June 1 Hike on California/PonyExpress/Mormon Pioneer Trail 

 

Weather and ground conditions permitting, on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 1, Lee K. will lead a Tabor hike along a state-owned segment of the original California, Mormon Pioneer, and Pony Express trail from Mormon Flat (off Jeremy Ranch Road) to Big Mountain Pass (on UT-65). Please let Lee know by email (kreutzer@xmission.com) no later than May 19 if you plan to take part. Include your cell number and note whether you will be bringing a vehicle or riding with another driver. Lee will reply with driving directions in advance of the hike. 

 

Participants will meet at 9 a.m. at Big Mountain Pass, about a 40-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City. Some drivers will leave their vehicles at the pass and we will carpool from there to the trailhead at Mormon Flat, which entails a drive of about 3.2 miles on an unpaved road that can be muddy and washboarded in spots. Plan to bring $5 cash for parking at Mormon Flat. After our hikers reach the pass, we will coordinate to shuttle drivers back to their vehicles parked at the Mormon Flat trailhead.

 

The 4.5-mile sustained climb from Mormon Flat  to Big Mountain Pass takes three to four hours to hike and can be strenuous for individuals who are unaccustomed to high altitude conditions. The trail, which is mostly shaded, starts at about 6,100 feet elevation and ends at 7,420 feet, a gain of more than 1,300 feet. The trail generally has a grade of about 5.5% but the last half-mile is steep, with a grade of 12.7%. Expect to cross a few inches of pooled water and mud near the Mormon Flat trailhead. Hiking boots are recommended, and walking sticks are helpful for cranky knees. Carry water, trail snacks, bug repellant, and lunch. Dogs are welcome but need to be on six-foot leashes, as mountain bikers and other wildlife may be encountered along the trail. (Bring water for your dog, too—and don’t forget the doody bags!) 

 

Cheyne and Lou hiked this trail when they were about 10 years old, so active kids can definitely do it while learning some cool Utah history along the way.