Relive a dramatic part of the West's history as you travel the same trail that Pony Express Riders covered over 100 years ago. You can stop at stations and modern interpretive sites along the Backcountry Byway were exhausted riders once rested before they raced on to complete their 1,800-mile run. You can extend your visit to the past with a night's stay at the campground and reconstructed station at Simpson Springs. The Pony Express Trail is a designated National Historic Trail.
Traveling This Byway:
To follow the Pony Express Trail, head west from the town of Fairfield (located west of Utah Lake) through Faust, over Lookout Summit, to past Simpson Springs and Fish Springs. The road then travels through the Snake Valley to Callao and northwest to Ibapah. There are no services along this 133-mile byway. Allow five to six hours travel time with interpretive stops.
Scenery and Attractions:
The Pony Express Trail is marked with the monuments or ruins of 14 Pony Express Station sites. This byway crosses desert valleys, climbs remote mountain passes and serves as the main street of small, isolated communities. A popular stop is Fish Springs, the most remote wildlife refuge in the continental U.S.
Road Conditions:
The first five miles and the last two miles of this "trail" are asphalt. In between lie 126 miles of maintained gravel and dirt road. The route is open throughout the year, however, the best and safest seasons are spring and fall. There are no vehicle restrictions, but four-wheel drive vehicles with chains, tow rope or winch are recommended after heavy rain or snow.
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