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Mormon Pioneer National Historic TrailThe Mormon Pioneers passed through Echo Canyon not long after leaving Ft. Bridger, Wyoming on their way to the Salt Lake Valley.
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Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
Operating Hours & Seasons

The Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail is recognized as a nationally significant resource relevant to the westward expansion of the United States. Although administered by the National Park Service, it is not like a typical national park with borders. Rather, it is an historic "road" or route used by hundreds of thousands of emigrants between the mid 1840s and early 1870s as they made their way west to begin a new life or to seek their fortune.

Operating hours and seasons for trail resources and sites of interest along this 1,300 mile route vary with each site and facility. Many private and agency museums and interpretive centers exist from Illinois to Utah. Please visit the Links & Resources page for a listing of trail managers and contact information, as well as a bibliography of suggested reading materials.

Auto Tour Route Maps, which follow modern highways that approximate the historic route are available within this web site, and a list of Suggested Trail Sites to visit will enhance your trail experience.




Trail Partners & Information Resources:

State Travel & Tourism Information:





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Elkhorn River Crossing near Fremont, Nebraska.  

Did You Know?
The Elkhorn River, a few days from the Mormon Winter Quarters at Council Bluffs, was one of the first major water crossings encountered by the Mormons. In April 1847, several days were spent building rafts to ferry the first 72 wagons across the flooded river.
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Last Updated: August 02, 2006 at 14:52 EST