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National Historic Trail · 8 states

Pony Express National Historic Trail

National Historic Trail in 8 states. No entrance fee. 1 hikes listed.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Historic Trail
StateCalifornia, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkGrand Teton (129 mi)
Closest airportRKS (46 mi)
A rider in a red vest on a horse in a grassy patch surrounded by sagebrush with clouds in the sky.
A National Pony Express Association rider poses at Simpson Springs in Utah. Photo: NPS photo

Pony Express National Historic Trail is a national historic trail run by the National Park Service in 8 states.

In the park service’s words

It is hard to believe that young men once rode horses to carry mail from Missouri to California in the unprecedented time of only 10 days. This relay system along the Pony Express National Historic Trail in eight states was the most direct and practical means of east-west communications before the telegraph.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Things to do

  • Become a Pony Express Trail Junior Ranger: Learn about the Pony Express Trail and earn your junior ranger badge! This activity can be completed virtually or after visiting a site along the Pony Express National Historic Trail. Booklets can be submitted either electronically or by mail. Take a look and start exploring the trail today!
  • Walk on the Pony Express Trail: There are a variety of walking and hiking opportunities along the Pony Express Trail. In some places, you may find a modern-day hiking trail. In other places, the historic trail has been replaced by an dirt or asphalt road. The variety of opportunities will give you a chance to walk in the path of the pony riders and b
  • Check out Museums and Visitor Centers along the Pony Express Trail: There are a number of museums and visitor centers along the Pony Express Trail. In some places, you may find more interpretive exhibits, information, and programs. In other places, being in the location will enrich your experience, even with minimal facilities. Visit one of these locations to learn more about the histo
  • Horseback Riding on the Pony Express Trail: Take a ride back in time on the Pony Express Trail! The variety of opportunities ranges from historic landscapes to modern views, and from short to longer trail rides. Riding the Trail is a great way to connect to this fascinating story of transportation, tenacity and technology. Saddle up and imagine the riders travel

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. The Pony Express National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead it is a route that passes through communities, urban areas, public lands, and Wilderness. The route travels across a variety of land ownerships and management, including private land. Each location varies as to the hours of operations and access. Please contact individual trail sites before your visit for more information.

Getting there

You can visit many sites of the Pony Express National Historic Trail over the 1,800-mile historic route that crosses 8 states.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport (RKS) Rock Springs, WY No road route 46 Regional
Central Wyoming Regional Airport (RIW) Riverton, WY No road route 70 Regional
Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) Jackson, WY No road route 120 Regional
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) Salt Lake City, UT No road route 172 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Weather

Due to the length of the Pony Express National Historic Trail, be sure to consult local weather sources for the region you'll be visiting. Check out the forecast with the National Weather Service and search for the area you'd like to visit: weather.gov

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Grand Teton, about 129 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Pony Express National Historic Trail?

No entrance fee.

Where is Pony Express National Historic Trail?

In California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Southwest Wyoming Regional Airport, about 46 miles away.

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