Emigrant Gap
Posted by: 
NevaP
N 39° 17.957 W 120° 40.370
10S E 700672 N 4352571
This marker stands at a hazardous location on the overland Emigrant Trail.
Waymark Code: WM1MJ1
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 06/02/2007
Views: 50
Emigrant Gap was the last major obstacle faced by overland travelers crossing the Sierras in the 1840s. Here on the west side of Donner pass the descent was so steep that wagons were lowered on ropes.
Marker #403 stands in a vista point accessible from westbound I-80. There's a fine view of the valley below.
The Marker reads: The spring of 1845 saw the first covered wagons surmount the Sierra Nevada. They left the valley, ascended to the ridge, and turned westward to old Emigrant Gap, where they were lowered by ropes to the floor of Bear Valley. Hundreds followed before, during, and after the gold rush. This was a hazardous portion of the overland emigrant trail.
Marker Number: 403.00
Marker Name: Emigrant Gap
County: Placer
Has Official CA Plaque: yes
Marker Dedication Date: 06/25/1950
Location:
Emigrant Gap Vista Pt, Interstate 80 (P.M. 55.5 Westbound)
Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
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