PLACERVILLE, Calif. — The 77th Anniversary Highway 50 Wagon Train is set to roll once again through El Dorado County from May 30 through June 6, 2026, retracing a historic route that has connected communities across California and Nevada for generations.
Organized by the Highway 50 Association, the annual trek begins in Round Hill, Nevada, before crossing into California and concluding with a public parade along Main Street in Placerville — a fitting finale in a town steeped in Gold Rush lore.
HIGHWAY 50 ASSOCIATION Tr ANNIVERSARY WAGON TRAIN May 30, 2026, through June 6, 2026 ITINERARY
Saturday, May 30: Rendezvous at Round Hill Village, NV. Registration, dinner, and information sharing begin at 3:00 PM.
Sunday, May 31: Round Hill Village, NV to Celio Ranch, Meyers, CA. This is the first official day of travel.
Monday, June 1: Celio Ranch, Meyers to Kyburz, CA. The train travels through the Echo Summit corridor, often called the “Roaring Road”.
Tuesday, June 2: Kyburz to Pollock Pines, CA.
Wednesday, June 3: Layover Day in Pollock Pines. A rest day for horses and participants, typically held at the Pollock Pines/Camino Community Center.
Thursday, June 4: Pollock Pines to Smith Flat, CA.
Friday, June 5: Smith Flat to Camino/Placerville area. The train often stays at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds or Smith Flat before the final day.
Saturday, June 6: Final Parade into Placerville, CA. The train travels via the Pony Express Trail and Main Street, ending in downtown Placerville with a public celebration.
Questions? Call Steve Downer 209-481 4997
The wagon train, first established in 1949 to commemorate the centennial of the Gold Rush, remains the only bi-state historic reenactment of its kind in both California and Nevada. Over eight days, participants travel at a steady pace of roughly three miles per hour, echoing the rhythm of 19th-century emigrants who once traversed the same corridor.
“This event preserves a living piece of our region’s heritage,” organizers note in event materials. “It’s not just a ride — it’s a moving classroom of history.”
Route Through El Dorado County
After a May 30 rendezvous and registration at Round Hill Village, the wagon train officially departs May 31, heading toward Meyers and continuing through the Echo Summit corridor — often referred to as the “Roaring Road.” From there, the route carries participants through Kyburz, Pollock Pines, and Camino before reaching Placerville.
Fees vary based on whether you are a member of the Highway 50 Association and how long you participate.
| Participation Type | Duration | Member Fee | Non-Member Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horse Rider | Full Trip | $130 | $150 |
| Horse Rider | Daily | $40 | $40 |
| Wagon Passenger | Full Trip | $275 | $300 |
| Wagon Passenger | Daily | $80 | $80 |
| Children (12 & under) | Full Trip | $120 | $120 |
| Children (12 & under) | Daily | $50 | $50 |
- Wagon Owners: The owner, one guest/spouse, and one qualified wrangler ride for free, but must still complete registration forms.
- Daily Shuttle Service: A shuttle is available to help participants move their support vehicles and trailers to the next stop for a $10 fee per day.
The trek is a “living history” event with specific rules to maintain authenticity and safety.
- Camping Gear: Participants typically camp at designated stops each night. You may use a tent, camper, trailer, or motorhome, but sleeping inside the official Highway 50 wagons is prohibited.
- Authentic Dress: All participants must wear authentic era clothing (1840-1879). Modern items like baseball caps, T-shirts, tank tops, and shorts are strictly forbidden.
- Wagon/Buggy Standards: All vehicles must be of an authentic era style; no pneumatic (rubber) tires are allowed.
- Horse Requirements: Horse owners are responsible for providing current Coggins tests and health certificates for their animals.
- Deadlines: Mail-in registrations should be sent by May 16, 2026. After this date, registration must be done on-site the night before you plan to ride (if space is available). No new registrations are accepted after 8:00 PM on Friday, June 5th, in Pollock Pines
A scheduled layover on June 3 in Pollock Pines allows both riders and horses to rest, typically centered around community gatherings at the local community center. The journey resumes June 4 toward Smith Flat, then stages near the El Dorado County Fairgrounds ahead of the final leg.
On June 6, the wagon train enters Placerville via the historic Pony Express Trail, culminating in a public parade and celebration downtown.
- General Rules:
- Prohibited Items: No baseball caps, T-shirts, tank tops, halter tops, or shorts.
- Footwear: Wear well-broken-in boots or shoes; bring at least two pairs in case one gets wet.
- Headwear: Hats must have tie strings (no baseball caps); bonnets are optional but recommended for ladies.
- For Ladies:
- Dresses/Skirts: 1–3 long pioneer-style dresses or long wrap-around skirts with blouses.
- Accessories: Aprons are optional but add to the period look.
- For Men:
- Shirts & Pants: Period-style shirts with suspenders (avoid modern belts if possible).
- Practical Considerations:
- Weather: Elevation changes from 8,000 to 2,000 feet; bring 1–2 warm jackets (one with a hood).
- Baggage: Use sturdy duffel bags; plastic coolers are prohibited on the wagons.
Joining the Highway 50 Association provides a $20 to $25 discount on full-trip registration fees.
- Application: Download and complete the 2026 Membership Application.
- Submit Dues: Mail your completed application and dues to:
Highway 50 Association
P.O. Box 454
Placerville, CA 95667 - Member Benefits: In addition to the registration discount, members receive the monthly newsletter, the right to vote in association meetings, and invitations to monthly meetings held at the
in Diamond Springs.
- Mail-In Deadline: Send all forms and fees by May 16, 2026.
- On-Site Registration: Available the night before you plan to ride, but no new registrations are accepted after 8:00 PM on Friday, June 5th in Pollock Pines.
Community and Cultural Impact
Beyond its historical significance, the wagon train brings measurable economic and cultural benefits to communities along U.S. Highway 50. Local businesses often see increased foot traffic, while residents and visitors gather for evening campfires, storytelling, and reenactments that highlight frontier life.
The event also serves as a bridge between generations, offering younger participants a tangible connection to regional history — from the hardships of overland travel to the resilience that defined early settlers.
Participation remains flexible, with individuals able to register for a single day or the full weeklong journey through the association’s website. Organizers emphasize safety, horsemanship, and historical authenticity as core principles of the experience.
Looking Ahead
As El Dorado County continues to balance growth with preservation, the Highway 50 Wagon Train stands as a reminder of the region’s origins — not as a relic, but as a living tradition that still moves, quite literally, through the Sierra.
For many residents, the sight of wagons rolling into Placerville each June is more than spectacle. It is continuity — a reaffirmation that history here is not confined to museums, but still travels the road.
