Trek to Emigrant's Crossing

History buffs and adventurers are invited to the secluded Emigrant’s Crossing portion of the Overland Trail. The Saratoga Historical and Cultural Association will be hosting a trek to the site 12 miles north of Saratoga on Saturday, July 29.

Interested persons must meet at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Saratoga Museum, located at 104 E. Constitution Avenue, across from Saratoga airport. The motorcade will leave at 9 a.m.

Guest speakers will join tour guide Dick Perue to relate history of the famous site as trekkers do a two-hour, more than a mile walking tour of the trail, river crossing, graveyard, natural stairway, and registry cliffs.

Folks on the trek will receive a booklet with photos and history of the Overland Trail, Emigrant’s Crossing and Cemetery.

Participants are encouraged to car pool in high profile vehicles. As the trek is in rattlesnake country, walking sticks, boots and appropriate clothing are suggested. For those staying for the question and answer session, bring lunch and a lawn chair.

Because of high temperatures and dusty conditions, trekkers should bring plenty of water, wear a hat and dress in layers.

Several points of interest will be seen along the trail including covered wagon ruts, stage and wagon train crossing area of the Upper North Platte River, ferry site, a child’s grave, names carved in a cliff by the travelers in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and a hidden rock staircase. Other sites include the Coal Banks, Cathedral Rocks, Johnstone Island and a trail leading westward to Bridger Pass.

To sign up for the trek, call Saratoga Museum at 326-5511, email [email protected], or visit the museum.

Those interested are urged to sign up right away.