A four-wheel trek on an emigrant trail

The 13th annual Lassen-Applegate Emigrant Trail Ride for four-wheel drive and SUV vehicles will be held on the weekend of July 20-23. According to Warner Anderson, trail boss and narrator for the trip, participants will travel over many of the same roads and trails traveled by more than 8,000 early pioneers in 1,500 covered wagons during the 1849-1852 gold rush.

Anderson said the journey is approximately 200 miles long and is especially designed for families.

It begins in Lovelock, Nevada and ends in Surprise Valley, California, located near Cedarville.

It offers moderate four-wheeling experiences and provides participants with an opportunity to visit many historic points of interest along the Lassen-Applegate Emigrant Trail.

The trip follows the same route discovered by Peter Lassen in 1849. It is estimated that one-third of the 1849 gold rush emigrants used this particular trail.

This year's trail ride guests will gather at Sturgeon Inn and Casino in Lovelock for a wine and cheese get-together at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 20.

On Saturday after breakfast, the group will begin its three-day journey.

"The emigrants wrote in their diaries such good descriptions of their trip that we can identify all of the key points of interest in the history of the route," Anderson said. "It is not a difficult trip, but there are places where four-wheel drive will be required or where trail committee instructions must be followed."

Camping the first night will be at Double Hot Springs, which was the camping area for all of the pioneer wagon trains. The second night will be at Stevens Camp, which provides toilets, spring water and possible hot showers.

Participants will need to bring their own tents and sleeping bags.

Cost for the trip is $250 per adult and $125 per child age 12 and under, which includes all meals from breakfast on Saturday to lunch on Monday.

In addition to bringing tents and sleeping bags, participants on the trek are encouraged to bring a camera, folding chairs, snacks, refreshments and plenty of drinking water.

Proceeds from the event help support the Association's Conservation & Education Foundation.

The trip is limited to the first 25 vehicles on a first-registered, first-served basis.

To register for the trip or for information, call Warner Anderson at (775) 629-9232 or Ron Vance at (775) 246-4099.