A National Pony Express Association rider poses at Simpson Springs in Utah.
Pony Express National Historic Trail
National Historic Trail · CA, CO, KS, MO, NE, NV, UT, WY
It is hard to believe that young men once rode horses to carry mail from Missouri to California in the unprecedented time of only 10 days. This relay system along the Pony Express National Historic Trail in eight states was the most direct and practical means of east-west communications before the telegraph.
Park report
Current Alerts
How this is rated
Good: no active alerts or closuresNo active alerts
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available11 activities
Park Name
InfoPony Express National Historic Trail
Designation
InfoNational Historic Trail
State(s)
InfoCA, CO, KS, MO, NE, NV, UT, WY
Phone
InfoN/A
ntir_information@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoThe Pony Express National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead it is a route that passes through communities, urban areas, public lands, and Wilderness. The route travels across a variety of land ownerships and management, including private land. Each location varies as to the hours of operations and access. Please contact individual trail sites before your visit for more information.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Themes & Topics
InfoArcheology, Ruins, Arts + 5 more
Weather Info
InfoDue to the length of the Pony Express National Historic Trail, be sure to consult local weather sources for the region you'll be visiting. Check out the forecast with the National Weather Service and
Getting There
InfoYou can visit many sites of the Pony Express National Historic Trail over the 1,800-mile historic route that crosses 8 states.
Location
Info42.2366° N, -109.2661° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website