Photos

"The principal obstructions that interposed themselves to our march was the large piles of granit that had broken off the walls of the Mountains which stood on either side thousands of feet above us - and over hanging us as it ware - and rolled down into the gorge, forming piles from 1 to 300 feet high. These we were compelled to find our way through by circuitous routs and winding ways, Ascending and descending over steep craggy cliffs and precipices...But by a heard and loborious deys work, to our selves and animals we suceeded in getting through...At the top of which, we found a handsome vally of grass (Hope Valley), Where we encamped for the night."
--- James Pritchard, August 4th, 1849

Crossing the Sierra Nevada Mountains was certainly an adventure and arduous task for emigrants from the eastern United States. The Mormon - Carson route was mapped in 1848 by the Mormon Battalion, volunteers in the Mexican War returning to Salt Lake City from Sacramento, California.

While a longer route than the Stevens-Donner, this trail has less dramatic elevation gain. This trail ran west from the Humboldt Sink, Nevada by way of the Carson River. Then west past Caples Lake, Silver Lake and onward to Placerville, then Sacramento.

The large meadow in this image is Hope Valley, named by the Mormon Battalion. Located in the area of the junction of Highways 88 and 89. The impressive mountain in the background is Red Top Mountain. Hope Valley still remain rural even though it is only about a 45 minute drive from South Lake Tahoe.