66th Annual Wagon Train heads through South Lake Tahoe

A glimpse of times gone by will be moving along roads Sunday morning as the 66th Annual Wagon Train ride begins their week long trek from Zephyr Cove, NV to Placerville, CA.

In the early 1850's, pioneers crossed the Sierra Nevada into California, traversing what we now know as Echo Summit and the Highway 50 corridor. This route became known as the "Roaring Road" where travel was so heavy, oftentimes wagon trains were forced to wait for days to have their turn on the road.

The annual recreation of those wagons started Saturday night at Zephyr Cove resort where the riders and wagons assembled for the pilgrimage.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the "Gold Rush" in 1949, a Wagon Train was formed to travel west from Lake Tahoe to Placerville (Old Hangtown) along Highway 50. This "one time" event was so popular that it resumed in 1951, and has made its annual trek each year since that time.

People can watch the wagon, horses and riders as they pass through South Lake Tahoe. They'll be taking a lunch rest on Rufus Allen Blvd near the library prior to heading out to Amacker Ranch where they'll spend the night.

The public is invited to a few of the events during the week.

While the Amacker Ranch evening is private, only for those participating in the ride, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday have public activities.

Monday they camp at the Tamarack Pines cutoff on Echo Summit where they advertised a BBQ and entertainment (dinner is $33).

Wednesday and Thursday is a layover at Fresh Pond where they'll be storytelling, wagon rides and a BBQ.

Friday is a big stop at High Hill Ranch in Camino. There will be music, cowboy poetry and a steak BBQ (admission is $25 for dinner and entertainment).

Wrapping up the ride is a Saturday event in downtown Placerville with live entertainment, kids games, beer & food, shootouts and then an end of trail party on Placerville Drive with a BBQ, live music for dancing and listening.