About the Trek
Walking in Their Footsteps
July 14–18, 2026 · Wyoming Mormon Trail Sites
"Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me."
What Is Pioneer Trek?
From 1856 to 1860, thousands of Latter-day Saints pulled handcarts across the American plains to gather in the Salt Lake Valley — more than a thousand miles through heat and cold, mud and snow, rivers and mountains. They faced trials that required great faith and perseverance.
Pioneer trek is an opportunity for our youth to walk in their footsteps — literally — across the same Wyoming terrain, pulling handcarts, camping under the stars, and discovering what they are made of. It is one of the most spiritually significant experiences a young person can have.
The Trail
Where We Will Walk
Day 2 — Wednesday, July 15
Martin's Cove / Sweetwater River Crossing
A sheltered hollow where the Martin Handcart Company took refuge during the October 1856 blizzard. Approximately 56 pioneers perished here. The Sweetwater River Crossing experience also happens near this site. Trek starts at 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Day 3 — Thursday, July 16
Sixth Crossing (Women's Pull)
Site of the famous rescue. On October 19, 1856, 18 young men carried hundreds of weakened pioneers across the icy Sweetwater River. The Women's Pull experience takes place here. Trek starts at 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Day 4 — Friday, July 17
Rocky Ridge
One of the most demanding stretches of the original handcart trail. The Martin Handcart Company crossed Rocky Ridge in a blizzard on October 23, 1856. At least 13 pioneers died that night. Trek starts at 8:00 a.m.
Day 5 — Saturday, July 18
Rock Creek Hollow
Burial site of 13 pioneers who died after the Rocky Ridge crossing. The trek concludes here with a closing testimony meeting before returning home.
Campground Details
- Location: Sixth Crossing Campgrounds #2 & #3 (Sweetwater Campgrounds)
- Facilities: 30×60 pavilion, hand-pump well, picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets
- Check-in: 1pm – 8pm
- Quiet Hours: 10pm – 6am
- Trek Start Times: Vary by day; arrive at trailhead 45 minutes before your designated start time