65th Annual Wagon Train Hits the Trail in South Lake Tahoe

It was well before the the cry of "gold" was heard throughout the country that wagon trains full of families and adventurers were making their way west.

In the early 1850's, one of the major land routes to California, traversing what we now know as Echo Summit and the Highway 50 corridor, became known as the "Roaring Road". Travel was so heavy, oftentimes wagon trains were forced to wait for days to have their turn on the road.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of gold in California in 1949, the wagon train made a comeback as pat of the festivities. It was so popular that this year marks the 65th annual trek of the wagons to Placerville. They once started on Spooner Summit but years ago moved the starting point to Zephyr Cove. The big traveling, bi-state event will take place May 31 to June 8, 2014, and you can be part of it!

Dress in your western wear and hop on board a wagon for a day or for the whole week. If you're not into bouncing along on a wagon seat you can still enjoy watching the wagons as they begin at Zephyr Cove, make their way through South Lake Tahoe, then over the summit to High Hill Ranch and Placerville.

There is a rendezvous and kick-off BBQ on Saturday the 31st at Zephyr Cove Resort. After a country breakfast the wagons and horses depart for South Lake Tahoe. They'll take a break on Rufus Allen Blvd near the library on their way to the next night's stop in Meyers at the Amacker Ranch (not open to the public). Monday night's stop is near the Tamarack Pines turnoff on Highway 50, Tuesday it's Kyburz, and Wednesday and Thursday at Fresh Pond with BBQ & activities (open to the public). Friday's trek is to High Hill Ranch where there is a full slate of activities including cowboy poetry, a balladeer and a BBQ open to the public. Saturday's big wrap up celebration is in Placerville where there will be crafters, food, art, shootouts, beer, contests, BBQ and more. For a full schedule and more information, visit their website.