Pony Express National Historic Trail

By /
A rider in a red vest on a horse in a grassy patch surrounded by sagebrush with clouds in the sky.
A National Pony Express Association rider poses at Simpson Springs in Utah.
A tall rock buttress with a cleft in the center sits behind a sagebrush covered valley.
Devil's Gate was an important landmark on the trail in Wyoming.
A footbridge leads to a dark steel silhouette of a Pony Express rider.
A Pony Express rider silhouette can be found at the Schelbourne Station site in Nevada.
A tall obelisk monument with bronze plaques sits on a paved pathway in front of a building.
A monument and plaque about the Pony Express can be found at Fort Laramie in Wyoming.
A large brick historic stable.
Visit the historic stables in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Photos: National Park Service

About Pony Express National Historic Trail

It is hard to believe that young men once rode horses to carry mail from Missouri to California in the unprecedented time of only 10 days. This relay system along the Pony Express National Historic Trail in eight states was the most direct and practical means of east-west communications before the telegraph.

Quick Facts

State California
Designation National Historic Trail
State Code CA,CO,KS,MO,NE,NV,UT,WY
Weather Due to the length of the Pony Express National Historic Trail, be sure to consult local weather sources for the region you'll be visiting. Check out the forecast with the…

Location & Map

Pony Express National Historic Trail is located in California.

Operating Hours

The Pony Express National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead it is a route that passes through communities, urban areas, public lands, and Wilderness. The route travels across a variety of land ownerships and management, including private land. Each location varies as to the hours of operations and access. Please contact individual trail sites before your visit for more information.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Auto Hiking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Living History Reenactments Junior Ranger Program Museum Exhibits

Getting There

You can visit many sites of the Pony Express National Historic Trail over the 1,800-mile historic route that crosses 8 states.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address National Trails Regions Office, Regions 6, 7, & 8, Santa Fe, NM, 87505
Phone N/A
Email ntir_information@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Archeology Ruins Arts Photography Explorers and Expeditions Monuments and Memorials Westward Expansion Trails

Things To Do

Become a Pony Express Trail Junior Ranger

Become a Pony Express Trail Junior Ranger

Learn about the Pony Express Trail and earn your junior ranger badge! This activity can be completed virtually or after…

Junior Ranger activity can be completed virtually at home, or after visiting a site along the Pony Express Trail. Worksheets…

Walk on the Pony Express Trail

Walk on the Pony Express Trail

There are a variety of walking and hiking opportunities along the Pony Express Trail. In some places, you may find…

Check out Museums and Visitor Centers along the Pony Express Trail

Check out Museums and Visitor Centers along the Pony Express Trail

There are a number of museums and visitor centers along the Pony Express Trail. In some places, you may find…

Horseback Riding on the Pony Express Trail

Horseback Riding on the Pony Express Trail

Take a ride back in time on the Pony Express Trail! The variety of opportunities ranges from historic landscapes to…

🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences

Discover Pony Express National Historic Trail with expert-led tours

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

🏨 Find Hotels Near Pony Express National Historic Trail

Compare accommodation options for your visit

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

More Parks in California

Plan Your Trip From a Nearby City

Find national parks near these cities, including Pony Express National Historic Trail.

Scroll to Top