Lured by the promise of easy riches and fertile land, this historic emigrant trail was traversed by over 200,000 people migrating to California between 1840 and 1870. The trail winds through Elko County with significant sites highlighted by historical markers. Wagon ruts can still be seen across parts of the trail. Guide books available at Northeastern Nevada Museum in Elko.

Distance from Elko: 8 miles ( 12.9 km)

Road Conditions: Paved/dirt road

Services Along Route: All services available in Elko

Directions: Drive west on Interstate 80 for 8 miles (12.9 km) to the Hunter exit. Turn north to view the first interpretive site marker on this trail. 

Built in 1911 as a farming promotional scheme by New York based Pacific Reclamation Company, the town died after losing a fight over water rights in the 1920s. You can still explore the crumbling remains of the local school, hotel and a few home foundations.

Distance from Elko: 64 miles (104 km)

Road Conditions: Paved/dirt road

Services Along Route: All services available in Wells

Directions: Drive east on Interstate 80 to Exit 351. Turn north on Humboldt Avenue (Business Loop 80) to the stop sign on 6th Street. Continue north across 6th Street and the railroad tracks. After crossing the railroad tracks, turn left on Country Road 754 for approximately 14 miles. Metropolis is not marked, but the ruins are clearly visible on the north side of this road.

Peaking during the silver rush of the 1880s, Tuscarora once boasted of the highest population in Elko County. A living ghost town, Tuscarora is now a ranching community and home to several world renowned artists who are thriving in this solitary area. Tours are available of his pottery school and studio. The historic cemetery is a must see for ghost town enthusiasts.

Distance from Elko: 54 miles (87 km)

Road Conditions: Paved/gravel road

Services Along Route: None available in Tuscarora limited along State Route 225

Directions: Drive south on State Route 225 to State Road 226. Drive west on SR 226 about 19 miles (31 km). Turn at Tuscarora sign onto Country Road 723 (graded dirt road). Follow 723 for 5 miles (8 km) to Tuscarora.

A soon-to-be marked recreational trail system connects 135 year old mining roads winding through five ghost towns and past several historic mines. Accessible by turning east off U.S. Highway 93 approximately 37 miles south of Wells.

Distance from Elko: 87 miles (145.3 km)

Road Conditions: Paved/gravel road

Services Along Route: All services available in Wells

In 1869 the Central Pacific Railroad founded the town at Humboldt Wells on the California Trail. The cow town connected Spruce Mountain and White Pine County mines to the railroad.

Distance from Elko: 53 miles (88.5 km)

Road Conditions: Paved

Services Along Route: All services available in Wells

As a booming mining town at the turn of the century, Mountain city was once home to a couple thousand gold, silver and copper mines. Now a small ranching community bordering the Owyhee reservation, Mountain City provides interesting opportunities to explore mining history.

Distance from Elko:65 miles (40.3 km)

Road Conditions: Paved/dirt road

Services Along Route: All services available in Mountain City

Directions: Drive north out of Elko on State Route 225. Mountain City is 90 miles (145 km) from Elko.

Located at the south end of the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a portion of the Pony Express Overland Mail Service Trail. Three miles past the original site of Fort Ruby is an overlook where visitors can experience the barren solitude that riders faced on their desolate and dangerous journey. The Donner-Reed Party crossed Overland Pass to head north and rejoin the main California Trail.

Distance from Elko: 65 miles (40.3 km)

Road Conditions: Paved/dirt road

Services Along Route: None available

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This project made possible by a grant from
The Nevada Commission on Tourism.