How to Hike Pony Express Access

The Pony Express Access Trail is one of the most historically rich and visually striking hiking routes in the western United States. Stretching across remote stretches of Nevada and Utah, this trail follows the original path of the legendary Pony Express, the mid-19th century mail delivery service that revolutionized communication across the American frontier. Today, hikers can walk the same rugged terrain once traversed by young riders on horseback, experiencing the solitude, beauty, and raw history of the American West. Unlike many modern trails, Pony Express Access is not a manicured pathits a backcountry route that demands preparation, respect for the land, and a deep appreciation for history. Whether youre a seasoned backpacker or a history enthusiast seeking an immersive outdoor experience, learning how to hike Pony Express Access properly ensures safety, environmental preservation, and a deeply rewarding journey.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to hiking the Pony Express Access Trail. We cover everything from route selection and gear preparation to navigation, etiquette, and real-world examples from those whove completed the trek. By the end of this tutorial, youll have the knowledge and confidence to plan, execute, and enjoy a successful hike along one of Americas most iconic historic corridors.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Trails Layout and Options

The Pony Express Access Trail is not a single, continuous path but a network of historic routes, dirt roads, and unmarked trails that follow the approximate alignment of the original Pony Express line. The most commonly hiked segment spans approximately 40 miles between the towns of Ely, Nevada, and the historic Pony Express Station at Sand Springs, Utah. This section is accessible via Forest Service Road 048 and is marked by intermittent signs, stone cairns, and remnants of old station foundations.

There are three primary access points:

• Eastern Terminus (Sand Springs): Located in the Tooele County, Utah desert, this is where the trail meets the historic station ruins. Parking is limited but available near the old corrals.
• Western Terminus (Ely, Nevada): The trailhead is near the Ely State Prison, accessible via Highway 93 and County Road 13. A small pullout near mile marker 68 serves as the starting point.
• Midpoint Access (Baker, Nevada): A popular resupply and rest point with limited services. The trail passes within 1.5 miles of Bakers historic diner and gas station.

Most hikers choose to complete the trail in a point-to-point format, requiring vehicle shuttling or pre-arranged pickup. Alternatively, a loop can be created by combining the trail with nearby Forest Service roads and connecting trails such as the Ruby Mountains Loop or the Black Rock Desert Backcountry Byway, though this significantly increases difficulty and distance.

Step 2: Plan Your Timing and Season

The optimal time to hike Pony Express Access is between late April and early June, or from mid-September to mid-October. During these windows, daytime temperatures range from 60F to 80F, and overnight lows remain above freezing. Summer months (JulyAugust) bring extreme heattemperatures can exceed 105Fwith minimal shade and high risk of heat exhaustion. Winter hiking is not recommended due to snowfall, icy conditions on rocky outcrops, and closed access roads.

Check local weather forecasts and consult the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Nevada and Utah offices for seasonal road closures. Spring snowmelt can cause temporary flooding on low-lying creek beds, particularly near the Muddy River tributaries. Autumn offers the clearest skies and the most stable trail conditions, making it the preferred season for photography and solitude.

Step 3: Obtain Permits and Check Regulations

No permit is required to hike the Pony Express Access Trail itself, as it traverses public lands managed by the BLM. However, if you plan to camp overnight, you must follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources, historic ruins, or designated archaeological sites. Some sections near the Sand Springs Station are protected under the National Register of Historic Places, and disturbing artifacts is illegal under the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA).

Before departure, register your itinerary with the nearest BLM office. Provide your planned route, expected return date, and emergency contacts. This is not mandatory but is strongly advised for safety. In remote areas like this, rescue operations can take 2448 hours to mobilize.

Step 4: Prepare Your Gear

Due to the trails isolation and lack of services, gear selection is critical. Heres a comprehensive packing list:

• Navigation: Topographic map (USGS 7.5 quadrangle: Sand Springs, NV and Baker, UT), GPS device with offline maps (Gaia GPS or AllTrails Pro), compass, and backup paper map in waterproof case.
• Water: Carry a minimum of 1 gallon (3.8 liters) per person per day. Water sources are sparse and unreliable. Treat all water with a filter (Sawyer Squeeze) or chemical tablets (Aquatabs). Plan for at least three water carries between known refill points.
• Shelter: Lightweight, wind-resistant tent or tarp. Nighttime temperatures can drop rapidly. A sleeping bag rated to 25F is recommended, even in summer.
• Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layer, waterproof shell, wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and sturdy hiking boots with ankle support. Avoid cottonit retains moisture and increases risk of hypothermia.
• Food: High-calorie, lightweight meals. Plan for 2,5003,500 calories per day. Dehydrated meals, nuts, jerky, energy bars, and electrolyte tablets are ideal.
• First Aid: Include blister care (moleskin, leukotape), antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, antihistamines, tweezers, and a personal emergency whistle.
• Other Essentials: Headlamp with extra batteries, multi-tool, fire starter, emergency blanket, sunblock (SPF 50+), and insect repellent for early morning and dusk.

Do not rely on cell service. Coverage is nonexistent for over 90% of the trail. A satellite communicator (Garmin inReach Mini 2) is strongly recommended for emergency messaging and location sharing.

Step 5: Navigate the Trail

The Pony Express Access Trail is not blazed or signposted consistently. Navigation requires active attention and map-reading skills. Key landmarks to watch for include:

• Stone Cairns: Small rock piles placed by previous hikers to mark trail junctions. Do not add to or disturb themsome are historic.
• Old Fence Lines: Many sections follow the alignment of 19th-century livestock fencing. These are excellent visual guides.
• Abandoned Station Foundations: Look for low stone walls, depressions, or scattered artifacts near the trail. These mark original relay stations like Bucklands, Sand Springs, and Wild Horse.
• Drainage Ridges: The trail often follows the highest ground to avoid washes. Use ridgelines as natural highways.

Use your GPS to track your progress every 30 minutes. Set waypoints at each known landmark. If you lose the trail, stop, reorient using your map and compass, and backtrack to the last confirmed location. Never guess your position in unfamiliar terrain.

Step 6: Manage Water and Hydration

Water is the single greatest challenge on this trail. There are only three reliable sources:

1. Spring Creek (near Sand Springs): Seasonal; best in spring. Filter before use.
2. Old Well at Baker Station: A hand-dug well with a hand pump. Water is brackish and should be filtered and treated.
3. Reservoir near Mile Marker 68 (Ely side): A small, man-made tank used by ranchers. Often dry in late summer.

Between these points, distances can exceed 18 miles. Carry a collapsible water bladder (3L) and plan to refill at every opportunity. Use your water filter daily, even if the water looks clear. Giardia and cryptosporidium are present in all natural sources.

Hydrate proactively: drink 1 cup (250ml) every 30 minutes, even if youre not thirsty. Signs of dehydration include dark urine, dizziness, headache, and muscle cramps. Carry electrolyte powder to replenish sodium and potassium.

Step 7: Camp Safely and Responsibly

Camp at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and historic sites. Choose flat, durable surfaces like gravel or packed dirt. Avoid fragile desert soilsfoot traffic can damage cryptobiotic crusts that take decades to recover.

Use a portable stove for cooking. Open fires are prohibited in most areas due to fire risk and lack of wood. Store food in odor-proof bags and hang them from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from the trunk. Rattlesnakes, coyotes, and rodents are attracted to food odors.

Dispose of human waste in a cathole 68 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. Pack out all toilet paper and hygiene products. BLM regulations require this.

Step 8: Complete the Hike and Debrief

Upon reaching your endpoint, take a moment to reflect. Many hikers visit the Sand Springs Station ruins to pay respects to the riders who once passed through. Take photos, but do not climb on or remove any artifacts.

After your hike, clean and dry all gear thoroughly. Rinse your boots to remove alkaline desert dust, which can degrade fabric over time. Rehydrate and rest for at least 24 hours. Monitor for signs of illnessdehydration or heat-related stress can manifest days after exertion.

Consider submitting a trail report to the BLM or AllTrails community. Your observations help future hikers and contribute to trail preservation.

Best Practices

Travel Light, Travel Smart

The Pony Express riders carried only what they needed: a saddlebag, rifle, and a few changes of clothes. Modern hikers can learn from their efficiency. Every extra pound adds fatigue. Prioritize multi-use items: a bandana can serve as a towel, sun cover, and filter sleeve. A trekking pole can double as a camera monopod.

Respect the Land and Legacy

This trail is not just a pathits a sacred corridor of American history. Do not carve initials, leave trash, or disturb artifacts. Even small items like bottle caps or food wrappers disrupt the historical integrity of the site. The Pony Express was a lifeline for a nationhonor that by leaving the trail untouched.

Travel in Groups When Possible

While solo hiking is permitted, the trails remoteness makes group travel safer. A minimum of two people is strongly recommended. If you must go alone, inform someone of your itinerary and check in daily via satellite communicator. Never underestimate the risk of injury in isolated terrain.

Know Your Limits

The trail includes steep ascents, loose scree, and sudden elevation changes. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or overly fatigued, stop. Rest in the shade. Drink water. Do not push through symptoms of altitude sickness or heat stress. The desert does not forgive recklessness.

Photograph Responsibly

Many hikers come for the photography. The sunrise over the Ruby Mountains, the silhouette of a lone station ruin at dusk, the vastness of the Great Basinthese are unforgettable moments. But never risk your safety for a shot. Do not climb on unstable ruins or venture off-trail for framing. Use a telephoto lens to capture details without intrusion.

Leave No Trace

Adhere strictly to the seven Leave No Trace principles:

1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. Leave what you find.
5. Minimize campfire impact.
6. Respect wildlife.
7. Be considerate of other visitors.

These arent suggestionstheyre survival ethics for the desert.

Tools and Resources

Topographic Maps

Download the official USGS topographic maps for the area:

• Sand Springs, NV 7.5 Quadrangle, 2017 edition
• Baker, NV 7.5 Quadrangle, 2019 edition
• Ely, NV 7.5 Quadrangle, 2016 edition

Available for free at USGS TopoView. Print a waterproof copy or load into your GPS device.

Navigation Apps

• Gaia GPS Offers offline topographic maps, satellite imagery, and trail overlays. Premium version includes BLM land boundaries.
• AllTrails Pro User-submitted trail logs and recent condition reports. Search Pony Express Access for recent hiker notes.
• Google Earth Pro Use the historical imagery slider to view how the trail has changed since the 1980s.

Weather and Trail Condition Resources

• BLM Nevada Field Office www.blm.gov/office/nevada-field-office Contact for road closures and seasonal advisories.
• BLM Utah Field Office www.blm.gov/office/utah-field-office Updates on trail markers and archaeological protection zones.
• National Weather Service Salt Lake City www.weather.gov/vef Provides desert-specific forecasts for Ely and Tooele County.

Books and Historical References

• The Pony Express: A History by John H. Lienhard A definitive account of the riders, stations, and logistics.
• Trails of the Old West by Harold H. Schlosberg Includes annotated maps of historic mail routes.
• Desert Hiking: Survival and Navigation by Linda R. Thompson Practical advice for arid zone trekking.

Equipment Recommendations

• Water Filter: Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn BeFree
• GPS Device: Garmin inReach Mini 2 (satellite messaging)
• Boots: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX or La Sportiva TX4
• Tent: MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2
• Backpack: Osprey Atmos AG 65
• Headlamp: Black Diamond Storm 400

Real Examples

Example 1: The Solo Hikers Journey (May 2023)

James R., a 42-year-old historian from Colorado, completed the 42-mile trek solo over three days. He started at Ely on May 12, carrying 4 gallons of water and a satellite communicator. He camped near the old Buckland Station, where he discovered a rusted horseshoe and a fragment of a leather saddle strap. He documented everything with photos and GPS coordinates, then submitted the findings to the BLM. I didnt just hike a trailI walked in the footsteps of boys who rode through blizzards and dust storms to deliver news, he wrote in his journal. It changed how I see communication, courage, and isolation.

Example 2: The Family Expedition (September 2022)

The Chen familyparents and two teenshiked the first 18 miles from Baker to Sand Springs as a weekend trip. They used a shuttle service to drop their car at the trailhead and picked it up at the end. They carried a portable solar charger, extra snacks, and a field guide to desert flora. We saw jackrabbits, a coyote, and a golden eagle, said 15-year-old Maya. We also found a broken lantern near a station. My dad said it mightve been from 1861. We left it there. It belonged to the trail.

Example 3: The Photography Expedition (October 2021)

A professional photographer from Utah spent five days on the trail, capturing the changing light across the desert. He used a drone to photograph the trails serpentine path through the sagebrush. He avoided flying over historic sites due to BLM drone restrictions. His series, Echoes of the Ride, was later exhibited at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The silence out there is louder than any city, he said. You hear your breath. You hear the wind. And for a moment, you hear the hooves.

FAQs

Is the Pony Express Access Trail marked well?

No. The trail is minimally marked. Youll find occasional cairns, faded fence lines, and old station ruins, but no consistent signage. Navigation skills and a reliable GPS are essential.

Can I ride a horse on the trail?

Yes, equestrian use is permitted in most sections. However, horses are not allowed within 100 feet of historic station ruins. Riders must carry extra water and plan for overnight corrals. Contact the BLM for current equestrian guidelines.

Are there any ranger stations along the trail?

No. The nearest ranger stations are in Ely, Nevada (60 miles west) and Delta, Utah (75 miles east). Plan for self-sufficiency.

Is it safe to hike alone?

It is possible, but not recommended. The trails remoteness, extreme temperatures, and lack of cell service make solo hiking high-risk. If you must go alone, carry a satellite communicator and file a detailed trip plan.

What should I do if I find an artifact?

Do not touch, move, or take it. Note its location with GPS and report it to the BLM. Removing artifacts from federal land is illegal under ARPA and can result in fines up to $20,000.

How long does it take to hike the full trail?

Most hikers take 34 days to complete the 4045 mile stretch. Fit hikers may do it in 2 days, but this is strenuous and not advised. Allow time for rest, photography, and historical exploration.

Can I camp anywhere along the trail?

You can camp on BLM land as long as youre 200 feet from water, trails, and historic sites. Avoid fragile desert soils. Do not camp in the immediate vicinity of station ruins.

Are there bears or mountain lions?

Mountain lions are present but extremely rare. Black bears are not found in this region. The primary wildlife concerns are rattlesnakes, scorpions, and coyotes. Make noise while walking, especially at dawn and dusk.

Whats the hardest part of the hike?

Most hikers cite the 12-mile stretch between Baker and the Muddy River crossing as the most challenging. The terrain is rocky, exposed, and lacks shade. Water is scarce. Plan to start this section early in the morning.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, dogs are permitted but must be leashed at all times. Carry extra water for them. The desert heat can burn their paw pads. Consider booties for protection.

Conclusion

Hiking the Pony Express Access Trail is more than a physical journeyits a pilgrimage through time. You are not merely walking a path; you are tracing the heartbeat of a nation that once relied on speed, grit, and courage to connect the East and West. The trail demands respect, preparation, and humility. It does not cater to the casual visitor. It rewards those who come with intention.

By following the steps outlined in this guideplanning your route, packing wisely, navigating with care, and honoring the landyou ensure not only your own safety but the preservation of this irreplaceable heritage. The Pony Express riders rode for 18 months before the telegraph rendered them obsolete. Yet their legacy endures, not in wires or signals, but in the dust of the trail and the silence of the desert.

When you stand at Sand Springs, watching the sun dip behind the mountains, youll understand why this trail matters. Youll feel the wind that carried the news of a nations hope. And youll know, with quiet certainty, that youve walked where history was made.

Go prepared. Go respectfully. Go with purpose.