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In the days before Amazon Prime shipping, the Pony Express was considered a lightning-fast mail service. With the Pony Express, mail and news was sent and received between Missouri and California in as little as 10 days, according to the History Channel.
The Pony Express was discontinued after the transcontinental telegraph line made its debut. But before the Express' demise, mail was delivered quickly and efficiently and Utah played a critical role.
According to the National Pony Express Association, there were 27 stops in Utah. Many of those places are still available to check out today.
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The Pony Express Trail National Backcountry Byway stretches from northeast Utah through the Wasatch Front and across the West Desert, making it an ideal trail to follow for a variety of adventures. Whether you are into biking, hiking, camping, rock collecting, wildlife viewing or you just love history and abandoned places, the Pony Express trail should be on your adventure bucket list.
Utah.com provides a comprehensive guide for driving the fascinating Pony Express National Historic Trail, so if you're up for a road trip, look no further – just be sure to stock up on those road trip snacks and gas at your local Maverik. Once you head into the West Desert, you are leaving civilization behind.
Camp Floyd
Utah.com says you'll start at Camp Floyd State Park on state highway 73. You can actually stop and tour the Stagecoach Inn where horseback travelers would spend the night.
The state park includes a museum in the area describing the rich history of Camp Floyd and how it was a huge supply depot for the Union Army during the Civil War. At one time it was among the largest military posts in the United States.
Simpson Springs
Along the Old Pony Express near Tooele County, Simpson Springs was a rest area for riders and travelers along the Overland Stagecoach Route, according to the National Park Service. They say it was a great spot to take a break as it had an excellent water source for the desert.
The current standing building at Simpson Springs is a replica, as many structures were created and destroyed in the area. It's difficult to know which structure was the original.
Simpson Springs is also an excellent recreational area, with beautiful hiking and camping nearby, Utah.com says. It's a great stop for both history buffs and those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the American West.
Fish Springs
Located in Juab County, Fish Springs Station had a year-round water supply, making it another great stop for the Express, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Today, visitors can explore the Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge for a variety of activities, backpacking, kayaking, horseback riding and more. Flint Stephens, writing for the Deseret News, reports, "There is an 11-mile auto tour route through the refuge, and travelers can see a variety of migratory waterfowl and other wildlife. The refuge is a birder's paradise with hundreds of different types of birds making stops or residing in the area."
Boyd Station
Located just 14 miles from the Fish Springs station is the Boyd Station. According to Tooele County's website, it's considered one of the best-preserved stations in Utah, most likely due to the station master staying at the site for decades after the Express ended.
Utah.com says the living conditions at this station were very crude. "The partially dug out, rock-walled living quarters contained bunks which were built into the walls. Furniture consisted of boxes and benches. Life at the isolated station was lonely."
Canyon Station
One of the last Utah stops on the Pony Express is Canyon Station in Overland Canyon. According to Utah.com, the site was built in 1861 and consisted of a log house, stable and dugout. Though the site was burned down by Native Americans in 1863, you can still see a stone outline of the station.
7 family adventures you can do in a single day
The list includes some trusty, old standbys as well as a few wild cards you might not have tried before. Each of the family-friendly locations is within a few hours of Salt Lake City, which means you can squeeze them in on a weekend or whenever you've got the time.Other ways to explore
This Is The Place Park
The Pony Express Monument at This is the Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City is a no-brainer for those hoping to take a deep dive into the state's history. The site is home to a thoughtfully reconstructed replica of a Pony Express station as a tribute to the brave riders who risked their lives to deliver the mail across the rugged terrain of the western United States.
For the kids
Instilling a love of history is easier than you think – especially along Utah's Pony Express.
Get kids into the spirit of the American West by using the National Park Service official map and guide. Kids who complete the included worksheet will earn an exclusive Junior Ranger badge. Either download your guide or pick one up at a nearby NPS office and get your kids involved in a road trip to Utah's past.
Start every Utah Adventure with Maverik
Whether you're road-tripping with kids, exploring by foot, bicycle or actual pony, Utah's historical West Desert has something for everyone. Wherever your Utah adventures take you, make sure to fuel up and grab some food at your closest Maverik. Right now Maverik's revved-up Nitro Card saves you 10 cents off every gallon every day. You'll also love the huge selection of tasty drinks and snacks—including breakfast and lunch burritos, made-to-order tacos, quesadillas and nachos.
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