SOUTH PASS

ON THE REAL TRAIL

South Pass is where the trail crossed the Continental Divide in Wyoming. Surprisingly, it is not a steep notch but a wide, gentle saddle more than 7,000 feet high, so wagons could cross the Rocky Mountains without a dangerous climb.

West of South Pass, rivers flow toward the Pacific. Emigrants often noted the moment in their diaries: they had reached "Oregon country."

IN THE OREGANO TRAIL

Mountain country slows the wagon. Make sure your party has warm clothing from here on.

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