At the end of the trail

Monday found Monica and I searching for the end of the Overland Emigrant Trail. There was more than one trail named "The Overland Emigrant Trail," but the one we were following is generally considered one of the oldest, and most well known. Also called the Truckee Trail it weaves its way down the west slope of The Sierra Nevada all the way from Donner Pass, or Beckworth Pass to the south. Pictured is the trail the relief party took to rescue The Donner’s, Reeds, Murphy’s and others stranded in the deep snow at Donner Lake. The survivors made there way down this very trail seen in the above photo. You can look at the ruts at the top of the hill which were created by the thousands of emigrant wagons that once crossed over what would be one of the last hills to pass before finally reaching their destination, Johnson’s Ranch.

We took these photos at Far West Reservoir Road, just east of Wheatland, the town that grew up around Johnson's Ranch. There is also a stone monument you can see in the third photo with Monica. It is for Graham hotel, built in 1853, which served travelers until 1879. The emigrants that traveled this way were not looking for gold, like later arrivals. This trail was used mostly before the gold rush of 1849 by people just looking to start a new life. Once the emigrants and other travelers passed this spot, it was only a few miles to Johnson's Ranch and the end of the trail. Once at Johnson's Ranch an immigrant would either settle nearby or head off to another part of California to start a new life.

Our first "adventure" map!

One of our favorite drives is Auburn to Donner Lake via The Lincoln Highway. You can’t really travel all the way on The Lincoln, as much of it is bypassed, or has fallen into disrepair. We have mapped out what parts you can travel on, and what other alternatives will get you off the freeway. Sometimes freeway driving is the only way, but as soon as we can, we get off and travel on old Highway 40, which roughly follows The Lincoln.

The first incarnation of The Lincoln Highway often followed closely the old wagon roads and emigrant trails of the 19th Century. Where possible we have tried to map out historical markers pointing out these old trails, and actually mapping the trails so you can walk in the wagon ruts of our pioneers.

The entire trip from Auburn To Verdi, Nevada could be made in a day, but would require mostly driving without stopping much. We typically do the Auburn to Donner Lake, and back again in one day, with stops along the way! The section from Donner or Truckee to Verdi is a days worth fun, especially if you visit the town of Boca, which is a great ghost town to visit.

We mark the special historical spots with our logo (as seen above), so you can easily see them. When you “click” the logo either a photo or video explaining the significance of the location will pop up.

The maps are really best used on your portable media device, like a cell phone. The maps can be opened via Google Maps, showing you location and directions to the various places we visit. No longer do you have to figure out where you are on the map, and how to get to that place. It’s a boon for us history buffs!

We cannot make any guarantees as to the accuracy of this, or any map we produce. To the best of our knowledge they are up to date, and we change them as conditions warrant. Never the less, it’s up to you to decide whether to follow the map, or use your ‘gut instincts’ concerning these locations. We do not cross private property that’s marked, nor should you. Be respectful of the environment so these places and routes will stay open for us to explore.

The maps are located in our map section here.