Historic Trails in Sweetwater County, WY
Visitors Learn About Pioneer History and Walk the Oregon Trail
Jan 22, 2009
Just outside Farson, Wyoming, visitors can see where the Oregon, California, Mormon and Pony Express trails come together before the “Parting of the Ways”, and even walk the actual trail. Wyoming has more miles of intact trail than any other state, with 400 miles managed by the BLM.
Oregon Trail
Oregon Trail pioneers on this six month trek from Missouri to Oregon found Wyoming to be the half-way point. It is estimated that 1 out of 10 pioneers never made it to their final destination. The trails are literally littered with graves, with graves found every 1/10 mile. Interpretive signs at the park give information on finding and interpreting the unmarked graves of the unknown emigrants. There are over 2,000 preserved diaries, military reports and government reports helping to shed light on lost pioneer ancestors. Many people come to find the grave of their ancestors, who died along the trail, using these diaries and reports for information.
At the Simpson’s Hollow stop along WY-28, visitors can walk the actual trail. The pullout is located on the right side of the highway at milepost 118. The actual trail is located about 200 yards away, marked by a concrete marker indicating the Oregon Trail, California Trail, Mormon Trail and Pony Express Trail. These markers can be found marking the trail throughout Wyoming.
Lombard Ferry/ Mormon Ferry Near Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge Entrance
During pioneer times, the Green River crossing was the most dangerous place in Wyoming, with 1 drowning per day. Pioneers crossed the river by ferry, loading it with oxen, people and all their goods. Some pioneers took a risk and attempted to ford the river themselves instead of paying the ferry fare.
The interpretive center is located near the entrance to the Seedsakee National Wildlife Refuge. The interpretive exhibits tell the history of this site, including a replica ferry. The center is wheelchair accessible. The site is also a good fishing spot for cut throat trout.
Auto Tour of the National Historic Trails
The Auto Tour Route takes visitors on a tour of the National Historic Trails of Southwest Wyoming. Many of the roads and highways follow the same path as the old trails. The tour consists of various BLM interpretive exhibits, highway pullouts and parks. Several side-trips are also available on maintained county roads. Interpretive publication guides for Wyoming trails are available from the BLM Rock Springs Field Office at 307-352-0256 and the Sweetwater County Joint Travel & Tourism Board.
Wyoming Historic Trails Driving Tips
Driving Wyoming's open roads is exciting and fun, yet there are some tips that visitors should take into account before setting off on their journey:
- Full tank of gas
- Watch for livestock and wildlife on roadways
- Bring a road map
- Cell phone coverage is limited
- Check vehicle tires, and carry a spare
- Take emergency kits containing extra water and food.
The interpretive sites of Sweetwater County are located along WY-28, many of which are easy pullouts along the road. Sweetwater County offers visitors many excellent recreational and learning opportunities in SW Wyoming.
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