Last updated: January 23, 2023
Place
Redlum Spring, Utah
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Private land
Significance:
The last known water before the crossing of the Great Salt Lake Desert.
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
MANAGED BY:
Private - not open to the public
Redlum Spring, in the foothills of the Cedar Mountains, was the last known water before the crossing of the Great Salt Lake Desert. It was brackish, or "salty," and some livestock refused to drink. James Reed, of the 1846 Donner-Reed Party, wrote in his journal that Redlum Spring "ought to be avoided water not good for Cattle."
However, between here and the next water at Donner Springs lay some 65 miles of brutal desert. Ordinarily, ox-drawn wagons traveled about 20 miles per day. Emigrants traveled through the night across the desert to reach Donner Springs as quickly as possible.
Site Information
Location (Private land)
This site is on private land and is NOT open to the public. The Oregon and California Trails Association (OCTA) arranges limited tours, please contact OCTA for more information.