The pioneers left Fort Bridger and the established Oregon Trail this July 9, 1847, and followed a road made the year before by the ill-fated Donner party.

Orson Pratt:

"THIS ROUTE IS BUT DIMLY SEEN AS ONLY A FEW WAGONS PASSED OVER IT LAST SEASON."

It took them up a hill and across a bench, the trail running parallel and just south of today's Interstate 80. But then they had to come off the bluff.

William Clayton:

"THE DESCENT FROM THIS HILL IS THE STEEPEST AND MOST DIFFICULT WE HAVE EVER MET WITH, BEING LONG AND ALMOST PERPENDICULAR."

They locked their wagon wheels and slid down the incline, to Muddy Creek where they formed their camp, 13 miles closer to the Great Salt Lake Valley.