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Pony Express National Historic Trail

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Pony Express National Historic Trail

The Pony Express National Historic Trail follows the exact path that Pony Express riders took from 1860 to 1861. Many men rode horses and mules to deliver mail to people across the country in just 10 days. When you pick up the trail in Utah, you have the chance to drive a portion of their trail along gravel roads maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. There are several interpretive sites that help you learn about the riders along with BLM camping spots.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

21st Street Pond Trail

Anyone can handle this trail as it's paved and runs in a circle. You can bring your pole and fish in the pond that the trail surrounds.

Length: 1 mile

Intensity: Easy

9 Line Trail

It doesn't take long to finish this trail, which follows the old line operated by the Union Pacific Railroad. Be careful of the traffic nearby, though.

Length: 1.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Jordan River Parkway

Test your skills on this mountain biking trail that is also suitable for other types of bikes. It descends 37 feet, which makes it mild enough for most riders.

Length: 4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Mountain View Corridor Trail

Best for more experienced riders, this trail has a descent of more than 400 feet and a maximum elevation of more than 4,000 feet. The trail is especially busy on weekends.

Length: 16 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Fishing & Boating

Highbury Lake Pond is a popular fishing hole stocked with carp and largemouth bass as well as crappie and white bass. You can park on Lake Park Boulevard or Daybury Drive and walk to the pond. East Canyon State Park and Park City Mountain Resort also have lakes stocked with catfish and other fish. Before you grab your gear, make sure you have a Utah license. You can also boat in East Canyon State Park.

Wildlife Viewing

The Pony Express National Historic Trail is a great place to see wildlife, but you should bring binoculars as many of these animals stay hidden from humans. Cougars, coyotes, elk, kangaroo rats, moose, and raccoons are just some of the animals found near the trail. You can also look for house finches and sparrows as well as downy woodpeckers and northern flickers.

Picnicking

Though you have the option of picnicking in the campground where you stay, consider bringing meals with you to the interpretive sites. Many of these sites have outdoor spaces that are perfect for relaxing.

Historic Building Tours

Multiple historic buildings are still open to the public such as Fairfield/Camp Floyd. Camp Floyd opened in 1858 and had more than 7,000 residents. It has a historic marker outside and is next to Fairfield, which is a former lodge from the 1950s. Simpson Springs Station is also on the trail and features replicas of the old buildings used by Pony Express riders. You can also stop by Canyon Station and Body Station, both of which have historic markers and offer tours.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If you want to camp along the Pony Express National Historic Trail, consider the campground at Simpson Springs. Staying here allows you to explore the historic station and spend a few nights in a campground operated by the BLM. The campground housed Civilian Conservation Corps workers during the 1930s and now has 20 campsites. It has pit toilets and potable water. You can also book Group Site 7 if you come with a group, which is north of the trail.

Lagoon RV Park & Campground in Farmington is close to the trail and has full hookup RV spots and group camping sites. The Pony Express RV Park & Campground in Salt Lake City allows you to easily reach the historic trail and has both pull-through and back-in spots. When you want more amenities, head to Salt Lake City KOA to find a dog park and a shuttle bus along with a camp store and planned activities. There's also Cherry Hill Camping Resort in Kaysville, which has 180 full hookup sites and offers cheaper rates for weekly and monthly stays. RV camping near the Pony Express National Historic Trail is a good choice if you don't mind spending more per night.

Free Camping

The Bureau of Land Management does not have any free campgrounds around the Pony Express National Historic Trail. All of the campsites charge a nightly fee.

RV Rentals Near Pony Express National Historic Trail Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Pony Express National Historic Trail BLM trip

When planning to stay at one of the BLM campgrounds, keep in mind that you can only pay in cash. Many of the spots nearby do not have an ATM you can use, which is why you'll want to stop on your way. The only available toilets are pit toilets, which you may not like. You have the choice of using the bathroom in your RV or bringing a composting toilet with you. It is also helpful to plan your route in advance, especially if you want to visit the historic sites. Most have maps that show you how to get to the next stop on your route. You can even follow the Pony Express National Historic Trail into nearby states such as Colorado to see even more sites.

Don't start planning your Pony Express National Historic Trail trip without looking at some BLM camping blogs first.

Leave No Trace

Practicing BLM Leave No Trace principles ensures that others can have just as much fun as you did on your trip. Stick to the gravel roads that lead you to spots along the Pony Express National Historic Trail and avoid taking your vehicle off the road. When camping in a BLM area, make sure that you limit the impact your RV has on the land. Try to keep all of your trash and waste contained in your RV. Always use caution when camping around the fire to keep the flames from spreading.