by travellers along the Oregon Trail. Wagon wheel ruts are still visible at the upper trailhead. This guide is intended for use as you hike along this trail to get a sense of the difficulties these early emigrants to the western shores of continent had in travelling through the Hagerman area.
This trail will take you back in time to experience some of the conditions the emigrants faced as they crossed this expansive continent. This was the largest peacetime migration in the history of the world. The first migration of wgons through this area occurred in 1843 and the peak use of the Oregon Trail was in the 1850's. Emigrants continued to use the trail heavily into the 1860's.
This guide to "Experience the Oregon Trail" is similar to some of the guide books that emigrants purchased which described landmarks, and provided information to help them make the journey across the country. Like the emigrants, read ahead so you know what to anticipate when you travel the trail. The quotations are from journals written by the emigrants and soldiers who were here.
The text of this brochure should be read as you travel along the Emigrant Trail. A trail map is provided. A watch is helpful but not essential. If you intend to travel this trail by horseback, refer to the equestrian information. To retain the historic nature of this trail, bicycles and other vehicles are prohibited!
Before hiking, be sure to read the cautions on the trail head exhibit and Words of Caution section of this brochure; the U.S. Cavalry might not be along this month to rescue you!
Basic Information and Words of Caution
(Also See Trail Head Signs)
From the trail head across from the Snake River Overlook, it is about three miles one way to the end of this trail at the top of the bluff. To go only three miles, you will need two vehicles. Park one vehicle at the top of the grade at the Oregon Trail Overlook parking lot and return to the trail head. If you have only one vehicle, you will have to return along the same trail, making the trip six miles.
The trail is soft in places. Wear sturdy shoes for hiking. There is a vertical rise of about 500 feet, mostly toward the end. If you tire excessively before you reach the top of the bluff, you should probably return back down the canyon.
Please stay on the trail and do not go cross country. All travel is restricted to designated trails to protect the fossils. Remember, take only photographs. Do not pick flowers, other vegetation, or collect rocks or fossils. These are protected for the enjoyment of this and future generations.
Be prepared for sudden weather changes, such as thunderstorms or high winds. You can chill very quickly. There are no restrooms or water anywhere along the trail. Carry what you need.
There are rattlesnakes and scorpions in the Monument. They will leave if you give them the chance. Because they are part of the natural environment that the National Park Service is protecting, you must not kill them. If you are bitten or stung, stay calm, and have someone get help. There are also ticks, so check your clothing periodically and your body when you have completed the hike. Staying on the trail will help minimize these risks.
A Special Message for Equestrians
If you travel the trail on horseback, horse trailers cannot use the Snake River Overlook parking lot; there is insufficient room. Horseback riders must start this trip near the Oregon Trail Overlook at the top of the bluff. Please park in the dirt west of the gravel area. Please be sure your horses have been eating Certified Weed Free hay or cubes, as required by all of the National lands in Idaho. This will help prevent the introduction of noxious weeds in the Monument.
To get the full benefit of the wagon journel quotes in this brochure, ride down the trail from west to east until you reach the Register box near the Snake River Overlook. Then read the numbered segments of this brochure as you make the return trip.
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http://www.nps.gov/hafo/emiguide.htm
Last Updated: 24-Jun-1999