Our Route Day by Day

	OUR ROUTE: Our route follows the Old California Pioneer Trail from modern-day Lovelock to Fallon, Nevada. This includes the infamous "Forty-Mile Desert" from The Humboldt Sink, over the Carson Sink, to the outskirts of Fallon, Nevada and the Carson River. This area is a unique geological phenomenon, where two rivers simply sink into the desert sands. They are two of Nevada's "rivers to nowhere." (Others are the Walker and the Truckee, which does not disappear, but spills into Pyramid Lake, which has no outlet) It is also an area of geothermal activity.
	Click to enlarge
DAY BY DAY ROUTE DESCRIPTION: TUESDAY/DAY "ZERO": Pershing County Rodeo Grounds is open and available for early arrivals. Many people like to come early, to let your stock acclimate, test equipment, etc. If you wish to stay in a motel before the wagon train leaves, call Sturgeon's Motel (775) 273-2971 or (888) 234-6835
WEDNESDAY, GETTING READY: EVERYONE must be at the Pershing County Rodeo Grounds in Lovelock by 1 PM. At 1 PM we will begin shuttling rigs to the trail's end at the Adams Ranch in Fallon. All rigs drive over there and the people wait for the shuttle vans to take them back to the Rodeo Grounds. We will enjoy a special dinner with presentations at Sturgeon's Casino. Wagonmaster Bill will tell us all about the fascinating and sometimes gruesome and dismal history of the Trail, as well as the flora, fauna, and geology of the region. If you want one last night with a nice bed and warm shower, we recommend making a reservation for Sturgeon's Motel - (775) 273-2971 or (888) 234-6835 - and spend the night (after feeding your stock at the fairgrounds, of course) We all eat at Sturgeon's, and Bill delivers an orientation program.
THURSDAY, DAY 1	Leaving the rodeo grounds, we spend a short time on a public road until we reach the trail. Turning right onto the trail, we travel over several miles of open range on well-maintained dirt/gravel road. There may be occasional vehicle traffic, though not much. This is the day to get used to the trail, to get your stock used to the rumble and creaking of the wagons, to get to know your fellow travelers. The trail is not challenging in itself, but the stock may feel frisky or unsure in this new environment. We stop briefly at the Humboldt River, and then eat lunch at a County gravel pit. Sometimes livestock or wild horses can be seen on this stretch of trail. Thursday Night we camp at "Donner Camp" - named because historical diaries and other records indicate this is the place where the Donner Party camped on their way across the desert.
DAY 2 Friday In the morning we go down a hill that is challenging for the wagons, though not so much for the outriders. So we ask that the riders wait, and the wagons descend one by one. Then we enter the Humboldt Sinks. Along the last of the willows along the Sinks, the trail splits. The wagons take the low road, through some very deep, nasty shale. Outriders take the High Road, which is also jagged shale, and the most rugged part of the trail, though most have no real problem with it. Wild horses and burros, as well as badgers and various birds of prey can occasionally be spotted on this stretch of the trail. We climb up and over the natural levee that separates the Humboldt and Carson Sinks. A short steep descent takes us to Division Camp, under the shadow of the beautiful Cinnabar Hills.
DAY 3 Saturday By today we need to be able to ride as a close unit. Much of the day will be spent travelling along Highway 95 along the Union Pacific railroad tracks. We also have to cross a bridge on the highway.So we need to stay together! This is also a day to wear your Period Costumes or Buckaroo Finery, as many travelers along Route 95 will stop and take our pictures. The public really enjoys seeing this wagon train!
Leaving the highway, we again follow the Old California Trail into the desert, and we take a break at the Pioneer memorial. Saturday Night is traditionally "Campfire Night" although regulations around campfires are getting stricter, so we may have to use a propane "campfire."

DAY 4 Sunday In the morning, we take group pictures before setting out. But keep your focus! There is actually a fairly long day of riding ahead - it's not quite time to kick back! The trail includes some steep hills, including "FUN HILL" where you can pull out all the stops and charge up the hill full throttle.

We eat lunch in a parking lot just past one of the largest geothermal power plants in the world, near the Fallon City Limits. Coming into the parking lot the trail is good, but if you take the obvious shortcut, you will find yourself - and your horse or mule - bounding like a bunny through very deep dunes.
Shortly after leaving the geothermal plant, we abruptly hit pavement and fences. There is excitement in the air that we are almost Home - as well as some mixed feelings, sadness to have to leave this wonderful adventure and all of our new friends. We travel for a few miles through Fallon (the only part of the route with significant vehicular traffic, plus barking dogs and other livestock close by in fences along the route. ) We turn off the main road and enter a public park to Soda Lake. From there we enter the road that will take us to our trucks and trailer. And then... It's all over! People turn on their cell phones and we re-enter the 21st Century!