California Trail

The words

Park Service: California Trail brochure (opens a new tab)

1. City of Rocks

   Idaho landmark where the Salt Lake Cutoff rejoined the main route.

2. Gold Rush

   Migration spurred by California gold discoveries.

3. Humboldt River

   River corridor reached by California emigrants.

4. James Marshall

   Discoverer whose gold find helped spark the California rush.

5. Jim Beckwourth

   Trail guide who opened a Sierra Nevada route.

6. John Bidwell

   Member of the 1841 emigrant party bound for California.

7. Nancy Kelsey

   Woman who carried her baby on the 1841 California journey.

8. Oxen

   Draft animals commonly preferred for emigrant wagons.

9. Raft River

   Area where the California route separated from the Oregon Trail.

10. Sierra Nevada

    Mountain barrier on the California approach.

11. Soda Springs

    Idaho locality where the 1841 party separated.

12. Sutter's Fort

    California destination reached by the 1844 party’s wagons.

13. Truckee

    Route used by the 1844 emigrant party.

14. Waybills

    Printed trail guides advising emigrants about routes and supplies.

15. William Nobles

    Surveyor who opened a route toward California.