Pony Express Trail – Wyoming

The ruts are still there—deep grooves carved into Wyoming stone by thousands of wagon wheels heading west between 1840 and 1869. This 150-mile section of the historic Pony Express Trail crosses the Continental Divide at South Pass, following the same route used by Oregon Trail emigrants, gold seekers, and mail riders. You’ll pass authentic Pony Express stations like Three Crossings and Split Rock, where riders changed horses in under two minutes during the service’s legendary 18-month run.

This is moderate overlanding on mostly graded dirt roads with some technical rocky sections near river crossings. Any high-clearance vehicle can handle it, but 4WD helps in wet conditions when the clay turns to gumbo. Best tackled May through October when snow clears the high country. Carry extra fuel—gas stations are 100+ miles apart. The payoff is pure American West history: standing in stations where teenage riders like Buffalo Bill Cody grabbed fresh mounts and galloped into the frontier darkness.