NEW FEATURE ALERTNow introducing Trailside Services! Add to your adventure by visiting some of Nevada's best local businesses.
The California Trail Back Country Byway parallels a portion of the California National Historic Trail, which saw over 250,000 immigrants make their way from Independence, Missouri to California over 150 years ago. More than 1,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen across 10 states along this historic trail. In 1849, gold was discovered at Sutter's Fort near Sacramento, California, setting off a rush by miners and others seeking free land in California. By 1869, more than a quarter of a million people crossed the plains and mountains heading to the West to find gold and claim free land. The California Trail offered several paths to the West Coast and California. Across Nevada, travelers followed along the Humboldt River to the Fortymile Desert and ascend the Truckee River. Eventually they ascended the Sierras via Emigrant Gap and stumbled down to Sutter’s Fort. By the 1860s, freight and mail companies, military expeditions, new settlements and trading stations, and thousands of travelers headed in all directions had transformed the California Trail into a road. But, in 1869, the Union Pacific Railroad was connected with the Central Pacific Railroad at Promontory Point in northern Utah, making it possible to travel across the nation by rail ushering in a new era in transportation and heralding the end of long-distance travel by wagon through the West.
Access the byway from Jackpot, Wells or Idaho. From north of Wells turn at Wilkins Montello rd towards Thousand Springs, a favorite watering hole of the immigrants that passed through the area. Enjoy primitive camping, hiking, backpacking, and mountain biking on BLM lands. Whatever you do, you’re sure to enjoy your experience as you travel a priceless piece of history on the California Trail Back Country Byway. Allow 3+ hours to enjoy these 96 miles.
Nevada's Back Country Byways are designed for overlanding and 4WD high clearance passenger car travel. Routes should be maintened by county and BLM partners but there may be instances where roads are washed out or impassible. Always have a backup plan and travel with extra safety resources such as food, water, and spare tire.
Gas and other services are limited in this area. See Trailside Services before heading out to plan accordingly.
Dive deeper into the history of the California Trail and visit the California Trail Interpretive Center in Elko.
Be part of the National Historic Trails Passport program and visit all ofthe national historic trails across the US!
Plan your visit along I-80 by visiting these cultural and historic landmarks.
For more informaiton vist the BLM Back Country Byway website or contact:
Bureau of Land Management - Elko District OfficeNavigating the Byway:
Start 26 miles north of Wells off US 93 or through Jackpot, Nevada along US 93.
From Wells:
From Jackpot:
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