Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
If you've ever wanted to learn more about the Mormon Battalion, there is no better way than to join Southwest Adventure Tours and History of the Saints on the Mormon Battalion and the California Saints tour July 31 to Aug. 8.
It promises to be an unforgettable experience that will deepen your appreciation for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints history and inspire you to follow in the footsteps of the pioneers.
The man leading the tour is Glenn Rawson, an inspiring storyteller who has devoted his life to learning everything there is to know about church history and the American West. Glenn often reflects on the significance of the Mormon Battalion, stating,, "Today their service is mostly forgotten, but in the day and time they were considered "the salvation of this church."
Their contribution to the church in particular and the settlement of the west in general is monumental. Their tracks are everywhere. The legacy they left behind is inspiring and worthy of careful study."
Rawson and Dennis Lyman have spent years working together on the TV series "History of the Saints" that broadcasts after "Music and The Spoken Word" on Sundays. Rawson is also well known for his books, podcasts or Facebook Live events.
These two seasoned experts will guide you on this immersive tour where you will be transported to the actual sites where history was written and heroism was forged.
You will stand in the footsteps of the pioneers and experience the sacredness of their journey.
Some of the tour highlights include:
- California Trail Interpretive Center.
- Donner Memorial State Park & Museum.
- Fisherman's Wharf.
- Marshall Gold Discovery State Park.
- California State Railroad Museum.
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
- Old Town San Diego.
- Fort Moore Mormon Battalion Memorial Monument.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Salt Lake City - Reno
Meet your guide(s) in Salt Lake City and board the motorcoach to begin your adventure.
Travel west across the Bonneville Salt Flats, stopping in Wendover or Elko for lunch (on your own).
Visit the California Trail Interpretive Center, which offers an interactive experience that immerses visitors in the histories of those who endured the 2,000-mile trek west.
Arrive in Reno for a welcome dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Reno - Sacramento
Enjoy a scenic drive into the Sierra Nevada Range, arriving at Donner Memorial State Park and Museum for a tour.
Explore the history of the area and its people, including Native Americans, the Donner Party, and builders of the Transcontinental Railroad.
Visit Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park for a picnic lunch and a tour, where you can learn about the gold discovery and early mining techniques.
Day 3: Sacramento
Tour the California State Railroad Museum, one of the best in the nation, and learn how railroads shaped California and the West.
Explore Old Sacramento at your leisure or take an optional transfer to the Sacramento Temple.
Day 4: Stockton, San Francisco and Santa Nella
Visit historical markers and monuments related to the Saints' arrival in California. Take a historical walking tour of San Francisco, learning about the Brooklyn Saints and their contributions to the city.
Visit Fisherman's Wharf, and enjoy free time to explore. Travel south to Santa Nella for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Los Angeles and Palm Springs
Journey through the Central Valley and arrive in Los Angeles' Chinatown for lunch (on your own).
Visit the Fort Moore Mormon Battalion Memorial Monument and learn about the battalion's role in building the fort. Travel south to Palm Springs for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Palm Springs and San Diego
Gain a deeper understanding of the Mormon Battalion's grueling march by visiting Box Canyon and Warner Ranch in the Anza-Borrego Desert.
See Mission San Luis Rey, the sight that greeted the Battalion at the end of their journey. Arrive in San Diego for a two-night stay.
Day 7: San Diego
Tour the Mormon Battalion Historic Site and learn about their significant role in San Diego's early settlement.
Explore San Diego on an Old Town Trolley Tour, hopping on and off at your leisure. Optional transfers to the San Diego Temple will be available
Day 8: San Diego and Las Vegas
Spend time in Old Town San Diego and visit Presidio Park, where a statue commemorates the Mormon Battalion.
Travel to San Bernardino for lunch (on your own) and learn about the bulls at Rancho San Bernardino.
Journey across the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas for an overnight stay and a farewell dinner.
Day 9: Las Vegas to Salt Lake City
Travel northward, stopping in Mesquite and St. George, and enjoy lunch (on your own) in Beaver. Arrive in Salt Lake City in the late afternoon, concluding your tour.
Why choose Southwest Adventure Tours?
When the tour company is taking care of every detail, you can sit back and relax – and just enjoy.
To summarize, you'll experience comfy rides, eight nights in cozy hotels, eight breakfasts to fuel your day, two lunches to keep you going and three delicious dinners. Also included is entry to cool attractions, an Old Town trolley tour of San Diego and a tour of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints historical sites.
That's a lot of enjoyable experiences and details sure to keep you interested and entertained. Book with Southwest Adventure Tours today!
