Old Mormon Wagon Trail (West)

Trail Overview

This trail is a combination of the westward extension of the Old Mormon Wagon Trail from Beaver Dam Wash as well as the extension of the Powerline Road that runs east of the wash. The two trails diverge at the eastern side of Beaver Dam Wash. This is another portion of the old Mormon wagon trail that was first mapped in 1847. The early pioneers were seeking a route to modern southern California to provide a means of gathering needed goods and supplies. The history of this trail is provided by the BLM website. This portion of the trail actually takes you toward what was originally called St. Joseph (now called Logandale, Nevada). This entire area is full of history and hardship as those who came here were unaware of the severity of the environment as they arrived to develop the land. On the northeast end of this trail, there is a white PVC cross near the trail as you get to the wash. Inside of that cross is the story of a family that learned of the dangers of this area with their lives. Be sure to stop and read the story.

Photos of Old Mormon Wagon Trail (West)

Want to see more?

Login

Difficulty

This is a relatively easy, well-maintained road. Portions of the road are used extensively by local ranchers and others traversing the area as a shortcut across the desert. There is limited cell service and so some caution is needed. This area can become extremely hot during the summer, there are no services, and water locations are extremely limited. Most of them are not potable or fit for human consumption.

History

In October of 1847, Jefferson Hunt, who had served in the Mormon Battalion in California, led a group of 18 men, 130 pack mules, and a single wagon to southern California to buy cattle, seed grain, and other needed goods. The party arrived in San Bernardino after 45 days of travel, having reportedly brought the first wagon over the Old Spanish Trail. The success of this expedition encouraged others to follow, including large numbers of prospectors and merchants "rushing" to the newly discovered gold deposits at Sutter's Mill in northern California during the winter months when the passes of the high Sierras would be impassable. Over time, the wagon road that developed was labeled on maps as the "Old Southern Road", the "Immigrant Road", or the "Old Mormon Road". By the first decade of the 20th century, early automobiles were traveling this same route and paved highways eventually replaced the wagon ruts. Taken from BLM Website.

Technical Rating