What do you want to do out there?

On and after April 1, 2022 hikers continuing to Angels Landing from Scout Lookout are required to have a permit, obtained on recreation.gov.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day, Dawn, Dusk

Bicycling touring in Capitol Reef offers opportunities to explore paved and unpaved roads throughout the park. Explore colorful canyons, beautiful vistas of red rock country, and the verdant Fruita Historic District by bicycle.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day, Dawn, Dusk

The Colorado and Green rivers have played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Canyonlands. Boating is a great way to see the park from the bottom up, and affords boaters a unique perspective.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall

The Bryce Amphitheater Traverse is a one-way hike combining the Peekaboo Loop with the Queen's Garden trail. Hikers descend from Bryce Point, turning left (clockwise) on Peekaboo Loop and then connecting to the Queen's Garden trail to ascend to Sunrise Point.

Evening programs, typically offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day, offer topics that go beyond the rim! Check the calendar for daily times and locations. This is a Ranger’s Choice program offering an exploration into compelling stories, interesting themes, and unique resources that make Bryce Canyon special.

Best in summer · Dusk

Arches has no real "slot canyons" but does afford some unique on-rope opportunities.

Join a ranger for a 55-minute cave tour through the Timpanogos Cave system. Enjoy the cool, damp, air, marvel at the delicate, colorful, formations and learn about the million-year process that has created these unique caverns.

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Tour visitors meet at Visitor Center at times below to participate in the tour. Mid-October thru Late-April Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday - ONLY* 10:30 AM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM

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The Shafer Trail is a challenging, unpaved backcountry road for recreational users seeking the experience of a lifetime. High-clearance 4WD vehicles with a low range gear (4LO) are required. ATVs, OHVs, or UTVs are not permitted inside the park.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall

Entry to the Fiery Furnace is managed by permits and ranger-led tours to ensure the experience of solitude and wilderness.

The Fairyland Loop is a quiet 8 mile hike that combines hiking along the plateau rim near Boat Mesa with a hike in the canyon with long views of the Bryce Amphitheater surrounded by unique hoodoos. You can start this hike at Fairyland Point or on the rim trail north of Sunrise Point at the Tower Bridge trailhead. We recommend hiking in a counter-clockwise direction. There is no shuttle pick-up at Fairyland Point, so you will need to hike to your starting point.

The Figure-8 Combination combines three amphitheater hikes, Queen's Garden, Navajo Loop, and the Peekaboo Loop, into one ultimate hike! We recommend a clockwise direction descending Queen's Garden, connecting to the Peekaboo Loop (we recommend hiking it in a clockwise direction), and ascending either side of the Navajo Loop (Two Bridges in winter). From there you can complete the trail by hiking back to Sunrise Point along the Rim Trail.

There is one designated trail within the boundaries of Rainbow Bridge National Monument. It runs the length of the monument, from the boat dock on one side, to the border with the Navajo Nation on the other. We ask that you stay on this trail when you visit Rainbow Bridge for your safety and out of respect for the local Native American tribes that hold this place special to them.

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Typically offered year-round at sunset as weather permits. Those planning to join a ranger-led full moon hike at Bryce Canyon National Park can make reservations online via Recreation.gov. Tickets for each month’s hike are released in two phases, 14 and 5 days in advance.

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Are you a "Passport to Your National Parks" cancellation collector? Bryce Canyon has a cancellation stamp to commemorate your visit in your passport book.

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Get to know the South (Waterpocket) District on foot by hiking an easy trail or strenuous backcountry route. Many of these hikes are accessible only by unpaved roads.

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1.5 mile hiking trail that showcases construction techniques for the transcontinental railroad.

The Holly Trail (8 miles, roundtrip) offers the chance to explore away from roads and busier trails and stretch your legs with a longer hike. Gain new perspective as you traverse a canyon floor, squeeze through slot canyons, and take the long way around. At the end, your reward is reaching the towering remains and petroglyphs at the Holly Group.

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The South Rim Trail is the a moderate to hard trail, featuring several different scenic viewpoints.

Best in summer · Day

Explore the ancestral Pueblo world with a hike around the Square Tower Group. Follow the two-mile, primitive loop trail along the canyon rim to see the famous Square Tower, Hovenweep Castle, and eight other standing structures. A trail guide offers insight into the ancestral Puebloan lifestyle. Just steps from your vehicle, you can enjoy sweeping vistas and ancient dwellings.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day

Canyonlands has hundreds of miles of hiking trails which explore the park’s natural and cultural features. Both Island in the Sky and The Needles provide ample opportunities for short walks, day hikes and backpacking trips. Due to its remoteness, The Maze is primarily a backpacking destination.

Typically offered year-round at Sunset Point at 11 a.m. Geologists have spent years studying the unique geologic story of Bryce Canyon and its amphitheaters of hoodoos. Join the Ranger along the rim at Sunset Point to explore the evolution of the hoodoos and the groups of people who have passed through this magical terrain.

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The moderate, 2.0 mi (3.2 km) Kayenta Trail follows the Virgin River before ascending to the Lower and Upper Emerald Pool Trails. Provides panoramic views of Zion Canyon along the way. Long drop-offs are present along this trail. You can either return on the same trail, or make a loop using one of the Emerald Pools trails. Water and restrooms are available at The Grotto.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk

The La Verkin Creek Trail to the Kolob Arch allows hikers outstanding opportunities for solitude in a primitive area of Zion Wilderness. The trail begins at Lee Pass with stunning views of the Kolob Canyons as it crosses Timber Creek and continues to descend toward La Verkin Creek. After seven miles a spur trail leads hikers to a viewpoint where they can see the Kolob Arch.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk

Experience the wonder of classic Victorian steam locomotives and be transported back in time to 1869 when America was newly united the world's first transcontinental railroad. The locomotives will run along approximately two miles of the historic grade where visitors will have the opportunity smell, hear, see and feel the power of these historic machines.

Best in summer · Day

Lower Emerald Pool trail is a rough, paved trail that leads through pinyon-juniper woodland to the Lower Emerald Pool and ephemeral waterfalls.The pools are fragile and an essential water source for wildlife. Do not go into the water. Connects to the other Emerald Pools trails and the Kayenta Trail. Avoid cliff edges. Swimming is not permitted. Restrooms and water filling stations are available at the Zion Lodge.

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Middle Emerald Pools Trail is a moderate hike along an unpaved sandstone ledge above the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. The initial ascent is quite steep, bringing you to expansive views of main Zion Canyon below. Further along the trail, tucked into the red sandstone of the mountain, enjoy the shade and flora of pinyon-juniper woodlands. The trail then descends to emerald-colored pools of water above the small ephemeral waterfalls of Lower Emerald Pool Trail.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk

The iconic Navajo Loop Trail begins and ends at Sunset Point. Its switchbacks wind between narrow walls of colorful limestone with views of towering Douglas-fir trees and the park's most famous hoodoo: Thor's hammer. The loop has two sides: Two Bridges and Wall Street. The Two Bridges side is open year-round, however, the Wall Street side is closed during the winter months. During this time Two-Bridges can be hiked as an out-and-back trail or combined with other trails.

Combine two of our most iconic trails, the Navajo and Peekaboo Loop trails, into a a mini Figure-8 combination loop. Start the hike at Sunset Point, descend down either side of the Navajo Loop (Two Bridges in winter), connect to the Peekaboo Loop (we recommend hiking it in a clockwise direction), and ascend Navajo back to Sunset Point.

Enjoy a picnic in Capitol Reef National Park! In the Fruita Historic District, look for the Doc Inglesby and Chesnut picnic areas, as well as tables and a water fountain near the Gifford House. At the end of Capitol Gorge Road, off the Scenic Drive, there are covered picnic tables as well as a pit toilet.

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The Queen's Garden Trail is the least difficult of the trails descending from the rim into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater. Hike this out-and-back trail to the Queen Victoria hoodoo at the end of a short spur trail and experience the splendor of hiking amongst the hoodoos. This trail is commonly combined with the Navajo Loop to create a 2.9 mile round trip trail where you can descend at Sunrise Point and ascend at Sunset Point.

Our most popular hike in the park and the one we most recommend to first-time visitors. The Queen's/Navajo Combination Loop combines the open views and unique hoodoos of the Queen's Garden Trail with the iconic switchbacks and towering canyon walls of the Navajo Loop Trail. Descend Queen's Garden at Sunrise Point, ascend the Navajo Loop to Sunset Point, and then complete the loop back to Sunrise Point via the Rim Trail, enjoying views into the Bryce Canyon Amphitheater below.

The Riggs Spring Loop is a backcountry trail that begins and ends at Yovimpa Point. This trail travels through spruce, fir, and bristlecone forests offering beautiful views of distant cliffs. The western section of the trail is steeper and more heavily forested. Permits are not required to hike this trail, but all overnight stays require a permit.

Typically offered Memorial Day through Labor Day at Sunset Point at 2:00 p.m. Join a Ranger and experience the enchantment of the hoodoos, the history of the people who have passed through the amphitheaters for thousands of years, and the many ways the animals and plants have adapted to the unique ecosystems of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Best in summer · Day

Most climbing routes in the park require advanced techniques. Climbing is not allowed on any arches or certain named features, such as Balanced Rock.

The Sand Bench Trail travels atop the remains of an ancient rockfall. This trail leads hikers along the Virgin River and then ascends a landslide that dammed the Virgin River 8,000 years ago and created a lake that extended to Angels Landing. This trail is a commercial horse trail from March to October, and it receives little shade in the hot, summer sun. Winter travel is possible, but watch for patches of ice.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk

Take Capitol Reef's Scenic Drive, and experience colorful cliffs and deep narrow canyons from the comfort of your vehicle.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk

Follow Cathedral Wash trail as it climbs down to meet the Colorado River on its sandy bank. The 3 miles (4.8 km) round-trip challenging hike descend into the rocky wash, traveling through the Kaibab Limestone and Toroweap Formations of the Grand Canyon Group. Some rock scrambling required.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day

Bryce Canyon is a sanctuary for natural darkness. Bryce Canyon's skies are so dark, that in 2019 the park was designated as a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park. Since the park is open 24 hours a day, whether you head off to a viewpoint yourself or join a night sky ranger program, we welcome you to the dark side!

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Night

Capitol Reef protects extremely dark night skies, and is a wonderful place to stargaze.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Night, Dawn, Dusk

Arches National Park and the surrounding Colorado Plateau offer some of the darkest night skies remaining in the United States. You can enjoy the park after dark by viewing spectacular night skies.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Night

Rangers occasionally lead stargazing programs and events at parks throughout southeast Utah. Learn about what to expect and check out a schedule of stargazing events at Arches and Canyonlands national parks and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges national monuments. Even when formal programs are not offered, people are welcome to enjoy the parks after dark on their own.

Best in summer · Night

The Rim Trail hike meanders along the rim of the iconic Bryce Canyon Amphitheater, giving you views of the hoodoos below. This portion of the Rim Trail, from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point, is the only paved section of this trail and is the easiest walk in the park. Pets are allowed on this trail but must remain on paved surfaces.

Swamp Canyon appears relatively small and sheltered from the overlook, allowing the viewer to develop a more intimate connection with the landscape than some of the grander viewpoints in the park. The Swamp Canyon Loop, which starts at the viewpoint, is more rugged than the Bryce Amphitheater trails, taking hikers into a more forested backcountry hike. There is less signage on this hike and hikers are encouraged to carry a map.

Kolob Canyons hike. Follows the Middle Fork of Taylor Creek past two homestead cabins to Double Arch Alcove. Group size limit on Wilderness trails is 12 people.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk

Follows a ridge to views of Timber Creek, Kolob Terrace, and the Pine Valley Mountains.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk

Upper Emerald Pools Trail is a moderate, 1 mile (1.6 km) trail that can be accessed via the Kayenta Trail, Lower Emerald Pools Trail, or Middle Emerald Pools Trail. Climb up stone steps to a sandy path that leads through pinyon-juniper woodlands to the base of towering canyon walls which boast majestic, seasonal waterfalls. The trail ends at the sandy shore of Upper Emerald Pool. No swimming.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk

Dinosaur has been recognized as an International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Skies Association. Much of the monument provides opportunities to view the night skies. The Split Mountain Campground has a designated night sky viewing area and is where the monument hosts night sky viewing programs.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Night

From 600 to 1300 C.E., native people of the Fremont Culture made their home at Capitol Reef. Petroglyphs carved into the Wingate sandstone remind us of their time.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day

Take a paved trail to this canyon overlook and see what Hovenweep has to offer! Sweeping views of sage country and ancestral Puebloan structures are just yards away from the visitor center. This trail is perfect for any season or time of day and for anyone hoping to get a good view of Hovenweep without much time or distance.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk

Watch the sunset from various scenic points in Capitol Reef. Take an easy stroll or a strenuous hike as the sun goes down. Don't forget to bring a headlamp.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day, Dusk

Short but steep! From the parking area, you'll cross the bridge and head to the left onto a paved trail to Weeping Rock. Along the way, look for small trailside exhibits and watch for minor drop-offs. The trail ends at a set of steps leading you to a rock alcove with dripping springs.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk

The strenuous West Rim Trail ascends ~1,000 ft (305 m) to Scout Lookout, high above the canyon floor. Hikers cross the Virgin River and then ascend a series of steep switchbacks along the canyon wall. The trail flattens out as it enters Refrigerator Canyon, offering relief from the heat and elevation gain of the previous segment, but resumes the climb shortly afterward at Walter’s Wiggles: a series of 21 switchbacks that leads hikers to Scout Lookout.

Best in winter, spring, summer, fall · Day, Night, Dawn, Dusk

Western National Parks (WNP) is a partner of the National Park Service. WNP supports the ongoing preservation and interpretation efforts at Golden Spike National Historical Park. In addition to various books and educational materials the Park Store offers bottled water and snacks.

Dwelling for ferry costumers and operators Built Winter 1913-14 Only a ruin remains of the small stone cabin available to travelers staying overnight. The ruin with two stone fireplaces was home to Ferryman Frank Johnson, son of previous ferryman. The trail ends here, through intrepid fisherman tread a faint path beyond.

Description of Wayside: Low-profile wayside that is 42 x 24 inches. It has a brown rectangular base with two short rectangular pillars anchored into a stone wall supporting the wayside panel. The panel is framed in brown metal. The wayside is located at the far northern end of the North Overlook Trail overlooking the North Platte River. Wayside Layout : At the top of the wayside is a thin black banner with white text. Aligned to the left is "Scotts Bluff National Monument". Aligned to the right is the text "National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior," and finally the National Park Service arrowhead. The title of the wayside is below the black banner in large black font. The panel has a light blue background. Black text is arranged in three columns on the upper half of the wayside. Below the text are three images. Wayside Title : Two Sides of the River Text: The Platte River served as a buffer between people. Emigrants followed the Platte River for up to 650 miles (1,046 km) depending on where they first joined it. Many traveled on the south side while others stayed on the north side. What determined their decision? Usually it was a matter of where they started along the Missouri River. If they began their journey south of Council Bluffs, they stayed on the south side of the river. For those who embarked from Council Bluffs, as did most Mormons, the north side was their route. Traveling on the north side of the river also reduced the amount of harassment from non-Mormon “Gentiles.” Council Bluffs Road, the early name for the trail, served most of the Mormon emigrants as the path to Zion. To escape persecution in the States, Brigham Young, the leader of the church, decided that the valley of the Salt Lake in Utah Territory was far enough from other settlements to be safe. Handcart companies were formed to accommodate European converts with little money to cross the continent. For each group of approximately 20 handcarts, one covered wagon carried extra supplies and tents. The wagons also served as traveling commissaries, transporting food for the emigrants’ meals. Of the 70,000 Mormons who crossed the country to Utah, ten handcart companies brought almost 3,000 emigrants to Utah from 1856 through 1860. Each side of the river had its challenges. Since the forts were built on the more-heavily traveled south side of the Platte River, people on the north side had to make dangerous river crossings to visit the forts. Larger numbers on the south side meant poorer sanitation, more disease, and more competition for grazing and campfire fuel. What determines your route when you travel? Image: A watercolor painting of a large group of emigrants crossing a river. Some of the emigrants push handcarts, while others walk beside covered wagons being pulled by oxen. Image Caption: This watercolor shows the mix of handcarts and covered wagons that made up a typical handcart company. Credit: “Mormon Party near Fort Bridger” by William Henry Jackson; Scotts Bluff National Monument Collection Image: Two women push a handcart with a small cover protecting its contents. Image Caption: A handcart was pushed rather than pulled, since the crossbar was pushed against. Credit: NPS Photo. Image: The cover of a book titled "Book of Mormon." Image Caption: Joseph Smith organized the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints after producing the Book of Mormon. Credit: Frontispiece of the 1830 “Book of Mormon.”

Big Fill and Big Trestle Site This leisurely walk will allow you to see many of the details of railroad construction close-up. Look for drill marks in the deep cuts. These long, straight scars from 1869 are silent testimony to the hurdle over the mountains. You are walking on the Central Pacific grade that was maintained by the railroad from 1869-1942. Early in World War II, steel was needed for the war effort and tracks here were pulled up and scrapped. The Union Pacific grade to your right was used for less than a year after the railroad was completed. When the station was moved from Promontory to Ogden, the Central Pacific relocated the tracks to the grade they constructed, leaving the Union Pacific grade to the elements. When building grade across the gully, a rock fill was preferred to constructing a wooden trestle. A fill took longer to build but was easier to maintain and was more durable. This "Big Fill" was built and named by the Central Pacific. However, the Union Pacific was pressed for time and chose a trestle for this site. Only thirty-two days were needed for construction but it produced a rickety structure at best. When the Central Pacific took control of the mainline between Promontory and Ogden, they moved the track to their own grade and abandoned the trestle. Most of the lumber was take for use elsewhere and within a few years only the rock fill abutments remained.

The 1864 Uprising was a series of American Indian raids made by the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes in an attempt to drive emigrants from their lands. A Nebraska State Historical Society interpretive marker provides more information about these raids. There is also a granite marker a half mile to the mile north across the Little Blue River. From the state marker, look east toward the hillside to see a series of parallel wagon ruts heading toward your location. These wagon ruts, which are on private property, are remnants of the Oregon Trail. The sign reads, "1864 Indian Raids. During the Civil War, many regular troops were withdrawn from Plains military posts to fight in the east. The Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho, seizing this opportunity, attempted to drive white settlers from their land. Beginning on August 7, 1864, the Indians made concerted attacks on stage stations and ranches along the Oregon Trail, hitting nearly every settlement for 400 miles from Julesburg to Big Sandy. Travel ceased for two months. The most severe attacks were along the upper Little Blue River where about 100 people were killed. Several died at Oak Grove, but others escaped and Pawnee Ranch was successfully defended. At 'the Narrows' the Eubanks families were attacked and seven killed. Mrs. Eubanks, two children and Miss Laura Roper were taken prisoner and held captive for months. Teamsters were killed, wagon trains burned and ranches were smashed or burned. Settlers fled east to Beatrice and Marysville or northwest to Fort Kearny on the Platte for protection. Troops and local militia companies attacked and drove back the Indians in the battle of the Little Blue on August 17, 1864. Major raids ceased but skirmishes continued through the fall." Site Information Location (State Highway 14 near Nelson, Nebraska) Safety Considerations More Site Information Oregon National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Pony Express National Historic Trail

“The prisoners are all kept in the basement room, which contains no furniture. The basement is not warmed. The prisoners have no light.” – Post Surgeon H. S. Schell In winter, temperatures in this guard-house jail could reach twenty below. Inmates had only their blankets, and a bucket for sanitation. Soldiers were incarcerated for disobedience, fighting, drunkenness, and criminal conduct. Other punishments included fines, extra duty, and a dose of pain and humiliation. Flogging had been abolished only recently, but a few deserters were tattooed. “December 3rd, 1868: The Commanding Officer directs that you have Privates John Wright, …George Smith, … and Lewis A. Gordon, … to be indelibly marked on the left hip with the letter ‘D’ one and one-half inches in length.” In the corner are two tiny cells for solitary confinement. Violent or refractory prisoners stayed in these cells for days, wearing iron shackles that a blacksmith riveted around their ankles.

. Across the Laramie River, beyond the trees, is a sweeping field. In 1868, this field was the setting for a solemn ceremony, at an unprecedented moment in Fort Laramie’s history. Led by the Lakota chief Red Cloud, delegates from several tribes me there with United States representatives to negotiate a peace settlement: the second Treaty of Fort Laramie. The terms required Indians to live on “agencies,” or reservations, ending their traditional, nomadic way of life. In return, the United States would keep settlers out of Indian lands, particularly the Dakota Territory’s Black Hills – sacred to the Lakota. The hard-won peace ended in 1874, when gold was discovered in the Black Hills. Each time the army removed miners, more simply took their place. When the United States government tried to purchase the territory, Lakota war chief Little Big Man denounced the offer. Actor’s Voice: Little Big Man – “I will kill the first Indian who speaks favorably to the selling of the Black Hills!” Now turn away from the river, and face the fort. As Indians left the reservations, President Ulysses S. Grand issued them an ultimatum: return, or face military action. This set the stage for the Great Sioux War. Fort Laramie prepared for combat. Actor’s Voice: Elizabeth Burt – “In the spring of 1876, a startling order was received directing that every available man be prepared for field service; the post was to be stripped of every soldier not absolutely necessary for its protection. Other commands were to combine with this one, … to make a summer campaign against Chief Sitting Bull. …With aching hearts we watched the soldiers march away while the band played, ‘The Girl I left Behind Me.’ So many times have I listened to that mournful tune played when a command marches out of garrison to take the field. This time we knew so well there was to be fighting to the death.” - Elizabeth Burt Most of the Indians associated with Fort Laramie belonged to the Great Plains nations. The dominant tribe was the Lakota, sometimes called the Sioux. Two other tribes also frequented the area: the Cheyenne and Arapaho. By the 1850’s emigrants, crossing the plains threatened the buffalo population. Hostility between Indians and emigrants sometimes ended in bloodshed. The U.S. Army came to Fort Laramie to protect its citizens, and negotiate their safe passage with local tribes. The first Treaty of Fort Laramie in 1851 controlled contact between Indians and whites, and paid the tribes annually in food and manufactured goods. This peace collapsed when the army built forts in Indian Territory, along the Bozeman Trail to the north. Lakota war chief Red Cloud forced the army to negotiate peace terms – making him the only Indian leader recognized as winning a war against the United States. In 1868, the second Treaty of Fort Laramie closed the Bozeman Trail, and made other concessions. In return, the Indians agreed to confine themselves to large reservations. But in 1876, continued friction over territory and the loss of the Black Hills sparked the Great Sioux War. Fort Laramie became a staging area for campaigns to end Indian resistance on the Northern Plains. The war was costly for both sides. Eventually, most tribes returned to their reservations, or were starved into surrender. The war was over. The buffalo were gone. This was no longer Indian territory. Actor’s Voice: Red Cloud – “They made us many promises, more than I can remember, but they kept just one. They promised to take our land – and they took it.” – Red Cloud, Lakota

This 2,000-foot trail segment, located on the property of the Hickman Mills School District, begins just northeast of the district’s administration building (at 9000 Old Santa Fe Road, near Eastern Avenue). No ruts or swales are visible, and the exact route along this corridor is not precisely known, but it passes to the north of the building and follows a gently meandering route that ends near the corner of 91st Street and Old Santa Fe Road. Site Information Location (The segment begins northeast of the district administration building at 9000 Old Santa Fe Road, Kansas City, MO) The trail segment includes a developed walking trail, interpretive exhibits, and wagon silhouettes on Hickman Mills School District property. It also connects to a large, two-mile-long trail project. Safety considerations Santa Fe National Historic Trail Oregon National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail

On June 14, 2009, a lightning strike started the Bridge Fire that burned 3,947 acres in Bryce Canyon National Park and Dixie National Forest. Years of fire suppression had created a crowded, diseased, and less diverse forest. As the fire, a natural agent in the ecosystem, moved through this area, the forest was reborn. After the fire, nutrients were recycled back into the soil, sunlight reached the ground, and a variety of species returned. It may look like destruction, but a closer look reveals new growth. Fire plays an essential role in forest health and regeneration.

In 1933, during the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) providing employment for young, unmarried men. From 1934–41, at Bryce Canyon National Park the CCC planted trees and shrubs, built and improved roads and trails, developed campgrounds, paved parking lots, and provided insect control. At Rainbow Point, they built the overlook structure and the Under-the-Rim Trail. Their hard work created many improvements—a lasting legacy—enjoyed by visitors today.

These hand-painted signs on the side of a cliff in Echo Canyon, Utah, advertised Salt Lake House, a popular hotel in downtown Salt Lake City (opened in 1911), and artists W. I. Wolverton (1885) and J.A. Finch (1875). The signs were intended to drum up customers who needed lodging or desired a portrait or artistic memento of their visit. They post-date the emigrant trails era but probably were seen by passengers traveling on the transcontinental railroad. To find the site, look for Summit County Tour sign No. 4 on the south side of Echo Canyon Rd, facing traffic approaching from the I-80 Echo Interchange. There is no formal turnout, but the road shoulder is wide enough for parking. Look up at the base of the cliff where spalling of the rock has created a slight alcove. The faded white letters can be hard to spot during some natural lighting conditions. Site Information Location (Echo Canyon Rd, a frontage road parallel to I-80, about 1 mile northeast of the I-80 Echo Interchange. GPS viewing location 40.990657 -111.411403) Safety Considerations Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail

This additional parking lot is located just southeast of the Visitor Center and is reached by taking the first left turn past the entrance Fee Booths. Parking at the Visitor Center is limited to 1 hour and trailers and RVs over 23 feet (7 meters) in length are restricted from parking in the Bryce Amphitheater area during shuttle hours. This parking lot provides a location for all-day parking and an ideal location to park if one intends to ride the park shuttle (mid-April to mid-October). A crushed stone path at its northwest corner leads to the northbound Visitor Center shuttle stop and a crosswalk leading to the Visitor Center. To the southeast, the parking lot links to the Shared-Use Path adjacent to the kiosk for North Campground .

Built in 1885, the Administration Building served as the Fort Laramie Headquarters. It also served as the post theater and school. Looking at the interior of the north wall, there is a visible section that shows the marks from wood planks used to make the forms when the concrete was poured. Like many other buildings at Fort Laramie, when this building was sold at public auction, it was stripped of its timber that would be used in construction elsewhere in the vicinity.

At Agua Canyon two prominent hoodoos command attention. On the left, is the taller of the two towers, "The Hunter." To the right is a hoodoo commonly referred to as the "Rabbit" or alternatively the "Backpacker." In the early years of Bryce Canyon National Park a great effort was made to name many of the more prominent hoodoos. Over the years many of these have fallen or partially fallen so that they look nothing like the things they were originally named for. As a result hoodoos are no longer being named and many of the more obscure names are being dropped from newer publications. The good news is that you, the park visitor, now have the liberty to exercise your own creativity. Is the rabbit a backpacker or maybe even a thumb? It's up to you to decide. Let your imagination run! Trails No trails depart from this area. The Agua Connecting Trail in indefinitely closed due to rockslides and extremely unstable conditions. Under-the-Rim Trail in this area is best accessed from Rainbow Point or Whiteman Connecting Trail. Landscape Features To the Southeast Navajo Mountain still looms on the distant horizon over 80 miles (129 km) away near Page, Arizona. Called a laccolith, Navajo Mountain can be thought of as a volcano that never quite happened. As the Colorado Plateau was uplifted over the last 20 million years, a plume of molten rock moved upward from deep inside the Earth causing a swelling much like a large blister. Unlike a volcano, Navajo Mountain never blew its top and so the plume cooled slowly, creating the hard core of the mountain that still exists today. By following the eastern horizon you may be able to see the southern tip of the Kaiparowits plateau, which is separated from Navajo Mountain by the Colorado River within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. To the East Tall, charismatic hoodoos are visible nearly at eye level from this view. These are created from the iron-rich mudstones and limestones of the park's Claron formation through repeated freeze/thaw cycles. Note the presence of limber pines (Pinus flexilis) atop the hoodoo known as "the Hunter", likely cached there as seeds by a Clark's nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana). The Paria Valley and the upper steps of the Grand Staircase exposed within it present most of the view beyond. Across the valley, the Table Cliff plateau stands at 10,000 feet (3048 m) and is composed of the same Claron formation (or "Pink Cliffs") as Bryce Canyon's hoodoos. This difference in elevation is due to the presence of the Paunsaugunt fault--a major normal fault that runs northeast to southwest along the park's eastern boundary. Uplift of the Colorado Plateau over the last 20 million years is responsible for the nearly 2,000 feet (607 m) of elevation difference expressed by this fault. Below these Pink Cliffs, observe the shale-rich badlands of the Grey Cliffs slowly transform to the sometimes iron-rich sandstones of the upper White Cliffs. Kodachrome State Park is located in this transition zone. Almost the same distance to Navajo Mountain in the southeast, the Henry Mountains can be seen on days with good air quality, 86 miles (138 km) away beyond the eastern horizon. Like Navajo Mountain, these too are laccoliths--or plumes of molten rock that warped the rocks above them, but never broke through as a volcano would. As with the terrain of Capitol Reef National Park, which lies just in front of these peaks, millions of years of erosion have now occurred, and at the Henry Mountains it has removed the overlying rock and exposed the hard igneous cores within these mountains. To the North Observe the eroded edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, punctuated by bowl-shaped amphitheaters. To the West The rolling ponderosa forest of the Paunsaugunt plateau is deeply incised here by water travelling north to the Tropic Reservoir. The direction of flow is decided by the plateau's upward tilt to the south and has created a rain divide between the Great Basin of Nevada and the Colorado River that follows the edge of this plateau.

Antonio Maria Lugo and Juan Bandini established the San Bernardino and Jurupa ranchos on former Mission San Gabriel property in the 1830s. By offering land, they convinced a group from Abiquiu, New Mexico, to travel along the Old Spanish Trail and settle on the upper Santa Ana River and serve as a buffer against raiders and outlaws along the trading route from Santa Fe to Los Angeles. The emigrants first colonized Politana on the Rancho San Bernardino in 1842. Ten of these families, led by Lorenzo Trujillo, moved from Politana to 2,000 acres on the “Bandini Donation” on the east side of the river, on the northern boundary of the Jurupa Rancho. This village was known as “La Placita de los Trujillos”, later called La Placita. A second group moved to the west side of the river at Agua Mansa, and by 1845 the twin communities were firmly established. Farmsteads were laid out, an extensive irrigation system was dug, and grapes, grain, vegetables, and fruit trees were planted. Horses, sheep, and cattle were pastured on the mesa to the southeast, at present-day Riverside. Agua Mansa flourished until January 1862, when a great flood filled the Santa Ana River from bluff to bluff and destroyed the west bank community, leaving only the cemetery, the chapel, and Cornelius Jensen’s adjoining store, built in 1854. Most of the homes in La Placita were also damaged or destroyed. Although rebuilt, the farming community never regained its importance. The coming of the railroad, the rise of the cement industry, and the expansion of the citrus industry drew people away from these two farming communities. La Placita was a recognized community of Riverside until 1926. The Trujillo cantina closed in World War II, and the last burial in the cemetery occurred in 1963. La Placita’s first church was a brush-covered enramada (bower or arbor). A permanent adobe church was built near the river bank in 1852; it collapsed in quicksand the day after the last row of adobe bricks was placed. Work on a third church, this time on the Agua Mansa side of the river, started immediately. The 11′ by 58′ chapel was completed in 1853 and dedicated in 1857 as “San Salvador”. The chapel withstood the 1862 flood, although the water rose to its steps. In fact, the ringing church bell alerted the Agua Mansans to the impending flood, and all escaped without loss of life. In 1867, however, the parish was moved to San Bernardino, and by 1883 the chapel stood abandoned and crumbling. Site Information Location (2001 Agua Mansa Rd, Colton, CA 92324) The cemetery sits on a hill in an area now zoned for industry. The site is green in the wet winter months and dusty and brown during hot summers. A replica chapel sits at the northwest corner of the site and a circular drive encompasses the burials. There are approximately 2,000 people buried at the site, but only a few hundred headstones remain. Safety Considerations More Site Information Old Spanish National Historic Trail

Bryce Canyon is known for its stunning views and vistas. On a clear day from this point you can see Navajo Mountain, 80 miles (129 km) away, and the San Francisco Peaks, 150 miles (241 km) south. Good air quality, one of the park’s most precious resources, makes these views possible. It is also essential for visitor and employee health and the well-being of the natural environment.

Alcove Spring was a favorite trail campsite near the Independence Crossing of the Big Blue River. Often, emigrants would spend several days here, waiting for the swollen waters of the river to drop to levels that were safe for fording. They found the area picturesque, with the spring originating in an unusual rock formation and falling over a rock ledge into a pool below. Emigrants carved their names in the rocks surrounding the spring, and many of these carvings are still visible. The ill-fated Donner Party camped here in 1846 and gave the spring its name. It was also the location of the Donner Party's first recorded death, Sarah H. Keyes, who died from consumption. Emigrant Remarks Edwin Bryant, traveling with the ill-fated Donner-Reed Party, wrote a detailed description of the spring on May 27, 1846: "We found a large spring of water, as cold and pure as if it had just been melted from ice. It gushed from a ledge of rocks, which composes the bank of the stream, and falling some ten feet, its waters are received into a basin. . . . A shelving rock projects over this basin, from which falls a beautiful cascade of water, some ten or twelve feet. The whole is buried in a variety of shrubbery of the richest verdure. . . . Altogether it is one of the most romantic spots I ever saw. . . . We named this the 'Alcove Spring' and future travelers will find the name graven on the rocks, and on the trunks of the trees surrounding it." Site Information Location (6 miles South of Marysville on the East River Road) Today, the spring is part of a 300 acre park. To reach it, follow the quarter mile, easy trail that starts at the parking lot. The park also contains several other hiking trails. Trail Swales (similar to trail ruts) are located nearby at the Alcove Spring Swales. Access the trail across the road from the Alcove Spring parking lot. Safety Considerations More Site Information Exhibit with Audio Description available Oregon National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail

Interested in seeing trail ruts? On the other side of the road from the parking lot at Alcove Spring , a path crosses several noticeable swales then up a short bank with irregular stone steps. Further down the path, a few yards to the left of the interpretive signs are two more, clearly visible swales, going down the slope to the left to be lost to sight in the trees. The hilly area around Alcove Springs made travel difficult for emigrants. Heavy wagons being pulled forward by livestock dug into the ground, creating ruts. These ruts were deepened and lengthen by wagons wet from river crossings, which made the ground muddy. The ruts were maintained, and grew, by the thousands of wagons that traveled through this area. When the Oregon Trail stopped being used, grasses and other plants slowly covered over the ruts, turning them into smooth depressions in the ground called swales. Site Information Location (Near Marysville and Blue Rapids, Kansas. Swales are located across the road from the Alcove Spring parking lot.) Safety Considerations More Site Information Oregon National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail

After descending 1,300 feet (396 m) past a large alcove, the trail meanders in a wide canyon to the base of the notable Moses and Zeus towers. Roundtrip Distance : 11.2 mi (18 km) Time : 6-7 hrs Elevation Change : 1,455 ft (444 m) Difficulty : Strenuous – Mesa Top to White Rim Hike Description : After descending 1,400 ft (4276 m) past a large alcove, the trail meanders in a wide canyon to the base of the notable Moses and Zeus towers. Bring : Water (1 L per person, per hour), snacks, sturdy footwear, headlamp, map, and be prepared for, sun, rain, heat, or cold. Accessibility : This trail can be rough, uneven, and requires walking up and down a rocky hill and stone steps. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. Dogs are not allowed on this trail . Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Situated on the border between Missouri and Kansas, the Alexander Majors house was home to both the Majors family and one of his freighting companies called Russell, Majors, and Waddell. [1] The company was a venture with merchants William H. Russell and William B. Waddell who joined Majors in an attempt to gain a government contract to supply western forts. [2] Already an experienced Santa Fe Trail dealer, Majors had the knowledge and equipment, while Russell and Waddell had the capital, to secure the government contract. For a short time, the company had a “virtual monopoly of the army freighting business in the west and southwest.” [3] The 300-acre farmstead was dissected by the westernmost US border, making part of the property outside US jurisdiction and, thus, untaxable. The company’s barns, mule sheds, grazing lands, wagon and blacksmith shops, and other business-related entities were located on the portion of property located in the Kansas Territory. [4] A caravan camp was used to load the heavy freight wagons which would travel the trails. [5] The home was built in 1856, most likely using the labor of enslaved people. [6] The “T” shaped floorplan with recessed front porch makes it a unique iteration of the Greek revival style in Kansas City. [7] Today, it is one of the oldest buildings in Kansas City, as one of only 4 pre-Civil War buildings left standing. [8] Though the house remains, many of the other original structures are gone and the land has been divided into distinct plots. Among the lost structures were living quarters for the 16-17 people enslaved by the Majors’. [9] In 1930 Louisa P. Johnston, Majors’s great grand-daughter, travelled to visit her ancestral home and found the house abandoned. She bought the house in 1932 and, for the next forty years, worked to preserve the property. In 1984 the Alexanders Majors House Museum was opened to the public for tours and events. In 2010 the house partnered with the John Wornall House and Museum to create one nonprofit dedicated to preserving both properties. Site Information Location (8201 State Line Road (east side of road near 85th Street), Kansas City) Safety Considerations More Site Information Santa Fe National Historic Trail Oregon National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail Santa Fe National Historic Trail [1] Marc Simmons, Following the Santa Fe Trail: A Guide for Modern Travelers (Santa Fe, NM: Ancient City Press, 1984), p. 61. [2] Martha Kusiak, “Alexander Majors House,” National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination Form. Jefferson City: Missouri State Park Board, 1970. Retrieved from National Archives Catalog: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/63819493#.XzbZ-YDvsb0.link [3] Kusiak, “Alexander Majors House,” p. 9. [4] “The Majors House,” Wornall Majors House Museums, accessed August 14, 2020. [5] Simmons, Following the Santa Fe Trail, p. 62. [6] “The Majors House.” [7] Kusiak, “Alexander Majors House,” p. 11. [8] “The Majors House.” [9] “The Majors House.”

One of two surviving Ft. Marcy officers’ quarters built around 1871, it became a 10-day vacation home for former President Ulysses S. Grant and his family in 1880. Bought in 1904 by Bergere, the England-born son of a wealthy Italian shipping magnate, the 7-room home got a full second floor and Pueblo Revival Style makeover in 1926. It stayed in the family until 1975. Only the central hallway’s cherry wood staircase and one fireplace remain from the old Santa Fe Trail days. Site Information Location (135 Grant Ave. Santa Fe, New Mexico; this is currently the site of the Georgia O’Keeffe Research Center.) Safety Considerations More Site Information El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail Santa Fe National Historic Trail Old Spanish National Historic Trail El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, Old Spanish Trail, Santa Fe Trail: Santa Fe, New Mexico Itinerary Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the US, founded in 1610, and the highest in elevation at 7,000 ft. The city is the historic hub of the southwest, connecting three national historic trails: El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro , the Santa Fe Trail , and the Old Spanish Trail . This tour leads your from the busy plaza and other major tourist locations to lesser known sites along quiet, old Santa Fe streets.

Allosaurus , meaning "different delicate reptile," is a theropod (meat-eating dinosaur) that probably ate other smaller dinosaurs. Its teeth were up to 3 in (7.6 cm) long and serrated like steak knives for cutting flesh. Adults hunted by overpowering their prey, possibly in small groups. Juvenile Allosaurus relied on their longer limb bones that were better adapted to running in order to hunt smaller vertebrates. Even though Allosaurus grew up to 30 ft (8.5 m) in length, it was not the largest predator of the time. Its sharp teeth and hook-shaped claws did, however, make Allosaurus a nightmare for many creatures of the Jurassic. Allosaurus fragilis is the most common species of carnivorous theropod dinosaur in the Morrison Formation from the Late Jurassic of North America. Although only a few of its bones are exposed in the present day quarry at Dinosaur, one of the best skeletons ever found came from the Carnegie Quarry including a remarkably preserved skull that is currently on exhibit in the Quarry Exhibit Hall. Dinosaur skulls are rarely preserved because they are made of very thin bone that is easily crushed. Skulls are mostly hollow to hold soft tissues that cannot be preserved. Fine sediments compress the skull to flatten it the way you might step on an empty tin can. These skulls may be preserved, but some of the three-dimensional structure is lost. The sand-sized sediments in the Carnegie Quarry are fine enough to preserve bone in great detail but coarse enough to resist compression of the skulls. Allosaurus fragilis is one of three theropods found in the Carnegie Quarry, the others being Ceratosaurus sp. and Torvosaurus tanneri. This specimen of Allosaurus fragilis has attracted the attention of paleontologists around the world and has been referenced in many scientific studies. You don't, however, have to be a scientist to marvel at this beautiful specimen. The real skull is on display at the Quarry Exhibit Hall.

Allosaurus jimmadseni is the second species of Allosaurus found at Dinosaur National Monument. The first specimen of A. jimmadseni was found in the monument. It is much rarer than Allosaurus fragilis and they differ in their skeletal details. Allosaurus , meaning "different reptile," is a theropod (meat eating dinosaur) that probably ate other smaller dinosaurs. Its teeth were serrated like steak knives for cutting flesh. Adults hunted by overpowering their prey, possibly in small groups. Juvenile Allosaurus relied on their longer limb bones that were better adapted to running in order to hunt small vertebrates. Allosaurus was not the largest predator of the time, but its sharp teeth and hook-shaped claws made Allosaurus a nightmare for many creatures of the Jurassic. Only half of an Allosaurus jimmadseni skull has been found so far. However, the skull separated along its natural midline. Although only the left half of the skull is preserved, it shows both the outside shape and the internal structures, which are rarely seen. The entire braincase is present as well as both ear bones. For the first time in any Allosaurus the wishbone is in place. This Allosaurus jimmadseni is most complete Allosaurus of any species ever found.

Congratulations! You have conquered a mountain today. No matter if you're going in the cave or were just hiking for the joy of hiking, completing this trail was a real accomplishment. Look for a display with some cave formations - notice how the one that hasn't been touched is much prettier than the other. As you go through the cave or back down the trail keep this in mind and remember to leave Timpanogos Cave National Monument just as pretty as the way you found it!

1 - Up We Go! Hiking is fun, especially if you open your eyes and discover the many hidden treasures along this well-loved trail. There are large and small animals, many different types of rocks and minerals, and countless varieties of plant life. As you hike past pristine wildflowers and towering trees, take your time and see what you can discover along the way.

Hidden Cave Along this rock wall are remains of an ancient cave. Can you find it? The cave had calcite formations, just like the Timpanogos Cave system. Walk along this wall and see if you can find evidence that a cave was here, such as smooth flowstone coating the wall. People are not allowed to touch any of the formations in the cave, but you can touch these exposed formations.

11. High-heeled Hiking More than 100 years ago people hiked a very different trail to the cave. The historic trail was made up of steep cliffs, trees, and rugged terrain. People used to wear their best clothes: men wore suits and ties, while the women wore dresses and high heels. What clothes would you have worn back then? Would you have wanted to walk up a steep dirt trail dressed like that in order to explore the caves?

12 Snake Safety Reptiles! When you come to the canyon you're visiting the home of the sagebrush lizard, rubber boa, and Great Basin rattlesnake. If you're lucky you might even get to see one! Snakes like to hide in rock walls or under plants. Be careful not to put your hands between rocks, under bushes, or anywhere you can't see. If you find a snake, leave it alone. This is their home, and if you leave them alone they'll leave you alone.

13 Roots on the Rise? Erosion takes place all the time in the canyon, it may even uncover the roots of plants. As you hike look around for roots that are sticking out. Sometimes the roots sink deep into the ground and hold tight while the dirt and rocks on the surface keep creeping downhill. This creates interesting shapes in the stems and trunks of trees and plants. See if you can find trees that have trunks shaped like the letter "J" because of erosion.

Carving the Earth Look out toward the valley. Does this canyon have a shape like a "V" or like a "U"? A "U" shape would tell us this canyon was carved by a slow-moving glacier. The steep "V" shape of this canyon shows that it's a young canyon carved by fast-moving water. This is still happening today. Can you guess what water source created this canyon? Did you guess the river below?

16 Find the Flyers Have you heard any birds as you've walked up the trail? Stop and take a moment to listen for birds nearby. Some birds you might hear are the Canyon wren, Peregrine falcon, Dark-eyed junco, Townsend's solitaire, Western tanager, Steller's jay and Mountain chickadee. Look for these birds and tell your group what birds you are finding!

17 Tracks to the Cave You're almost there! The first cave you're going to visit is Hansen Cave. It was first discovered by Martin Hansen in 1887. Martin was a brave and curious man; to find the cave he followed Mountain lion tracks all the way up to the entrance! The footprint of a Mountain lion is about 3 3/8" long and 3 3/8" wide.

This or That? Look down toward the road. Listen. Can you hear cars and people going about their activities? Now look up toward the top of the mountain. What do you see and hear? At first it may seem like there is nothing happening above you. If you stay still long enough, look closely, and listen, you will start to notice the world come alive around you while you hike up the trail.

Caution! When you see yellow and red stripes, what do you think of? The stripes on the trail are placed in high risk rock fall zones, and tell you to watch out for falling rocks. Although rock can fall anywhere, these stripes mark high risk places where you shouldn't stop and rest. Pay attention as you walk along the trail: wind, animals, other people, and even rain can cause rocks to spill all over the trail. As you hike, point out ot your group places where you can see that rocks have hit the trail.

The Power of Water Do you see evidence of water along the trail? Did you know that the water we drink every day is strong enough to break apart rocks? Water seeps into cracks in the rock, and then it freezes during the winter. The ice then pushes the rock apart, which makes the crack bigger. This type of erosion is called mechanical weathering. Do you see the big cracks in the rocks around you? When the cracks get big enough plants can grow inside them. Can you find a plant growing out of a cracked rock on the trail?

Hiking & Hydration The amount of sun hitting the trail depends on the season. During the summer months the sun shines brightly on the trail for most of the day. In the spring and fall the trail will stay mostly shaded in the morning and evening. No matter when you are hiking, make sure to carry plenty of water. We recommend 32 ounces per person to stay safe. During the hot summer months temperatures on the trail can be over 100 degrees F, and it's easy to become dehydrated if you're not careful. Make sure to drink water regularly, and take occasional breaks in shaded areas. If you haven't stopped for a break recently, now is a perfect time.

A Squirrel! ...Or Maybe a Chipmunk? Animals you are more likely to see today includes squirrels and chipmunks. Golden-mantled squirrels and Least Chipmunks look a lot alike. The easiest way to tell them apart is to look at their stripes. Least chipmunks have stripes on their faces and backs. Golden-mantled squirrels' stripes run along only their sides. The next time you see one ask yourself: is it a chipmunk or a squirrel? No matter what animals you see, remember that they're all wild. This is their home, so please leave them alone. Human food is not good for them, and if you get your fingers too close they'll bite!

Ancient Beach Millions of years ago some of the rocks in the canyon were sand under a warm, shallow sea. Have any of the rocks you've touched felt like sand? After milions of years the sand turned into sandstone. With more time and pressure the sandstone was then squished and cooked into quartzite. Look at the sediment building up on the ground next to the sign. Do you think the rocks could turn back into sand? How? As you keep hiking up the trail feel the different textures of the rocks.

Amanda Lamme, a 28-year-old wife and mother of 3 young daughters, died of cholera while emigrating with her family from Missouri to California in 1850. Their journey began in April, departing from Boone County just as cholera —a deadly waterborne bacterial infection—spread through the Missouri River outfitting towns and along the eastern overland trails. In a letter sent from Fort Kearny, Amanda’s husband, May Jackson Lamme, worried about the epidemic, noting that their party had passed several fresh graves. On June 22, as their wagons pulled out of Ash Hollow and moved toward Scott’s Bluff, Amanda fell ill with fever, severe cramps, and diarrhea, the hallmark symptoms of cholera. She died the next day, becoming one of the thousands of emigrants killed by the disease during the California gold rush. Her husband buried her on a low knoll overlooking the North Platte River and marked her grave with a board. When traveler Micajah Littleton passed on June 30, he recorded that the inscription read, “Amanda Lamme June 23 Age 28 Boon Co.” Trail lore claims that May Lamme returned to Fort Kearny, purchased a marble headstone, and pushed it 200 miles in a wheelbarrow to place on his wife’s grave. (The wheelbarrow story is also told about two other graves in Nebraska, those of Amanda Lamme near Bridgeport and Sarepta Fly near Lexington.) According to the story, years of weather and damage from grazing livestock gradually destroyed the stone. In 1912, area residents tried to reconstruct Amanda’s story to create a replacement marker, misspelling her name and incorrectly identifying her as an English emigrant. The 1912 marker still stands on her isolated grave, on private land not visible from public roads. It reads, “AMANDA/Consort of M.J. Lamin/of /Devonshire Eng./Born/Feb 22, 1822/Died/June 23, 1850/of cholera”. Today, visitors can learn about Amanda Lamme at a Nebraska State historical marker located at a turnout along US-385, about 6.5 miles southeast of Bridgeport, Nebraska. Site Information Location (Nebraska State historical marker is about 6.5 miles southeast of Bridgeport, at a roadside turnout on the east side of US-385 and 85 yards west of Rd 109. GPS 41.6130333333 -103.0038333333) Oregon National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail

The China Ranch Trail in Amargosa Canyon provides access to a network of hiking trails along Willow Creek and the Amargosa River—the beating heart of the Amargosa Basin where perennial streams support some of the best migratory bird habitat in the southwestern United States. experience to exquisite natural beauty and rich cultural history of the Amargosa River. Look carefully to find evidence of the people who called this region home. You will follow the same path as those early explorers who came on the Old Spanish and Mormon Trails. Along the trail there are interpretive signs to guide your walk into this natural cultural gem of the Amargosa. Site Information Location (near Tecopa, California) This site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The trail is a 3.0 mile loop at a mild grade with even, hard-packed gravel. There is a possible, seasonal stream crossing to access the slot canyon trail at the top of the loop. Safety Considerations More Site Information Old Spanish National Historic Trail

Headquarters of Charles H. Spencer’s gold mining company Built 1911 First of Spencer’s eight stone buildings. Failing to recover gold, Spencer abandoned his mining outpost around 1912. Cowboys, miners, and travelers occasionally camped in the empty building. It briefly functioned as a post office in 1922, though no mail was sent or delivered.

Colorful Layers Pure limestone is white, but here, iron deposits have oxidized, or rusted, producing the yellows, oranges, reds, and browns. Oxidized manganese creates the pale blue and purple hues. Changing weather and light also affect the canyon’s colors. Bryce Canyon is ever-changing. About 50 million years ago (mya), a large freshwater lake began filling the low basin of southern Utah. Over millions of years, rivers and streams gradually filled this lake with clays, silts, and sands. Calcium carbonate cemented these sediments together, forming Bryce Canyon’s colorful, sedimentary rock layers. Meanwhile, tectonic forces deep within the Earth, were moving, cracking, and lifting, transforming the surface.

Welcome to Antelope Point Marina at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area Antelope Point Holdings LLC Is an authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and a Lessee of the Navajo Nation. From here you can drive down the access road to the public launch ramp. If lake levels allow, you can launch your own vessel. For marina services, including valet launch, RV park, gift shop, boat tours, boat rentals, and restaurant, turn right onto Marina Road. If you already have an entrance pass (vessel Expanded Amenity Fee), just show it (your vessel) to the attendant. If you need to purchase your weekly pass you can do it here. If you would like to an annual pass, you will need to visit any other entrance station in Glen Canyon. A flagpole at the booth indicates whether there are people there. If there is no person in the booths to help, you can use the Automated Fee machine for all relevant passes. Vessel Expanded Amenity Fee Rates A Glen Canyon Weekly Pass allows use for one single private motorized vessel for 1-7 days. Additional private motorized vessels on the same trailer are charged according to length. A Glen Canyon Annual Pass allows use in Glen Canyon for one motorized vessel for one calendar year Vessel Length Weekly Fee Annual Fee Personal Water Craft (16 feet and below) $20.00 $40.00 26 feet and below $30.00 $60.00 27 - 40 feet $50.00 $100.00 41 - 60 feet $100.00 $200.00 61 - 80 feet $200.00 $400.00 81 - 100 feet $400.00 $800.00 Over 100 feet $800.00 $1,600.00 Please visit Antelope Point Marina's website for more information about fees and passes.

Antelope Point Public Launch Ramp, located near Antelope Point Marina, is currently only available for non-motorized paddlecraft hand launching. The public launch ramp at the Antelope Point Marina area. Put your vessel on Lake Powell here. Large enough for multiple vessels to launch at the same time. Convenient launch for visitors who already own a houseboat at Antelope Point Marina to launch their other vessels. The ramp is long and changes when the lake level changes. Prepare for a long walk back down the ramp after you park your vessel trailer. Courtesy docks have a thirty minute time limit. Fuel docks and pumpout station just downstream of ramp. The ramp is unavailable to motorized launching when the lake level is below 3588'. You can still hand launch non-motorized vessels when the ramp is closed to motorized launching. The ramp may also close for winter. All vessels exiting Lake Powell must follow decontamination protocols to keep quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species out of other bodies of water. Contact Antelope Point Marina for information about their private valet launch ramp.

George Chorpenning built Antelope Springs Station in 1859 to support his own “Jackass Mail” operation, which used pack mules to carry the post between Utah and California. After the government annulled his contract for political reasons, the Pony Express took over Chorpenning’s route and stations. Remote Antelope Springs Station served the Pony Express as a relay station, where riders exchanged horses. The station also served the Overland Stage & Mail. In June 1860, during the Pyramid Lake War, Northern Paiute and Goshute Shoshone raiders burned the station. When British adventurer Sir Richard Burton passed through by stagecoach in October, it still had not been rebuilt. “Fortunately,” he noted, “the corral still stood: we found wood in plenty, water was lying in an adjoining bottom, and we used the two to brew our tea.” Antelope Springs Station was rebuilt after Burton’s visit, and it continued to serve stage line until 1869, when the transcontinental railroad was completed. A T-shaped trail marker alongside the road indicates its approximate location. To visit, from Ibapah, Utah, drive west on Pony Express Rd/Old Lincoln Hwy/UT-2 and (in Nevada) White Pine County Rd 32/Whiskey Rd for about 28 miles. There, signs at the intersection point right to Antelope Range and Pony Express Trail. Turn and continue 1.6 mile to the roadside trail marker on the left; the spring is to the south, on private land. These roads are remote and unpaved, and a cellular signal might be unavailable. Site Information Location (18 miles west of Utah state line in White Pine County, Nevada. It is on the unpaved Lincoln Highway about 3 miles southwest of unincorporated Tippett, Nevada, and 48 miles northeast of Ely, Nevada. Trails West marker gps 39.8306666667, -114.3892666667.) Safety Considerations Pony Express National Historic Trail

Apatosaurus louisae is a species of sauropod dinosaur from the Late Jurassic of North America found in the Morrison Formation, and its remains are present on the Wall of Bones at Dinosaur National Monument. Apatosaurus grew up to 69 ft (21 m) long and ate plants. You may have heard it referred to by its scientifically incorrect name, Brontosaurus . This sauropod (long necked dinosaur) was discovered and named Apatosaurus , or "false lizard," because of its unbelievably large size. After Apatosaurus was named, other sauropod specimens were named Brontosaurus . It was later determined that both names actually referred to the same animal, Apatosaurus . In science the first used name is the official name. A skeleton of Apatosaurus louisae was the first dinosaur to be excavated at the quarry by Earl Douglass, and was found by eight vertebrae sticking out of the rock. The species " louisae " was named after Andrew Carnegie's wife, Louise. Carnegie financed most of the excavations of the quarry at Dinosaur and had many of the specimens sent to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they still stand in the museum that bears his name. The "Discovery Bones" that led to the discovery of the Carnegie Quarry were tail vertebrae (back bones) of Apatosaurus louisae . This specimen, a nearly complete skeleton with a skull, became the type specimen of Apatosaurus louisae . This means that it was the first of its species ever found and scientifically described.Like many sauropods and dinosaurs in general, Apatosaurus skulls are extremely rare. The skull bones are thin and easily crushed. Skulls are mostly hollow to hold soft tissues that cannot be preserved. Fine sediments compress the skull to flatten it the way you might step on an empty tin can. These skulls may be preserved, but some of the three-dimensional structure is lost. The only Apatosaurus skull in the world was found in the Carnegie Quarry because the sand-sized sediment preserves bone in great detail without compressing it. Today a cast of the Apatosaurus skull is still on display with the rest of the specimen at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The real skull is not on display due to the fragile nature of the bone.

Visitors can pay entrance fees and purchase passes at the park entrance station.

This exhibit emphasizes the importance of drinking water and reusable bottles. Two panels are located on each side of the first display partition on your left as you enter.

The area includes the entrance to the interior of the Visitor Center and the amenities in the area. Amenities include restrooms, benches, and water filling stations.

A panel outside the Visitor Center that describes 13 major points of interest within Arches National Park named "Park Features". The panel features information about 13 popular sites and a map of the park.

A panel located at the Arches National Park Visitor Center that explains some of the activities that you can do at Arches National Park. They are sightseeing, walking, picnicking, camping, biking, and four-wheel driving. A park map is featured on the panel.

This panel, titled Park Trails, identifies hiking trails throughout the park, providing important data to know before hiking, and notes trail locations on a large map.

This panel, titled Canyon Country, identifies and describes a number of parks and recreation areas within the greater Utah region that provide more opportunities to explore a variety of scenic and historic wonders. A map notes their locations.

This panel informs visitors of the rules and safety practices for climbing and canyoneering in the park, as well as instructs how to obtain a permit for these activities.

A panel that describes the best practices for cycling at Arches National Park. Includes rules and safety information.

Panel that describes the variety of wildlife that you can find in Arches National Park.

Walk a short path behind the visitor center to learn about native desert plants and their traditional uses. Roundtrip Distance : 150 feet (45 m) Time : 10 min Elevation Change : 0 ft (0 m) Difficulty : Easy Hike Description : Learn about native desert plants on this short trail behind Arches Visitor Center. Accessibility : This trail is mostly level, with surfaces of paving stone, cement, or dirt. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal? Many visitors are surprised at the amount of vegetation in Arches. Plants are critical components of all ecosystems, and Arches is no exception. Plants capture particulate dust in the air, filter gaseous pollutants, convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, provide animal habitat, and possess many raw materials useful to humans. Diverse plant communities thrive in patches of biological soil crust , while others seem to grow right out of cracks in the rock. Many adaptations enable desert plants to survive the extremes of temperature and aridity found in Arches.

Gilbert Stanley Underwood, the master architect hired by Union Pacific Railroad, helped pioneer the National Park Service rustic style. Here at Bryce and at many other western national parks, his artistry, vision, and utilization of local timber and stone created structures that nestled harmoniously into the natural landscape. The lodge’s roof is notable. Its green color was chosen to blend in with the Ponderosa pines, and the shingle pattern creates a wave-like movement, mimicking pine boughs blowing in the wind. This is the last remaining original “Grand Circle Tour” lodge.

Sweet spring water made Ash Hollow State Historical Park an important spot for American Indians. Centuries ago, a ferocious battle between the Pawnee and Lakota Sioux took place here for control of the valley. Years later, this valley, and its spring water, also became an important stop for emigrants making their way west. They would camp and rest at the springs before proceeding on their journey. As they left, their wagons etched ruts that are still visible, into the bluffs surrounding the spring. Ash Hollow continues to be a popular place for travelers. The 1000 acre park features a visitor center, a historic school house, and trail ruts and swales. Site Information Location (East side of Highway 26, south of Lewellen, Nebraska) Amenities Interpretive waysides, nine miles of hiking trails, picnic tables and grills. The history, archaeology and paleontology of the area are interpreted at the visitor center. There is also watchable wildlife, horseback riding, and the Ash Hollow Cave. To view Trail Ruts, see Ash Hollow State Park- Windlass Hill Area. Safety Considerations More Site Information Oregon National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

Windlass Hill is scarred by deeply eroded ruts cut by thousands of wagons sliding downhill with their wheels locked on the emigrant trails. Due to the steepness of the grade, the wagons could easily travel at speeds that were not good for them or the livestock pulling the wagons. They were slowed by locking the wheels, which prevented the wheels from turning and increased friction. A paved, but steep, walking trail with outdoor exhibits leads visitors along the ruts to the top of the hill. From there, hikers are rewarded with a scenic vista of Ash Hollow and the Platte River. Site Information Location (West side of Highway 26, south of Lewellen, Nebraska) Amenities Other actives include bird watching, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Visit Ash Hollow State Historical Park for more area information. Safety Considerations More Site Information Oregon National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

From the parade groud, you can see every building still standing at fort Laramie. Use your imagination to fill in the gaps. In its 41 years as an army post, Fort Laramie consisted of as many as 50 buildings at any given time. New ones sprang up as old ones were remodeled or disappeared. Behind you and on the right are foundations of two long buildings. These were once barracks-enlisted men’s quarters. It was this area where soldiers often trained and lined up for drill calls. Many people picture Fort Laramie surrounded by a palisade wall of logs. The early fur-trading posts had walls, but not the army post. Indians seldom attacked forts. A well-armed garrison was considered enough of a deterrent. The fort was invaded only once. In 1864, a cavalry patrol reported that the area was clear of hostile Indians. Suddenly, Indian warriors rode across the parade ground and made off with several horses. The daring raid was so swift, the cavalry never caught the horse thieves. An officer’s wife, named Ada Vodges, recorded a stand-off with the Lakota chief, Red Cloud. “March 25, 1869. At eight o’clock, in came Red Cloud with a thousand Indians-young, bold, and dashing warriors-with their squaws and papooses. They came in two abreast, singing at the top of their lungs, and … formed into a line of battle around one side of the garrison. …Two companies of infantry were under arms for two or three hours – Colonel Dye ordered them off, as they had no permission to come in such large numbers. One of the big chiefs mad a singular noise, and they all started for their ponies. …[They] scattered-off in all directions over [the] bluffs and plains. It was a grand sight.” – Ada Vodges

This landmark on the combined corridor of the California, Mormon Pioneer, Oregon, and Pony Express trails was a roadside curiosity to passing emigrants, who sometimes sketched and noted it in their journals. The mile-long line of jutting, broken sandstone, caused by squeezing of the earth’s crust, looked to overlanders like the spine of a gigantic animal. Sir Richard Burton, a British adventurer traveling by stagecoach in 1860, described Devil’s Backbone as “a jagged, broken ridge of huge sandstone boulders, tilted up edgeways, and running in a line over the crest of a long roll of land. . .like the vertebrae of some great sea-serpent.” Others called the feature Avenue of Rocks, Rock Avenue, or Rock Lane. While passing through a narrow gap between the formation and a ridge to the east, some travelers paused to carve their names on the stone. Many of those inscriptions, though, have been eroded by weathering or destroyed by blasting for road construction in the mid-20th century. However, keen eyes can still spot a few faint carvings on rock faces protected by overhangs. Helen Carpenter, traveling through with her family in June 1857, neglected to describe the “backbone” in her journal, as her attention was captured by another feature of the area. “The high wind which prevailed,” she wrote, “interfered very much with our locomotion and switched the dresses about, leaving the pedal extremities in a precarious condition.” That is, gusts lifted the women’s long skirts scandalously high, exposing their feet and ankles. Some of her companions pinned rocks in the hems of their skirts to calm their flapping, “never dreaming of the black [bruised] shins they would carry for the next week,” Helen continued, amused. “It is needless to say that their invention was not a success and so was never patented.” High winds still “prevail” at Avenue of Rocks. Helen’s party was unaware that, eight months earlier, on Oct. 29, 1856, several members of the Martin Handcart Company of Latter-day Saints died at Avenue of Rocks while encamped, starving, in winter conditions. The company was still two days from the rescue wagons sent to help them. Today the site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Please do not mark the rocks; modern carving further diminishes the historical integrity of the site. Site Information Location (To find the Avenue of the Rocks, drive west from Casper, WY, on Zero Rd/County Rd 202. In about 9 miles, Zero Rd curves southwest and becomes Poison Spider Rd. Four miles from the curve, turn left (south) onto County Rd 319/Oregon Trail Rd (unpaved). In 6.5 miles, Avenue of the Rocks is on the right. Park along the road to explore the site. GPS 42.738526 -106.664073) Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Pony Express National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail Oregon National Historic Trail

Overlanders with the curiosity to make a 1 ½-mile side-trip off the trail, climb down a steep canyon wall, and bushwhack through heavy streamside vegetation could view a geological wonder unlike anything Easterners had seen before: a natural stone bridge with a creek passing beneath it. Among the first travelers to see and write about it was newspaperman Matthew Field, who visited the site on July 12, 1843. There he saw “a remarkable mountain gorge—a ‘natural bridge’ of solid rock, over a rapid torrent, the arch being regular as tho’ shaped by art.” The bridge stood at the bottom of a deep gorge with “wild cliffs, 300 feet perpendicular…and the noisy current swept along among huge fragments of rock at our feet.” To view it, he wrote, his party made a “dangerous descent, and forced our way through an almost impervious thicket, being compelled to take the bed of the stream in gaining a position below.” William Clayton, of the 1847 vanguard company of Latter-day Saints, mentioned the bridge in his journal, too, although his odd description suggests that he did not see it himself but instead recorded what other members of the company tried to explain to him. It was, he wrote, a “tunnel…high enough for a man to stand upright in, and when standing at the entrance one can see the light through on the other side. It seems as though this tunnel has been formed by some strange feat of nature.” Gold-seeker Cephas Arms, who made the strenuous side-trip on July 3, 1849, called the site “one of the wildest scenes I ever beheld.” This natural stone bridge, now called Ayres Natural Bridge, today lies within a small, scenic county park 15 miles west of Douglas, WY, and is accessible by a good public road. It is one of very few natural bridges in the US with a stream, LaPrele Creek, that passes beneath its arch, and CNN’s Travel page has named it one of the 15 “best natural bridges around the world.” The site is named for the Ayres ranching family, who donated the scenic property for public use in 1919. Site Information Location (Ayres Natural Bridge County Park is at 448 County Rd 13/Ayres Natural Bridge Rd, 10 miles west of Douglas, WY. GPS 42.734755 -105.611112) Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail Oregon National Historic Trail

Indigenous people once stored foods and medicines in rock structures, called granaries, built into alcoves here. Despite the current name, they were not part of the Aztec civilization. Do not touch or enter the extremely fragile ancient structures. Roundtrip Distance : 1.4 mi (2.3 km) Time : 1.5 hrs Elevation Change : 222 ft (68 m) Difficulty : Moderate – Mesa Top Hike Description : The trail follows a sandy wash, then splits. The eastern fork to your right ascends Aztec Butte for spectacular views. The western fork on the left climbs the smaller butte then drops below the rim to two granaries. Both trails require scrambling up slickrock and ledges. Entering, touching, or climbing on archeological sites is strictly prohibited. View structures from a distance to protect fragile walls. Accessibility : This trail can be rough, uneven, and requires walking up and down a rocky hill and stone steps. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

The human history of Canyonlands isn’t obvious to most visitors. However, people have traveled, traded, and thrived here for millennia. Tucked in a sheltered alcove below, two 900-year-old stone structures bear testament to the fortitude of these Indigenous people. What drew the ancient builders to this site? The rock overhanging provides protection from the elements, while the unobstructed view may imbue this place with power. The structures – which archeologist call granaries- may have had various uses over time, including storing ceremonial supplies, medicines, or caches of food gathered or grown nearby. Storage secures the hope of return. Items they stored here might have eased a traveler’s burdens. Those items also belonged here, imbued with the power of this place. Visit with Respect Entering, touching or climbing on archaeological sites is strictly prohibited. Stone and mortar walls that have stood for hundreds of years are crumbling today beneath the hands and feet of curious visitors. Leave no trace of your visit. Help ensure these structures keep standing, reflecting the strength of the people who lived in this desert long ago. Photo insert caption: Entries to granaries were typically covered by stone slabs. Mud and clay were added to seal the opening and camouflage the cache with the cliffs, hiding it from people passing nearby.

The 1853 B.F. Hastings Building served as the western terminus of the overland Pony Express from April 3, 1860, through April 15, 1861, when operations moved to the historic Lady Adams Building. From this site, riders stabled their horses and boarded river steamboats that carried them down the Sacramento River and across the bay to San Francsico. Today, the Hastings and Lady Adams buildings stand side by side within Old Sacramento State Historic Park and Old Town Sacramento National Historic Landmark. Across the street, an iconic bronze statue depicts a galloping Pony Express horse and rider. Old Town includes more than 50 historic buildings, along with shops, monuments, and museums that line its Gold Rush-era streets. Visitors can also enjoy train, steamboat, and carriage rides. Entry to the park is free, though some individual venues charge admission. Attractions include: B.F. Hastings Building (2nd and J Sts), Pony Express office from April 3, 1860, through April 15, 1861. Lady Adams Building (119 K Street), the oldest building in the district and a Pony Express station from April 16, 1861, through November 20, 1861. Pony Express Plaza and monument depicting rider Sam Hamilton delivering the first westbound mochila into Sacramento (northeast corner of J and 2nd streets, near B.F. Hastings Building). The 1927 Delta King (Sacramento Riverfront off K Street), a historic sternwheeler riverboat similar to the river steamers that carried Pony Express riders to San Francisco. Monument to Theodore Judah, visionary and chief engineer for the transcontinental railroad survey (L and 2nd streets). California State Railroad Museum (111 I Street), featuring the famous 1869 Golden Spike, an original steam locomotive used in building the transcontinental railroad, and exhibits about the Chinese railroad workers of the Central Pacific Railroad. Sacramento History Museum (101 I Street), offering historical images, artifacts, and other exhibits about Sacramento history. Visit the museum’s website for current information and tours. For park hours, parking, and directions, visit the Old Town Sacramento State Historic Park website. Site Information Location (Corner of 2nd & J Streets Sacramento CA) Safety Considerations More Site Information Pony Express National Historic Trail

Sitting high above the Yampa River in a remote side canyon, the Baker Cabin is a testament to the resilence of people who sought to settle homesteads in this remote landscape.

Thousands of years ago a huge rock boulder broke from the cliff above and tumbled to a stop here. The hard conglomerate boulder compressed the softer dirt directly beneath, making it resistant to erosion. The boulder also acted as a massive umbrella, protecting the stone beneath from years of wind and rain. Over time, at least 6 feet (2.8 m) of the surrounding loose ground was carried away, leaving an ever-growing pedestal with a balanced rock perched on top. You can see this process taking place under many rocks in the area. At some point, the sheltering boulder may become too much weight for its pedestal, toppling and taking another fateful tumble.

Balanced Rock can be seen from the park road 9.2 miles (14.8 km) from Arches Visitor Center. View the feature from a viewpoint or hike the short trail around it. Climbing on Balanced Rock is prohibited. Roundtrip Distance : 0.3 mi (0.4 km) Time : 15-30 min Elevation Change : 35 ft (11 m) Difficulty : Easy Hike Description : This is a loop trail at the base of a picturesque rock formation. Part of the trail is paved. Accessibility : The beginning of the trail is flat and paved. It passes alongside Balanced Rock to a viewpoint of The Windows and the La Sal Mountains in the distance. The trail continuing around Balanced Rock has steps, slopes, and rocky, uneven surfaces. An accessible picnic area and toilet are located up a gravel road across from Balanced Rock. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal? One of the most iconic features in the park, Balanced Rock stands a staggering 128 feet (39 m) tall. While this formation may appear to be an epic balancing act, it’s actually not balanced at all. The top boulder of Entrada Sandstone sits attached to its eroding pedestal of Dewey Bridge mudstone. The exposure of these two rock strata layers are ideal for the formation of arches and balanced rocks. Balanced Rock defies gravity but this won’t always be the case. Eventually, the 3,600 ton (over 4 million kg) boulder will come tumbling down as the erosional process continues to shape the landscape. In the winter of 1975-76, Balanced Rock’s smaller sibling “Chip-Off-the-Ol'-Block” collapsed (view Then and Now photos), proving that there is no better time than the present to see this awe-inspiring giant. At sunset, Balanced Rock becomes saturated in a deep red-orange making it a great place to end a fun-filled day in the park. This is also an ideal place for stargazing and night photography . Its location is just far enough from the city lights of Moab, Utah and provides whimsical rocky spires in the foreground. A picnic area is located across from Balanced Rock to the west down a gravel road. The picnic area offers multiple picnic tables, covered canopy, vault toilet, and spectacular views of Salt Valley. We encourage you to leave no trace by using trash/recycling bins in the picnic area. Feeding wildlife can be harmful and is prohibited in the park. A cairn marks the trail. NPS/Christian Wright Find Your Way Cairns are the rock piles that you see along many of the trails in the park. They are carefully placed by rangers to mark the route. Building your own cairns may be tempting but consider the how that may impact other hikers. "Cairn clutter" and "sculpture gardens" can be confusing to others on the trail. They can also damage park resources and impair the natural beauty of the park.

This Barnes Enclosure and Cave Spring were made famous by overland travelers who mentioned it in their letters and diaries. Cave Spring, on the National Register of Historic Places, was a noted midday rest area for travelers heading west. Imagine that much of the Jackson County countryside, even in the early trail days, was owned by private landowners who had substantial estates. At least two 1846 first-hand accounts mention the Barnes Enclosure-Cave Spring. Susan Shelby Magoffin, one of the first women to travel along the Santa Fe Trail to Mexico, wrote in her diary of “traveling with her husband, Captain Magoffin, a trader, and spending the night in the Barnes home. Also, in a letter to his sister, William Glasgow, a Santa Fe trader, stayed overnight with the Barnes in 1846. A few days later a Susan Magoffin and her maid also stayed overnight with the Barnes Family. Magoffin’s diary also mentions meeting these brothers on the trail. Site Information Location (8701 E Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, MO) Safety Considerations More Site Information Santa Fe National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail Oregon National Historic Trail

Barosaurus is a plant eater and the least common of all the sauropods (long-necked dinosaurs) found in the Carnegie Quarry. It is similar to Diplodocus , but has a longer neck and shorter tail. The forelimbs of Barosaurus are longer and more slender than those of the Diplodocus . Unfortunately, no one has ever found a Barosaurus skull so those on display are based on the skulls of other sauropods. The most complete real Barosaurus skeleton on display is at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was also found in the Carnegie Quarry and acquired as part of a trade between museums. One of the boxes contained a surprise: an eight inch square imprint of Barosaurus skin attached to a limb bone! Dinosaur skin imprints are extremely rare but helpful in determining how dinosaurs might have looked. You can see the original skin imprint with the skeleton on display at the Royal Ontario Museum.

The National Historic Landmark Barrio de Analco Historic District in Santa Fe, New Mexico is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods of European origin in the United States. Originally settled in 1620 by the Spanish, Barrio (or District) de Analco suffered major destruction during the 1680 Great Pueblo Revolt. The Spanish rebuilt Analco beginning in 1692 during their recolonization of New Mexico. The buildings of Analco are in the Spanish Pueblo and Territorial styles that reflect the merger of Spanish, Indian, and eventually American building techniques. In the seven adobe brick buildings that make up the Barrio de Analco Historic District visitors can see how working-class Spanish colonists, Tlascalan people, and other Native Americans lived in Santa Fe during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The Spanish first settled Santa Fe during the winter of 1609-1610 as they sought to “civilize” the North American continent and to expand their New World empire. Mirroring other Spanish colonial settlements of the era, the colony in Santa Fe was a defensible fort and village set around a central plaza. The Santa Fe Plaza became the commercial, social, and political center of the community. Fearing attacks from the local Pueblos, many high-ranking Spanish officials and citizens built their homes around the plaza because it was a central defendable area. As Santa Fe prospered, the original settlement expanded to include growing neighborhoods on the opposite side of the Santa Fe River from the plaza. By 1620, the newly constructed Chapel of San Miguel was in place and a suburb, the Barrio de Analco, began to grow. The Tlascalan word, “Analco,” means “the other side of the river,” which distinguished this barrio from the neighborhood on the plaza side of the Santa Fe River where government officials and other prominent citizens resided and attended mass. The Chapel of San Miguel provided laborers and artisans with a place to worship in the growing suburb. Analco and Santa Fe suddenly stopped growing when the Great Pueblo Revolt of 1680 erupted. After years of enduring Spain’s encomienda system of forced labor and the insistence of Catholic conversion, the Puebloan People revolted against Spanish rule. During the revolt, Analco was the first Santa Fe neighborhood the Puebloans destroyed, including partially burning down the Chapel of San Miguel. The Spanish colonists and most of their Tlascalan servants fled from Santa Fe to El Paso. The Puebloans held Santa Fe for 12 years. In 1692, led by Diego de Vargas, the Spanish returned to re-occupy Santa Fe. After regaining control, the Spanish began rebuilding Santa Fe and the Barrio de Analco. As Analco residents rebuilt the neighborhood throughout the 1700s and 1800s, it became the chosen suburb for Santa Fe’s married enlisted men, servants, merchants, non-Puebloan Native Americans who served the Spanish (known as Genizaros), and skilled artisans (including, shoemakers, tailors, musicians, silversmiths, blacksmiths, masons, adobe makers, bricklayers, and carpenters). Analco’s one-story Spanish Pueblo homes were constructed using adobe bricks. Before the Spanish introduced forming the adobe into bricks, Native Americans used a “puddle” or hand-formed technique to shape the adobe and had flat roofs with tamped earth and vigas (poles). The tamped or packed earth acted as insulation and assisted in keeping the homes cool in the summer and warm in the winter. By the late 1840s, when Santa Fe became part of the United States, American settlers began to remodel the Spanish Pueblo style buildings. The Spanish Pueblo architectural style evolved into the Territorial style. American settlers introduced stucco adobe and capping the walls with fired brick to help prevent erosion. For better insulation, the Americans added milled wooden doors and window frames, and inserted glass in the windows. The seven adobe brick buildings that make up the Barrio de Analco Historic District provide visitors with a glimpse of old Santa Fe and of the Spanish Pueblo and Territorial architectural styles reflected in the buildings in the neighborhood. Dating from the early 19th century, the Roque Tudesqui House is an example of the Spanish Pueblo and Territorial styles. Tudesqui, an Italian trader in Santa Fe who purchased the building in 1841, owned many properties and businesses. The long one-story house has three-foot adobe thick walls, brick coping, and deeply inset windows. One of the walls was made using the “puddle” adobe technique, which indicates the Indigenous influence in the construction of the house. Across the street from the Roque Tudesqui House at 132 East De Vargas Street is the Gregoria Crespin House. In 1693, a Tlascala Native American received a grant for the land on which the Gregoria Crespin House sits. Tree-ring samples obtained from the vigas in the house indicate a cutting date for the tree of between 1720 and 1750, while the first existing title transfer on the house was filed in 1747. Originally of Spanish Pueblo design, this one-story house with its thick adobe walls, five rooms, a covered veranda, and a patio, later had Territorial embellishments added to its trim along the roofline. The Oldest House is an excellent example of Spanish Pueblo architecture. Tree-ring samples obtained from this house indicate a cutting date between 1740 and 1767. The western portion of the house has thick adobe walls, dirt floors, low ceilings, a corner fireplace, and no Territorial embellishments. Across the street from The Oldest House is the Chapel of San Miguel (Mission of San Miguel). Originally constructed in 1620 and partially destroyed during the Great Pueblo Revolt in 1680, the Chapel of San Miguel is one of the oldest churches in the United States. Demolishing the first church, the Spanish rebuilt an adobe chapel on the same site in 1710 in the Romanesque fortress church style. For the next 50 years, it served as the chapel for the presidio of Santa Fe’s Spanish soldiers and later as a parish church. In 1881, the Christian Brothers of the Catholic Church purchased the Chapel, which they continue to operate and maintain. While the church has had numerous repairs over the years, it still has its original adobe walls. The altar screen inside the Chapel dates from 1798 and is the oldest wooden altar screen in New Mexico. The carved gilded and painted wood statue of St. Michael the Archangel inside the Chapel dates from around 1709. Just south of the Chapel of San Miguel on Old Santa Fe Trail is St. Michael’s Dormitory (today known as the Lamy Building). Constructed in 1878 by the Christian Brothers to use as the main building of St. Michael’s College for Boys, this adobe Territorial style building was originally three stories high and had a tower, porticos, galleries, and a mansard roof. A destructive fire reduced the building to two stories in 1926, diminishing what had been described as one of the stateliest buildings in Santa Fe. The Boyle House at 327 East De Vargas Street was in place as early as 1766-68. This one story adobe house has walls four feet thick, a flat roof, and supposedly had at one time 37 rooms. Territorial embellishments, including squared off ceiling beams, a long rear portico, mantel fireplaces, and a bay window are later additions to the house. Just down the street from the Boyle House is the Adolph Bandelier House. This large adobe house is an excellent example of a Territorial residence and was the home of the famous archeologist, Adolph Bandelier, from 1882 until 1892. Bandelier studied the ancestral Puebloan homelands in what w

At the end of the South Rim Trail, visitors reach the Bartizan, elevation 9,725ft, along the park's southern boundary. From the Bartizan hikers can see two spectacular arches and at the right time of year a waterfall is visible. Visitors should use extreme caution on the South Rim Trail and at Spectra Point as many area feature steep drop-off just off the trail. There are no railings at the Bartizan, visitors should remain back from the edge as the ground can be unstable. Dogs are not permitted on the South Rim Trail. NOTE: The final portion of the South Rim Trail is currently being reconstructed, this portion will not be open until Summer 2021.

Several places related to the Mormon Pioneer, Pony Express, and California trails are along this 2-mile stretch of highway southeast of Evanston, WY. From Evanston, take I-80 Exit 5 onto southbound WY-150 and drive 9 miles to the highway bridge over the Bear River. Pause there to look south (right) to view the Bear River Crossing below the bridge, where wagons, handcarts, and mule trains forded the stream or crossed on ferries or bridges during the 1840s-1860s. California-bound Edwin Bryant, crossing with pack mules in 1846, described the ford as about 50 yards wide, “with a rapid current of limpid water foaming over a bed so unequal and rocky, that it was difficult, if not dangerous to the limbs of our mules, when fording it.” Continue south for 0.3 mile to a gravel turnout on the left. Beyond the livestock loading ramp at the edge of a ranch yard stands a silver post marking the approximate location of 1860-1861 Pony Express Bear River Station, which also served the Overland Stage from 1858 to 1868. Nothing of the station remains; please do not enter the private yard. Return to the highway and continue for ¼ mile to enter gravel drive on the left. There, view a stone monument honoring the 1847 Latter-day Saint pioneers. Behind the monument stands a granite marker that tells about the Pony Express and Overland Stage Bear River Station, and nearby lies a simple stone moment to a Willie Handcart Company emigrant who died in 1856. Return to the highway and turn left. A mile ahead, a brown sign points to a state historic sign for Bear River City, on the left. A series of historical signs there tell about this rowdy “Hell-on-Wheels” town that served Union Pacific laborers working to build the transcontinental railroad in 1868. Nothing remains at the townsite today except leveled ground and modern, privately owned buildings. Turn left onto the highway. At the curve about 300 yards ahead, pull over and look north (left). The original trail corridor approached from that direction before abruptly turning right along today’s highway alignment. The pasture to the south (right) figures importantly in the Mormon Pioneer Trail story. After an 18-mile trek through mountainous country, Brigham Young’s company stopped here July 10-11, 1847. Mountain man Miles Goodyear visited the camp, offering encouragement and useful travel advice. While there, Brigham Young and others fell ill with “mountain fever,” a tick-borne disease that causes high fevers, severe headaches, body aches, delirium, and sometimes death. Camp scribe William Clayton noted that the leader had grown “insensible and raving” but was “a little better” in the morning. Young’s sufferings over the next 2 weeks caused him to fall 1-2 days behind the rest, making him among the last of the vanguard company to enter the Great Salt Lake Valley. Many other wagon parties camped at this location through the 1840s-1860s. This is the last of the trail-related historical sites on this stretch of highway. Site Information Location (Several markers, monuments, and sites are along a 2-mile stretch of WY-150 S, beginning at the Bear River bridge about 7.75 highway miles south of I-80 Exit 5, Evanston. Beginning of the stretch: River Crossing view from bridge is at GPS 41.168217 -110.87571; Nardone station marker post GPS 41.166438 -110.873375; 1924 Brigham Young monument GPS 41.165926 -110.869341; Bear River City historical marker and kiosk GPS 41.157881 -110.850866; end of stretch, view of MOPI 1847 Sulphur Creek Camp and later Hell-on-Wheels town Bear River City (aka Beartown) GPS 41.155631 -110.848470) Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Pony Express National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail

The Bedlam Ruts are a fine stretch of Oregon Trail ruts and swales that visitors can walk. This Trail segment is on 40 acres of undeveloped public lands jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service (Ft. Laramie National Historic Site). Site Information Location (On unpaved Road 50, west of Fort Laramie National Historic Site. Inquire at the Visitor Center for more information.) The setting is natural and quiet. Onsite interpretive signs tell the story. Reaching the site requires driving on an unpaved road that is usually suitable for passenger sedans when dry. Safety Considerations More Site Information Oregon National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Fort Laramie National Historic Site

Distance Varies Easy Explore the area across from the Wahweap Entrance road for a self-guided adventure through slickrock sand formations. Watch your step, fragile rock shelves underfoot. Trailhead: Parking to explore this area is reached near the Beehives Campground. From US Hwy 89 north of Carl Hayden Visitor Center, turn let onto dirt road 1/4 mile before the turnoff to Wahweap South Entrance. Drive past the Beehives campground to the designated parking area for Beehive area hikes

Like chapters in a book, the geologic formations (layers) on this tilted rock trail are chapters of ancient environments deposited here over millions of years. While standing behind the Quarry Visitor Center, look at the Frontier Sandstone cliff beside you. High above the trailhead sign and on the cliff, notice the wavy ripple marks within the large dark brown patches. These ripples were created when water moved over sand. If you were hiking here approximately 100 million years ago, you would have been walking along the sandy shores of the Cretaceous Interior Seaway. Cretaceous Atlas of Ancient Life | Geology A vast difference from the high desert environment of today! On the ground, behind and to the left of the trailhead sign is another notable feature, a huge chocolate-colored rocky sphere known as a concretion. This concretion also has a delightful star-shaped crack that filled in with minerals which crystalized. Concretions are masses of mineral matter embedded in the sandstone. They often form when minerals settling out ground water gather around a nucleus, such as a pebble or shell. Concretions can be any size, but the hefty dimensions of this one (and others here) is due to the presence of large amounts of water from the former seaway. While staying on the trail, there are a number of other large concretions in this area How many others can you locate? Hint: There are five others, but some are badly weathered and have broke apart. As you proceed along the Frontier Formation, you may see animals such as squirrels, marmots, birds, rabbits, snakes, or lizards. NPSpecies- Search for a Park Species List Keep wildlife wild and yourself safe by observing all creatures from a distance. Once you reach the end of the Frontier Formation, just around the corner, you'll see how ancient people used the geology here. Petroglyphs were pecked into this rock with tools to make symbols of people, animals or patterns. Pictographs are painted symbols. These were created approximately 1,000 years ago by ancient people archaeologists call the Fremont. Fremont Culture - Dinosaur National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) . Since the Fremont did not have a written language (as did the Egyptians for example, with their hieroglyphs) the exact meaning of the Fremont symbols is unknown. Help us protect these and all petroglyph sites for future generations by not touching them. Hike on to discover the next chapter in our ancient book - the Mowry Shale Formation.

The Behunin Cabin can be seen from an unpaved, dirt parking lot off State Route 24, which is suitable for 2WD vehicles and RVs. There is limited parking for large vehicles. Tabitha Jane and Elijah Cutler Behunin were two of the early settlers to file a homestead claim around the Fremont River and Sulphur Creek. Even at this time, the Latter-Day Saint pioneers recognized that this land was useful for “ordinary farming, [but] most valuable for fruit raising .” Elijah and his family of 15 built this small sandstone cabin near the Fremont River in 1883, but only lived in it for about a year. It was not an easy place to homestead. The crops they planted were washed out by flash floods, and the cabin was only large enough for Elijah, Tabitha Jane, and their youngest children. The older boys slept in a sandstone alcove, while the older girls slept in a covered wagon box. After moving east to Caineville, the family moved back to the Capitol Reef region by 1893. They settled in the budding community of Junction (later renamed Fruita), where daughter Nettie began teaching her younger siblings. By 1896, the community worked together building a one-room schoolhouse to continue education opportunities for the children. Elijah, his sons, and other men in the community worked hard to keep a wagon road open through Capitol Gorge and up to Fruita. Summer thunderstorms, flash floods, and winter snow often made the route impassable. After about ten years, wanderlust struck Elijah, and he went east again with his family, settling in Notom. His oldest daughter, Mary Jane , stayed behind in Fruita, with her husband Nels Johnson, who is considered to be the very first settler in the area. From the National Historic Register: " The abandonment of the Behunin Cabin after only one year of occupation testifies to the tenuous nature of settlement patterns in the American West and the mobility demanded by environmental unpredictability."

Benson Grist Mill (est. 1854), at 325 UT-138/E Pole Canyon Rd, Stansbury Park, UT, is one of the oldest standing buildings in western Utah. For over 75 years, it ground wheat and corn for the local community and the occasional California-bound emigrant. Twin Springs and Twin Springs Creek, which powered the mill, were also water sources for travelers on the Hastings Cutoff trail to California. Today, the reconstructed mill is open to visitors as a Tooele County Park. Site Information Location (325 UT-138/E Pole Canyon Rd, Stansbury Park, UT GPS 40.650855 -112.297180) Safety Considerations California National Historic Trail

The Bentonite Hills are located outside the park boundary on Bureau of Land Management land. They are accessible by the Hartnet Road which requires a high clearance vehicle . Call 435-425-3791, press 1 for more information, and 4 for road conditions before visiting the Bentonite Hills. Visit the Cathedral Valley page for more information and check the forecast . The roads through the Bentonite Hills can become impassable when wet . The Bentonite Hills appear as softly-contoured, banded hills in varying hues of brown, red, purple, gray, and green. The hills are composed of the Brushy Basin shale member of the Morrison Formation. This layer was formed during Jurassic times when mud, silt, fine sand, and volcanic ash were deposited in swamps and lakes. Bentonite clay (altered volcanic ash) absorbs water and becomes very slick and gummy when wet, making vehicle or foot travel difficult or impossible. Repeated cycles of absorbing water and then drying results in a popcorn-like appearance on the clay's surface. There are no trails through the Bentonite Hills. The surface is easily damaged; scars from footprints and tire tracks take many years to heal. Please only drive on the road and limit foot travel to firm, previously disturbed areas and wash bottoms. Remember to leave no trace of your visit. Learn more about the geology of Cathedral Valley and of Capitol Reef's Waterpocket Fold .

At Casper, WY, the North Platte River bends southward toward its headwaters in the Colorado Rockies. To hold their westerly course, emigrants traveling along the south side of the river needed to cross to the north bank. Before Latter-day Saints established the first ferry at present Casper in 1847, most overlanders forded at Bessemer Bend/Red Buttes Crossing, about 10 miles southwest of Casper. Later, as more ferries and toll bridges began operating downstream, some travelers avoided tolls by driving across this free ford. In summer, the North Platte River at this crossing usually flowed about 300 yards wide and 3 feet deep—normally an easy, unremarkable ford. The bend was a pleasant and scenic camping area, as well, with majestic Red Buttes rising to the south. Here emigrants would finally leave the Platte River system that had conducted them hundreds of miles across the Plains. Rebecca Ketchum, traveling as a single woman with a small wagon party, was relieved to leave it. “I believe we have now left the Platte River for good, and I am glad indeed,” she wrote in her journal on July 11, 1853. “We have been so long on it. There is so little beauty about it, and we are so much afraid to drink it on account of its being unhealthy that I have grown heartily sick of it.” West of the bend, though, the landscape becomes drier and more challenging, covered with sagebrush and greasewood and dotted with poisonous alkali waterholes. The next good water would be Willow Springs, some 20 miles down the trail. Bessemer Bend/Red Buttes figured importantly in the ordeal suffered by the Martin Handcart Company, caught there in severe weather in October 1856. The company of around 600 starving Latter-day Saints had drawn their carts across the ice-cold North Platte River at the Upper Platte ford on Oct. 19. Over the next four days they staggered a few miles at a time through snow and cutting wind, finally halting and camping near Bessemer Bend on Oct. 23. Unable to move on through the continuing storms, they camped there for 5 days in bitter winter, many without coats or blankets, sheltering in tents and reducing rations to 4 ounces of flour per day. Peter McBride, 6 years old at the time, years later recounted, “We were doomed to starvation. They gave me a bone of an ox that had died. I cut off the skin and put the bone in the fire to roast. And when it was done some big boys came and ran away with it. Then I took the skin and boiled it, drank the soup, and ate the skin, and it was a good supper.” Rescuers from Salt Lake City discovered the camp on Oct. 28 and helped the company begin moving west to meet the supply wagons. Site Information Location (10 mi. southwest of Casper on Bessemer Rd. To visit the Bureau of Land Management’s Bessemer Bend Interpretive Site, drive southwest from Casper on WY-220 for 8 miles. Turn right on Bessemer Bend Road and continue west for 2 miles. After crossing the bridge over the North Platte River, bear right and enter the interpretive site. GPS 42.773779 -106.530797) Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Pony Express National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail Oregon National Historic Trail

Bidwell Pass, on the southern flank of Pilot Peak, is informally named for John Bidwell, a member of the 1841 Bidwell-Bartleson Party that was first to go overland to California. John James, also a member of that party, wrote in his journal, “In the evening we left the salt plain, turned our course to the west, crossed the mountain through a gap [later called Bidwell Pass] and could find no water.” Edwin Bryant, traveling five years later with the first company on the Hastings Cutoff, found and recognized their faint track approaching the pass. “From the indentations of the wheels, where the earth was soft, five or six wagons had passed here. The appearance of this trail in this desolate region was at first inexplicable; but I soon recollected that some five or six years ago an emigrating expedition to California was fitted out by Colonel Bartlettson, Jr. J. Chiles, and others, of Missouri…” Others following the Hastings Cutoff crossed the pass in 1846-1850. Trail trace left by their wagons parallels and crosses the modern unpaved road approaching the pass. An interpretive wayside exhibit near the road tells of the trail’s history and provides a map of the emigrant trails that passed north and south of the Great Salt Lake. To reach the turnout, take I-80 Exit 4, turn north, and drive past the fuel station. At the first Y intersection beyond the station, keep left. At the second Y, stay left and drive 6.3 miles on a paved section of Pilot Peak Rd to the cattle guard at the Utah-Nevada state line. Continue north for 6.2 miles on the unpaved road to an auto tour route sign for the trail, which also marks where the Hastings Cutoff crosses the road. On the left is a turnout with an interpretive wayside exhibit and a large Bureau of Land Management sign for the Hastings Cutoff. Between them stands a t-shaped trail marker with an emigrant quote. The crossbar on the marker is aligned with the direction of the original trail, which continues southwesterly and reaches Bidwell Pass in 0.8 mile. That section of historic trail to the pass can be hiked. Because a vehicle’s hot undercarriage can ignite dry vegetation, driving the section is not recommended. Site Information Location (Bidwell Pass is on the southern slope of Pilot Peak, about 11 miles north of West Wendover, Nevada. GPS “California Lay to the West” wayside at turnoff: 40.910677 -114.0839767 GPS Bidwell Pass: 40.903328 -114.092286) Safety Considerations More Site Information California National Historic Trail

Big Bend This is a large, sweeping bend in the Virgin River. In the cooler months of the year, look for adventurous rock climbers attempting to scale Zion Canyon’s big walls. In the summer, look for nesting raptors up above such as the once-endangered Peregrine Falcon and the currently endangered California Condor. You will not find services or facilities here, however you can take in stunning views of the Great White Throne, Angels Landing, Cable Mountain, and the Virgin River. You can access the Virgin River along a designated trail at this point as well. Shuttle Service When the Zion Canyon Shuttle is running, Big Bend is shuttle stop #8. Shuttles do not pick up at this spot to take visitors up-canyon. Shuttles only stop to bring visitors down-canyon towards the Zion Canyon Visitor Center.

The Donner-Reed Party spent several days grubbing a wagon track from Little Emigration Canyon (at present Mormon Flat Campground) up the east flank of Big Mountain in August 1846. The 4-mile climb starts at about 6,100 feet elevation and tops the summit at 7,420 feet, a gain of more than 1,300 feet. A year later, Brigham Young’s vanguard company of Latter-day Saints followed and improved that track over Big Mountain Summit, where they caught their first glimpse of Salt Lake Valley, their destination. Thomas Bullock wrote in his journal on July 22, 1847, “I could not help shouting ‘hurra, hurra, hurra, there’s my home at last.’” Tens of thousands more Latter-day Saints and California-bound gold seekers, along with the Overland Stage and Pony Express, followed this trail to Big Mountain Summit in 1847-1869. Once at the top, they faced a hair-raising descent down the mountain’s west flank, which some claimed was “nearly perpendicular.” They locked the wheels of their wagons with chains to keep them from turning and skidded straight down the mountainside. Some lowered their vehicles with ropes and some dragged trees behind to slow their wagon’s descent. One of the Donner-Reed wagons broke an axle on this stretch, and some later wagons did roll over and crash, despite the precautions. Emigrant Mary Jane Tanner, following the vanguard in 1847, recalled, “As we gazed down the yawning chasm that lay before us the narrow road with rocks and bushes on either side, and leading we could not see where, was a sight to make the strongest heart falter.” Mark Twain, traveling in 1861, wrote that his party arrived at the pass at 4 p.m. “when all the world was glorified with the setting sun, and the most stupendous panorama of mountain peaks yet encountered burst upon our sight. We looked out upon this sublime spectacle from under the arch of a brilliant rainbow! Even the Overland stage-driver stopped his horses and gazed!” Big Mountain Summit is on US-65/Emigration Canyon Road approximately 19 miles northwest of downtown Salt Lake City. Walk to the southwest edge of the parking area and look toward the Salt Lake Valley to see the grand view once shared by Twain and others on the California, Mormon Pioneer, and Pony Express trail. Now examine the ground beyond the parking area. The deep scars that dive straight down the mountain are wagon ruts, gouged into the earth by skidding, iron-sheathed wheels and deepened by years of erosion. Today’s UT-65 twists and turns down the mountain, crossing and recrossing the old trail scar. Watch for those crossings, marked with signs, as you continue west along the highway. Hikers and cyclists can retrace the challenging, 4-mile segment up the mountain’s east flank, starting from Mormon Flat Campground on Jeremy Ranch Road. Look over the northeast edge of the parking area to see the hiking/historic trail mounting the final, steep section to the summit. A second segment of the recreation trail begins west of the restroom. Site Information Location (Approximately 19 highway miles northeast of central Salt Lake City. Take I-80 Exit 134 (eastbound or westbound) to enter US-65 and drive 8.2 miles to Big Mountain Summit; or from Henefer, UT, drive 19 mi on US-65/Emigration Canyon Road to the summit.) Safety Considerations More Site Information Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Pony Express National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail

The Big Rock Candy Mountain Loop Trail goes south through Marysvale Canyon and back through Long Valley. The portion through Marysvale Canyon is paved until you reach the Whistle Point Trailhead near the big Rock Candy Mountain Resort, where many amenities are available. From there the rest of the trail is unpaved trail and dirt roads until you return to the paved portion further north at the highway 89. ATVs are prohibited on the paved section but are allowed on the historical unpaved portion. Back in the early to mid-1800s, traders along the Old Spanish Trail reached a difficult decision when they approached this section of trail. They had to decide to take Long Valley or Marysvale Canyon, both having advantages and disadvantages. The canyon followed the river, which was a crucial resource for travelers and their mules but was extremely difficult to pass due to the thick vegetation and rushing water leaving little space for travel. Long Valley was open and easier to traverse but was longer and lacked water. Ultimately the pack mule caravans chose Long Valley because they could rejoin the river after only a day. The mountain itself was named after the song by Harry McClintlock in 1928. Known for its interesting caramel yellow color and beauty, this cluster of hills was named after a group of early Utah residents, who after hearing the song, placed a sign at the base where the Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort sits today. The same group named a nearby spring “Lemonade Spring,” which name has also stuck and is now a local popular spot. Site Information Location (2727-2747 Sevier Hwy, Sevier, UT 84766) The trailhead is in Sevier, Utah, right next to highway 89. This section of the Old Spanish Trail follows the Northern route as pack mule traders traded good between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Los Angeles, California. The trailhead has ample parking and restrooms, along with a trail sign and other interpretation providing information about the old railroad that used to run through the canyon. The paved path heads south through Marysvale Canyon and is five miles long. It is mostly downhill and is rated as easy. It follows right beside the river and provides a cool breeze and shade from the canyon walls depending on the time of day. Grasses, shrubs, and trees surround you for most of this portion of the trail. As you head down the path you can see an old tunnel that was used for the railroad but has now since been abandoned. The unpaved portion begins at the Whistle Point Trailhead near the Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort. This path is 19 miles long, rated as moderate to strenuous, and offers a harder challenge than the paved portion. The valley provides a more open space allowing for a wider viewshed of the area, especially at the valley overlook point indicated on the map. Vegetation is sparser here due to lack of abundant water, but shrubs and cottonwood trees are still prevalent. Safety Considerations More Site Information Exhibit with Audio Description available Old Spanish National Historic Trail

Back at the Parting of the Ways, trail traffic split between the Sublette Cutoff, which heads west across rugged terrain and desert, and the Fort Bridger route, which curves southwest toward the fort and Salt Lake City. The Sublette reached the Big Sandy River in the vicinity of present-day Eden Reservoir, while the Fort Bridger route crossed the river about 10 miles south, at today’s community of Farson, WY. Travelers on the heavily used Sublette faced a 2- to 3-day dry drive from the Big Sandy to the next water at the Green River. To prepare for the crossing of the Little Colorado Desert, those emigrants filled every container with water from the Big Sandy, pulled bunchgrass to feed their oxen, and tossed belongings from their wagons to lighten their loads for the draft animals. J. Goldsborough Bruff, reaching Big Sandy Crossing on the Sublette Cutoff on Aug. 4, 1849, reported that another company had abandoned “several hundred weight of fat bacon, beans, lead, iron, tools, and a cast-iron stove, &c” beside the river. (Farther down the trail, facing starvation, that company regretted dumping its food.) Forty-niner Joseph Middleton marveled in his journal, “Saw a piece of real brick with several broken pieces. Who would have thought that any person would have hauled a brick so far over such horrible roads?” Perhaps it was someone’s cherished memento of home. The Big Sandy River ford here was typically about 100 feet wide and 2 feet deep—sometimes deeper—with a steep climb on the west side. Many parties crossed at dusk and started their desert trek in the dark to spare their draft animals from the hot sun. Today the Sublette crossing location is on private land, difficult to access, and lacks exhibits and historical signs. Travelers on the Fort Bridger route, on the other hand, had no need to stock up on water and hay at the Big Sandy Crossing at Farson. After fording, their wagons could follow the Big Sandy to the Green River. The lands on both sides of Big Sandy Crossing were used as campgrounds by Latter-day Saints emigrating to the Salt Lake Valley and by thousands of forty-niners traveling through Salt Lake City on their way to California. Wagons forded where the WY-28 bridge now crosses the Big Sandy. On WY-28 west of the river is a turnout with a state historic sign and a concrete monument that commemorates the meeting of Brigham Young and Jim Bridger at the Little Sandy Crossing, several miles to the east. Site Information Location (The Fort Bridger/Salt Lake City trail branch crossed the Big Sandy River at today’s WY-28 bridge at Farson, WY. Bridge GPS 42.108217 -109.451323. From the intersection of US-191 and WY-28 at Farson, drive west on WY-28 for about 0.2 mile. A turnout with monuments and a historical marker is on the north (right) side WY-28 immediately west of the bridge. GPS 42.107950 -109.453239. The Sublette Cutoff crossing of the river (not accessible to the public) is about 10 miles north at approximately GPS 42.240665 -109.408111.) Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail Pony Express National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail Oregon National Historic Trail

Pony Express Wyoming No. 31 Relay Station ( Big Sandy ) With both the Big Sandy and Little Sandy creeks flowing nearby, and the crossing for the Big Sandy Creek being just a short distance north, Big Sandy station had a great location. It served as both a stage station and a Pony Express relay station until 1862. Site Information Location (Farson, Wyoming) Safety Considerations More Site Information Pony Express National Historic Trail

Overlook Big Spring rests at the end of the Needles Park Road. From the overlook, unique rock spires and multi-colored sandstone benches line the bend in the canyon. The presence of the spring allows trees and plants to flourish in the spring and summer months. Trailhead From the overlook, follow marked cairns down to the canyon to begin the Big Spring to Elephant Hill loop, a challenging hike which spans 10.8 miles (17 km). This loop features extended hiking on slickrock benches and mesa tops overlooking canyons. There are excellent views of sheer cliff walls and other rock formations. You will have to climb two ladders in the pass between the canyons, making this a particularly strenuous hike. Accessibility Portions of the canyon are visible from the paved parking area. The trail into and along the rim of the overlook include slopes and rocky, uneven surfaces. Parking The Trailhead and overlook are located at the end of the Needles park road, approximately 6.5 mi (10.5 km) past the Needles Visitor Center. Several parking spaces at the roundabout and alongside the last section of the park road are available.

You've come to the end of the road. Do you wonder what's out there? This curiosity has driven human exploration for millennia. A wild and untamed landscape begins where the pavement ends. We often refer to places where human impacts are minima. as "wilderness." What does that mean? The Wilderness Act of 1964 defined wilderness ass "...an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself if a visitor who does not remain." The landscape ahead appears to fit that description. However, human impacts on air quality and climate are affecting the natural processes at work here. Does this change your view of Canyonlands' wildness? President Lyndon B. Johnson said of the Wilderness Act: "If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them something more than miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through it." Here at the end of the road, we encourage you to step into the wilderness and explore what it means to you.

This loop features extended hiking on slickrock benches and mesa tops overlooking canyons. Excellent views of sheer cliff walls and other rock formations. Roundtrip Distance : 10.5 mi (16.9 km) Time : 4-6 hrs Overall Elevation Change : 443ft (135m) Cumulative elevation gain on this route is much greater. Difficulty : Strenuous Hike Description : You will have to climb two ladders in the pass between the canyons. Bring : Water (at least 1 L per person, per hour), snacks, sturdy footwear, headlamp, map, and be prepared for, sun, rain, heat, or cold. Accessibility : This trail can be rough, uneven, and requires climbing two ladders. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

A great introduction to the landscape of The Needles, this route connects two canyons for a loop across varied terrain. Roundtrip Distance : 7.5 mi (12 km) Time : 3-4 hrs Overall Elevation Change : 478 ft (146 m) Cumulative elevation gain on this route is much greater. Difficulty : Strenuous Hike Description : The route between the canyons climbs steep grades that are dangerous when wet and may make people with a fear of heights uncomfortable. Bring : Water (at least 1 L per person, per hour), snacks, sturdy footwear, headlamp, map, and be prepared for, sun, rain, heat, or cold. Accessibility : This trail can be rough, uneven, and requires walking up and down a rocky hill and stone steps. It is not accessible to wheelchairs. In winter, there may be snow or icy conditions; we recommend traction devices for hikers. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Service animals are allowed in national parks. What is a service animal?

Missouri’s famous painter and statesman, George Caleb Bingham, purchased the Lewis homestead and lived in this home during the Civil War where he painted, perhaps, his most famous masterpiece, “Martial Law,” or, “Order No. 11,” depicting the Union Army’s militarization of this area and depopulation of four counties along the Missouri-Kansas border in 1863. Trail ruts or swales, preserved on this site, are visible reminders of the hundreds of thousands of overland travelers who passed by on the Santa Fe, and later Oregon and California trails. Here surviving swales align with modern roads. With the constant roll of time, travelers saw this modest home expand around its original nucleus into a mansion that is open to the public today as a house museum with guided tours. Site Information Location (313 W Pacific Ave Independence, MO) Safety Considerations More Site Information Santa Fe National Historic Trail Oregon National Historic Trail California National Historic Trail

The park has its share of misnomers (Mossy Cave isn't a cave, the canyon isn't really a canyon...) and Black Birch Canyon would be another. Since black birch (Betula lenta) only occurs in the east, it's likely quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) were mistaken for these. Birch are famous for having bark that peels back like paper; aspen bark does not peel. Whereas aspen leaves are perfectly flat, birch leaves are slightly "V" shaped and more elongated than Quaking Aspen leaves. Trails No trails depart from this area. Landscape Features To the South See the hoodoos eroded from the edge of the Paunsaugunt plateau contained within a bowl-shaped amphitheater shared with Rainbow Point. A forest floor of pine and fir lies 1,000 feet (305 m) below. To the Southeast Navajo Mountain looms on the distant horizon over 80 miles (129 km) away near Page, Arizona. Called a laccolith, Navajo Mountain can be thought of as a volcano that never quite happened. As the Colorado Plateau was uplifted over the last 20 million years, a plume of molten rock moved upward from deep inside the Earth causing a swelling much like a large blister. Unlike a volcano, Navajo Mountain never blew its top and so the plume cooled slowly, creating the hard core of the mountain that still exists today. To the East The Paria Valley and the upper steps of the Grand Staircase exposed within it present most of the view. Across the valley, the Table Cliff plateau stands at 10,000 feet (3048 m) and is composed of the same Claron formation (or "Pink Cliffs") as Bryce Canyon's hoodoos. This difference in elevation is due to the presence of the Paunsaugunt fault--a major normal fault that runs northeast to southwest along the park's eastern boundary. Uplift of the Colorado Plateau over the last 20 million years is responsible for the nearly 2,000 feet (607 m) of elevation difference expressed by this fault. Below these Pink Cliffs, observe the shale-rich badlands of the Grey Cliffs slowly transform to the sometimes iron-rich sandstones of the upper White Cliffs. Kodachrome State Park is located in this transition zone. Almost the same distance to Navajo Mountain in the southeast, the Henry Mountains can be seen on days with good air quality, 86 miles (138 km) away beyond the eastern horizon. Like Navajo Mountain, these too are laccoliths--or plumes of molten rock that warped the rocks above them, but never broke through as a volcano would. As with the terrain of Capitol Reef National Park, which lies just in front of these peaks, millions of years of erosion have now occurred, and at the Henry Mountains it has removed the overlying rock and exposed the hard igneous cores within these mountains. To the North Observe the eroded edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, punctuated by bowl-shaped amphitheaters. Atop the Markagunt plateau to the northwest and the Paunsaugunt plateau in the north, the Tushar Mountains and Sevier plateau (or Black Mountains) can be seen. These were created through volcanic activity associated with the uplift of the Colorado Plateau. To the West The rolling ponderosa forest of the Paunsaugunt plateau is deeply incised here by water travelling north to the Tropic Reservoir. The direction of flow is decided by the plateau's upward tilt to the south and has created a rain divide between the Great Basin of Nevada and the Colorado River that follows the edge of this plateau.

It is likely that the first European Americans to encounter the Black Rock were the Bryant Russell party in 1846, the first travelers of the infamous Hastings Cutoff. While they do not specifically mention the Black Rock itself, they do describe crystalline springs just to the east, and the natural landscape would have forced them to travel within a few hundred yards of the geologic feature on their way westward (Madsen/Fuller 1983: 87). It is more noteworthy however, that the English name of “Black Rock” has two points of origin, but both are connected to prominent patterns of American Western history. According to James F. Reed in 1871, the ill-fated Donner Party named “Black Rock” as they passed that location during their journey along the Hastings Cutoff in August of 1846. From the Pacific Rural Press (1871:188), Reed notes “We then followed [Hasting’s] road around the Lake without incident worthy of notice until reaching a swampy section of the country west of Black Rock, the name we gave it. Here we lost a few days on the score of humanity.” Site Information Location (13698 W Ieightywest Fwy, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. 1.4 miles southwest of the Great Salt Lake State Park Visitor Center (40.7254 N, -112.2276 W)) Amenities include a designated parking area and gravel walking path. The gravel path is level but not fully ADA. At present, a gate keeps vehicles from proceeding beyond the gravel parking area, but visitors are invited to walk or bike the remaining 0.4 mile to the Black Rock formation. Safety Considerations More site information California National Historic Trail

The Blue Mountain road is steep, rough, and suitable only for 4-wheel drive vehicles with off-road tires that leaves the monument. It climbs about 3000 feet to the top of Blue Mountain. This mountain offers dramatic views of the area. The summit also harbors a relict woodland called Point of the Pines. Some mountaintops in this area contain small groves of conifers like ponderosa pine only on the very top. During the last ice age these trees were much more widespread in the region. With a warmer and drier climate during the last 10,000 years, these trees are now restricted to mountaintops where they find just enough moisture to survive.

Emigrants who crossed the Des Moines River here in 1846, at the village of Bonaparte. The mill is now part of the Bonaparte Historic Riverfront District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours of the district are available. Bonaparte, Iowa was an established village when the Mormon pioneers departed Nauvoo in 1846. The emigrants visited the village, which required fording the Des Moines River. The wrote about Bonaparte in their journals, taking note of the "splendid Mill," a hotel, and several other buildings. Unfortunately, in 1886 a devastating fire along the north side of First Street burned down many of the Bonaparte's original buildings. Afterwards, the village rebuilt many of these buildings. But there are still a few "survivor" buildings. One is the the Farmers & Traders Bank building. Located on the south side of Main Street, it was far enough away from First Street to survive the fire. Constructed in the late 1840s, this building was standing when the Mormon pioneers visited the village. Several of the 1886 rebuilt buildings still remain as well. All together, they comprise the Bonaparte Historic Riverfront District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Site Information Location (Riverfront Park, Bonaparte, Iowa 52620) Available Facilities Historic buildings, intpretive exhibits, benches/seating. Safety Considerations More Site Information Exhibit with Audio Description available Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail

The Bonneville Salt Flats are a 30,000 acre expanse of hard, white salt crust on the western edge of the Great Salt Lake basin in Utah. This Special Recreation Management Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The salt flats are about 12 miles long and 5 miles wide with total area coverage of just over 46 square miles. From the BLM: Trapper and frontiersman Jedediah Smith crossed the Salt Flats while returning to Utah from an expedition to California in 1827. John C. Fremont and his U.S. government-sponsored expedition crossed the heart of the Salt Flats in 1845 while trying to find a shorter overland route to the Pacific Ocean. The next year Fremont’s route across the Salt Flats would become known as the Hastings Cutoff as part of the California Trail. Promoted by Lansford Hastings as a faster, easier route to California, Hastings Cutoff proved to be just the opposite for the Donner- Reed Party of 1846. What contributed to the party’s infamous winter survival in the Sierra Mountains was the delay the emigrants experienced while crossing the Salt Flats. Their wagons became mired in mud just below the thin salt crust. Artifacts from the Donner-Reed Party, and other emigrants that crossed the trail, are on display in the Donner-Reed Museum. Site Information Location (Interstate 80, mile 4, Utah) Motor vehicle use is limited by seasonal closure during the spring when the salt is moist or has standing water on the surface. Closure dates may vary and will be posted by sign. For more information contact the Salt Lake Field Office . Restrictions No overnight camping on the salt flats. No driving vehicles on salt flats when wet or flooded. Safety Considerations California National Historic Trail