Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
Illinois · Iowa · Nebraska · Utah · Wyoming
Explore the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail across five states to see the 1,300-mile route traveled by Mormons who fled Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1846-1847.
About Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail is a national historic trail located in Illinois and Iowa and Nebraska and Utah and Wyoming. Due to the length of the Mormon Pioneer 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
The Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail crosses five states following the route the Pioneer Company of 1846-1847 established from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Salt Lake City, Utah, covering about 1,300 miles.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Mormon Pioneer is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Auto, and 5 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Mormon Pioneer
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Mormon Pioneer
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Mormon Pioneer before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Verify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Mormon Pioneer can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
- →Altitude & Hydration: The thin air and dry heat in this region will dehydrate you quickly. Pack at least 3 to 4 liters of water per person per day and pack electrolyte replacements.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Mormon Pioneer. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Explore the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail across five states to see the 1,300-mile route traveled by Mormons who fled Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1846-1847.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mormon Pioneer
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
More Parks Nearby
Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley
In 1955, 14-year-old Emmett Till traveled to Money, Mississippi, to visit relatives. He was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered after reportedly…
Lewis & Clark
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail winds nearly 4,900 miles through the homelands of more than 60 Tribal nations.…
Lincoln Home
Abraham Lincoln believed in the ideal that everyone in America should have the opportunity to improve their economic and social…
New Philadelphia
To a casual observer, New Philadelphia looked like a typical Illinois pioneer town. But a closer look revealed a unique…
Pullman
In a growing Chicago neighborhood, diverse people and stories intertwined. All were seeking opportunity. Some succeeded. Others were limited—by race,…
Springfield 1908 Race Riot
In August 1908, a large White mob attacked the Black community in Springfield, Illinois. Rioters destroyed homes and businesses and…