FRESH POND, Calif. — The iconic Highway 50 Wagon Train rolled into Fresh Pond Wednesday afternoon, continuing its annual tribute to the emigrant pioneers who once braved the Sierra Nevada on the way to California’s goldfields. Riders and support crews celebrated a safe arrival following several days of travel from Lake Tahoe along the historic corridor.
Thursday, June 5, has been designated as a layover day, offering El Dorado County residents and visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time. Riders are encouraging the public to visit their camp, view the covered wagons, and learn about the journey from seasoned trail veterans.
“This event keeps history alive and brings people together,”
“We’ve been blessed with good weather and great community support. Tomorrow’s layover in Fresh Pond is the perfect chance for folks to come say hello, share stories, and experience what pioneer travel was like.”
– said Trail Boss Tim Butterworth.
Locals along the route are taking notice.
“Saw the wagon train on Hwy 50 with CHP escorts. Looked very authentic, lots of history in that route! Pony Express, Kit Carson,”
said Tony Guzman, a Placerville resident who pulled over to watch the procession.
The annual Wagon Train, organized by the Highway 50 Association, retraces the original Carson Emigrant Trail, with daily stops that include educational programs, horse-drawn wagon demonstrations, and cowboy camaraderie. The procession includes historically accurate covered wagons, horseback riders in period attire, and support teams who manage logistics and safety.
With the journey resuming Friday, riders are expected to pass through Pollock Pines and continue toward Placerville by the weekend. Local law enforcement and California Highway Patrol have been escorting the caravan to ensure road safety for both participants and passing motorists.
More information, including detailed maps and visitor tips, is available on the Highway 50 Wagon Train official site. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064645541391
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76th Highway 50 Wagon Train from Round Hill to Placerville
Wagon Train : Highway 50 Association
The Ballad of the 76th Trail: An Epic in Honor of the Highway 50 Wagon Train (Commemorating the 76th Anniversary, May 31 – June 7, 2025)
I. The Summoning at Round Hill
In Round Hill’s shade by Tahoe’s shore, Where pine winds whisper legends lore, The call went forth—a grand array, To honor those of yester-day. The Wagon Train, in splendor cast, Would trace the path of ages past. On May’s last breath, at three o’clock, The wagons formed in steady flock.
With dinner served and tales retold, They sang of grit, both young and old. The riders, drivers, cooks, and kin, Prepared to ride through storm and wind. And from that lakeside village wide, Their boots were stirred with humble pride.
II. The First Crossing – June the First
At dawn they stirred, those brave and few, Beneath the sky’s Sierra blue. From Round Hill’s slope they took the trail, Through forest deep and mountain vale. To Meyers’ fields where cold winds bite, They reached Amacker ‘fore the night.
There fires danced and horses breathed, And prayers of thanks were softly wreathed. The scent of pine, the creak of tack, The ghosts of forty-niners back.
III. Into the Granite Spine – June the Second
The second morn was long and steep, Through Tamarack’s high alpine keep. They climbed the face of Echo’s brow, Where granite kings wear snow like crowns. Near summit’s edge, where thin air sings, They pitched their camp with canvas wings.
Above them loomed the stars so grand, Below—the bones of Donner land. Yet none were lost, for wisdom reigned, And strength of team and heart remained.
IV. Descent to Kyburz – June the Third
Then down the trail they wound once more, Past whispering streams and thunder’s roar. To Kyburz town where timbers lean, They traveled past the silver sheen Of mountain creeks and sunlit ledge, Their wagon wheels on canyon edge.
In every turn the past drew near, As if old miners still rode here. And children watched with eyes aglow, The living pageant’s steady flow.
V. Through the Canyon of the River – June the Fourth
On June the fourth the sun blazed high, As down the canyon’s throat they’d fly. Through granite gate and river bend, Their wagons crawled, their reins they’d rend. To Fresh Pond’s grace they finally came, Their horses wet, their hearts aflame.
They’d conquered slope and canyon’s wrath, By trusting friends and choosing path. There camp was made ‘neath cedar’s span, The echo of the old West ran.
VI. The Gathering of Kindred – June the Fifth
A day of rest! A gift divine— Where potlucks met with jug and wine. Old stories flowed like mountain streams, Of wagon trains and vanished dreams. With raffled goods and auctions bold, And laughter rich as minted gold.
The Highway Fifty clan did raise, Their hearts in song, their hands in praise. Awards were given, honors sung, For every aged soul and young.
VII. Through the Pines – June the Sixth
Refreshed they rolled down forest line, Through Pollock’s green and shade of pine. The townsfolk came to wave and cheer, Their banners high, their purpose clear. At Pollock Pines they came to rest, Where joy was poured in Sunday dress.
A celebration warm and wide— The trailfolk’s pride, the foothills’ pride. And through the streets they shared the flame Of history’s light and Wagon fame.
VIII. Into Placerville – June the Seventh
The final morn broke clean and bright, A trail of sun, a blaze of light. From Pollock Pines they rode as one, Their journey near its setting sun. Down Main Street’s stretch, where gold once called, The wagons rolled and children bawled.
Through Placerville, that storied ground, Where lawmen walked and hearts were found, To Cinema’s broad lot they came— The journey’s end, the Hall of Fame.
IX. Epilogue: The Spirit of the Road
So mark the days from May to June, Each mile a verse, each hoof a tune. The 76th year rode like the rest, With honor clothed and hearts full-dressed. The Highway Fifty Trail lives still, In every climb and every hill.
Let no man scoff, nor child forget, The wheel’s long turn, the sun’s red set. For legends live in boots and reins, And dreams still ride those wagon trains.
—Composed in reverent tribute to the Highway 50 Association and all who carry history forward by wagon wheel and willing heart. by Cris Alarcon
