National Park Service

Eight Mile Flat

Those portions of the Pony Express National Historic Trail authorized by Congress include nearly 1,900 miles of historic trail that was once the primary "road" taken by young riders on swift horses to carry the U.S. Mail between St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California--often in ten days or less with good weather. The route passes through eight states from Missouri to California.

Auto Tour Route driving directions and maps provide modern-day travelers with directions along highways that approximate the historic route taken by the Pony riders during the eighteen months that it operated from 1860-1861.

The page of Suggested Trail Sites to Visit will also be of value for first time visitors.

The Links & Resources page will provide useful contact information for local land and/or site managing agencies and organizations along the route as well as a bibliography of suggested reading materials.