NPS Photo The Mormon Pioneer Trail closely followed the route taken by emigrants heading to the Oregon and California territories in the 1840s - 60s. In the early 1860s, the Pony Express mail service followed the Great Platte River Road across Nebraska and the Sweetwater River in Wyoming. When it reached the Salt Lake Valley, it continued across the deserts of the Great Basin and into California. The Mormon Pioneer, Oregon, California, and Pony Express are all designated as national historic trails. Although the Mormons tried hard to avoid contact with other emigrant travelers, at times they all crossed paths - sometimes by chance and sometimes out of necessity. You may find it interesting to look at these other trails and the stories and experiences they shared. Other Northern Trails Administered by National TrailsOther Trails Administered by National TrailsThese National Historic Trails are also administered by the National Trails office in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro and the Old Spanish Trail are co-administered with the Bureau of Land Management. |
Last updated: February 25, 2020