Lander Field Office

The Sweetwater Corridor of the Emigrant Trails

Four National Historic Trails (NHTs), the Oregon, Mormon Pioneer, California, and Pony Express, share the same corridor through central Wyoming known as the South Pass region. This portion of the trail corridor has special significance because it contains many miles of well-preserved trail and numerous nationally-recognized sites. In addition, the landscape surrounding this segment looks virtually the same as it did 150 years ago when the first emigrants passed through the area.

The trails facilitated a major part of the westward expandsion of the United States during the 19th century and area a major part of the colorful history of the Rocky Mountain west.

While much of the NHT corridor in Wyoming is undisturbed, some portions have been improved and are now two-track or graded roads. Other portions have been obliterated by highway construction. However, visible trail remnants can be seen from Independence Rock to Farson, Wyoming.

There are several ways to view the trail. Three highways traverse the segment's corridor. Highway 220 follows the corridor from Independence Rock to Muddy Gap Junction, Highway 287 follows it from Muddy Gap to Sweetwater Station, and Highway 28 parallels the segment from its crossing of South Pass to its end at Farson. In some places these highways cross the actual trails or closely follow them.

Important historical sites along the trail include Independence Rock, Devil's Gate, Split Rock, Ice Slough, Rocky Ridge, Willie's Handcart Disaster Site, South Pass, and Parting of the Ways. In addition to the above, there are numerous state stops, telegraph stations, militrary posts, and river crossings that played an important role in the history of the trails. Highway turnouts near many of the the sites contain interpretive markers and provide excellent vantage points from which to view the trail corridor and the surrounding countryside. 

For trail buffs with more time and interest in historic trails, side trips from the highway can be taken on graveled public roads near Jeffrey City, Sweetwater Station, and South Pass.

  • The Hudson-Atlantic City Road (BLM Road No. 2302) intersects Highway 287 six miles west of Sweetwater Station and continues southwest to the 19th-century mining towns of Atlantic City and South Pass City. This road is open from June through October. It is usually impassible due to snaow and mud for the remainder oft he year. The road closely follows the trail corridor and provides the visitor a view of the country as it was seen by 19th-century travelers.
  • The Agate Flat Road intersects Hwy. 287 eight miles east of Jeffrey City. Trail ruts can be seen less than one mile north of the highway. A concrete post marks the trail. There is no turnaround, however, for trailers or RVs on this road.
  • The South Pass Overlook is located along Hwy. 28 about five miles west of the Sweetwater River Rest Area. The site provides visual information about South Pass, Pacific Springs, and the Oregon Buttes. During the winter months only the sites along the highways are accessible.

For those trail buffs who will settle for no less than to travel the trail itself, that opportunity is indeed available, but considerable advance planning and knowledge, in addition to a 4x4 or other high-clearance vehicle, is advisable. To actually travel the trail, you must have an understanding of land ownership in the area and permission from the private landowner whenever traveling portions of the trails located on private lands. Contact the Lander Field Office for specifics on sections available for vehicle access.

Hiking or mountain biking are excellent low-impact ways to see and experience the trails. While there are no developed public camping facilities along the trail, there are two BLM campgrounds located near Atlantic City, about a mile from Highway 28, and one BLM campground on Green Mountain, 17 miles from Jeffrey City. Camping on undeveloped public lands near the trails is also allowed. Travelers need to provide their own water, food, and shelter when camping on undeveloped public land.

Visit the Trails and the National Historic Trails Interpretive CenterWhile the Bureau of Land Management encourages everyone to visit the trails and related historic sites, visitors need to remember that:

  • The public lands are used for many purposes such as livestock grazing and mining - please do not interfere with these legitimate uses.
  • The public lands should be used in a manner which leaves no trace so others also enjoy their lands.
  • Travel on the trails by commercial outfitters and large parties requires a permit from the BLM.
  • Snow or other inclement weather is possible at any time of the year.