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California National Historic Trail

The Hastings Cutoff route was used from 1846 to 1850 by pioneers and gold rushers attempting to save 300 miles off the normal route to California via Idaho. This route was first pioneered by the Fremont expedition in 1845 and promoted a year later by the ambitious Lansford W. Hastings as a shorter route to the Humboldt River in Nevada. However, the Hastings Cutoff involved a perilous 90-mile waterless trek across the Great Salt Lake Desert sand dunes and mud flats in mid-summer heat with heavy…

  • State: Utah
  • Managed by: Bureau of Land Management
  • Coordinates: 41.94338889000005, -113.04741669999999

Nearby & related campgrounds

  • California National Historic Trail (NHT), Salt Lake Cut-Off
  • Wildcat Hills Designated Routes
  • Clear Creek Campground
  • CURLEW CAMPGROUND
  • California National Historic Trail (NHT), Bidwell-Bartelson Route
  • City of Rocks Visitor Center
  • Aurora Open OHV Area
  • Bears Ears National Monument
  • Beartrap Canyon Wilderness
  • Big Bend Recreation Site
  • Big Rocks Special Recreation Management Area
  • Birch Hollow
  • California National Historic Trail (NHT), Bidwell-Bartelson Route
  • California National Historic Trail (NHT), Donner Reed Pass

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  • All campgrounds in Utah

Frequently asked questions

Is California National Historic Trail reservable?

California National Historic Trail is primarily first-come, first-served. Use the availability view to gauge how busy it is before you go.

Where is California National Historic Trail?

California National Historic Trail is located in Utah. See the map for its exact location and directions.

How do I book a campsite at California National Historic Trail?

Pick your dates on the availability calendar, then reserve through the official booking link. You can also set an alert and we'll notify you if a sold-out date opens up.

Check campsite availability