EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. (October 17, 2023) – In the heart of the American West, there’s a tradition that has been preserved over the decades, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. The Highway 50 Association Wagon Train Ride, an annual event, allows participants and spectators alike to step back in time and experience the Old West firsthand. 
In 1849, the announcement of the discovery of gold in the foothills of California shook the entire globe! The irresistible allure of instant wealth compelled countless individuals to abandon their homes and loved ones, as droves of hopeful prospectors and explorers embarked on a journey towards California, in pursuit of the abundant riches known as the “Mother Lode”. With unwavering determination, these adventurers braved the rugged terrain, leaving behind their possessions and families, and journeying westward to chase the fading sunset, their eyes gleaming with the promise of striking it rich with the precious metal – gold.
![Grizzly Flat [ca. 1851-1852]](http://www.inedc.com/23/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GrizzlyFlats-1851-1852-120x86.webp)
A Journey Along the Loneliest Road in America
Highway 50, often referred to as the “Loneliest Road in America,” stretches across the Silver State of Nevada, cutting through vast deserts and untouched wilderness to Sacramento California. During the early 1850s, it was a significant land pathway to California. The route crosses the present-day Echo Summit along the Highway 50 corridor, gained renown as the “Roaring Road”. The volume of travel through this region was so substantial that wagon trains frequently had to endure lengthy waits of several days before it was their turn to traverse the road.
This historic route is the setting for an event that captures the spirit of the pioneers who once traveled these rugged lands.
The Origin of the Tradition
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the “Gold Rush”, a Wagon Train was formed, to travel west from Lake Tahoe to Placerville (Old Hangtown) along Highway 50.
The inaugural Highway 50 Wagon Train of 1949 proved to be an outstanding triumph! This exceptional occurrence captured the hearts of countless people and garnered immense popularity. Following its initial success, the Wagon Train recommenced in 1951, and has continued its annual expedition every year thereafter. What initially began as a thrilling and joyful expedition has now transformed into a genuinely momentous occasion, acknowledged as such by the State of California in 1980, and again by the State of Nevada in 1982. As of today, the Highway 50 Association Wagon Train remains unparalleled as the sole Bi-State Historic Event!
Over the years, it has grown to become a celebration of history and a testament to the resilience of the pioneers who ventured westward during the Gold Rush era.
The Participants
Each year, a diverse group of participants, ranging from seasoned cowboys to enthusiastic families, embark on this journey. Many come equipped with period-authentic covered wagons, mules, and horses, embracing the authentic experience of the Old West. 
Whether you embark on this magnificent adventure for a single day or embark on a full-fledged expedition, the bounties of this remarkable land will be truly cherished as you leisurely traverse the road at an average pace of three miles per hour! As the day comes to a close, gather around the enchanting campfires, immerse yourself in captivating tales, and delight in the cozy entertainment that perfectly complements this extraordinary experience.
The Route
Starting from Middlegate Station, a historical spot along Highway 50, participants and their wagons follow the highway westward. They travel through the expansive Nevada desert, camping under the open sky and cooking over open flames, just as the pioneers did over a century ago. Then they climb high into the mountains to the glimmering Lake Tahoe and back down the western slope of the Sierra Nevadas on to the historic Gold Fields of Hangtown, now called Placerville in recognition of the placer mining that made many rich.
The Experience
The Highway 50 Association Wagon Train Ride is not just about traversing the arid terrain and high mountain passes. It’s a true immersion into the past. Participants don period attire, engage in storytelling around campfires, and reenact scenes from the past. It’s a unique opportunity for both young and old to learn about the challenges and triumphs of the early settlers who embarked on this journey.
Families are enthusiastically encouraged to join the delightful Wagon Train. Embrace the joy of waking up before sunrise, indulging in the heavenly scent of boiling coffee, sizzling bacon, and the harmonious clinking of harnesses, all while enjoying the gentle neighs of horses preparing for the day’s journey. The soft murmurs of the wranglers as they diligently attend to their duties transport individuals away from the stress of modern life and back into a world brimming with excitement, anticipation, and unadulterated delight.
The Wagon Train of the Highway 50 Association warmly welcomes school groups who are eager to embrace and immerse themselves in their own history. The students who engage in the wagon train activities, alongside their simultaneous living history programs, are left astounded, having jointly encountered a truly unforgettable and life-changing experience.
Community and Camaraderie
This event fosters a strong sense of community and camaraderie among participants. Along the way, they bond over shared experiences, making lifelong friendships, and creating cherished memories. The tradition also attracts curious onlookers and history enthusiasts who join in the fun or offer their support.
A Celebration of Heritage
The Highway 50 Association Wagon Train Ride is more than just a reenactment; it’s a living tribute to the pioneering spirit that shaped the American West. It honors the men and women who endured hardships and faced the unknown to build the nation.
Preserving History for Future Generations
While the event is a celebration of the past, it also serves as an educational platform, preserving the history of the Old West for generations to come. Through this journey, both participants and observers gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges and triumphs of those who blazed the trails before them. It’s a tribute to the pioneers who braved the wild frontiers, and a reminder of the enduring traditions that have stood the test of time. As the wagons roll along the “Loneliest Road in America,” they carry with them the rich heritage of a nation’s history.
If you are interested in participating in fun and varied Highway 50 Association activities memberships are provided a registration discount on Wagon Train, and receive the monthly Newsletter!
Become a new member or renew your membership!
Membership Application Dues help fund Association activities.
Highway 50 Wagon Train on Facebook
Email
hwy50wagontrain@gmail.com
Address
P.O. Box 454
Placerville, CA 95667
![Grizzly Flat [ca. 1851-1852]](http://www.inedc.com/23/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/GrizzlyFlats-1851-1852-350x250.webp)
