Oregon Trail in Idaho--Separation of Trails to Granite Pass

Many of the California-bound emigrants shared the route with the Oregon-bound emigrants until they reached the Raft River Crossing. At this point, the California-bound emigrants separated and followed the Raft River Valley toward Granite Pass. Along this route, the City of Rocks site was a much noted and popular landmark and camping area. The Granite Pass route had been used by Peter Skene Ogden's Hudson's Bay Company Snake Brigade in 1826 and was rediscovered by Joseph B. Chiles in 1842. Until the opening of Hudspeth's Cutoff in 1849, the majority of California-bound emigrants followed the Oregon Trail to Raft River. They then headed southwest up the river, through Granite Pass into Nevada, and on to California through Donner Pass... When additional routes were opened after 1848, the Raft River route continued to attract a sizeable percentage of the California-bound emigrants.

ETSI, pg. 83

All the California trails come together as one here. The 42nd parallel runs through Granite Pass.

Directions: South of City of Rocks (nearing Idaho/Utah border)

Must See: Granite Pass