Nevada-to-California ride re-creates pioneer journey, minus wagons

In the mid-19th century, Peter Lassen opened a trail to take Easterners on the long, harsh trek from Missouri to California. Now you can witness what he and pioneers saw on their westward journey at the 20th Lassen-Applegate Emigrant Trail Ride from western Nevada to California.

The back-country ride in four-wheel vehicles travels 200 wilderness miles of Lassen’s route, without wagons and horses. It starts in Imlay, Nev., and ends in Surprise Valley near the border at Cedarville, Calif.

The route winds through through rocky terrain in Black Rock Desert and High Rock Canyon. The canyon, which measures about 16 miles, was first identified by Capt. John Fremont and his expedition, which included trapper legend Kit Carson.

Participants learn the history of the West at places such as Double Hot Springs (with hot pools) and Soldier Meadows. (The Applegate in the name refers to the brothers who also used this route to take pioneers on to Oregon.)

“The emigrants wrote in their diaries such good descriptions of their trip that we can identify the majority of key points of interest in the history of this route,” Warner Anderson of High Rock Trekkers says in a statement.

The ride on federally protected lands is led convoy-style; participants should bring tent, sleeping bag, CB radio (for communication with others), drinking water, snacks and other personal items. The trip is limited to 25 vehicles on a first come, first served basis.

When: The ride is July 18-21.

Price: $275 for adults, $150 for children 7 to 14, kids younger than 7 are free. It includes all meals and guided back-country ride.

Info: High Rock Trekkers or contact Warner Anderson, (775) 629-9232, wana7448@sbcglobal.net