Recreation Region: Highway 50 Corridor Area

Pony Express National Historic Trail

Experience a section of the historic Pony Express Trail that carried mail to and from San Francisco, California to St Joseph, Missouri from 1860-1861. This part of the trail runs 38.24 miles point to point through the forest from Fresh Pond to Echo Summit near Adventure Mountain. It is a mix of single track and Forest Service roads, and there are options for shorter sections. Trail is open to hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

Current Conditions

This trail suffered significant impacts from the Caldor Fire. Trail crews have been working on the trail, but sections are still overgrown and may have down trees. There is also a bridge out that has not been replaced yet. Please use caution.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

13E19

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

Open to all non-motorized travel. The trail continues up into the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, but bikes are not allowed on the upper section of this trail.

Eldorado National Forest Pony Express National Historic Trail Map

no motorized vehicles, bicycles not allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail

Photo of the front entrance to the Placerville Ranger District Visitor Services office.

Address: 4260 Eight Mile Road Camino, CA 95709
Phone: (530) 644-2324
Hours: 7 days a week from 8 AM until 4:30 PM including holidays (Summer Hours)