Historic Trails Align: National Pony Express Joins the American Discovery 250 Relay Across Nevada

Pony Express Territory, NV — In a historic collaboration honoring the United States’ Semiquincentennial, the National Pony Express Association (NPEA) has taken up the reins for a special leg of the coast-to-coast American Discovery 250 Relay. Riding along the iconic Pony Express Trail in Nevada, volunteer equestrians are carrying the official America 250 baton through some of the state's most rugged and historic landscapes to celebrate 250 years of American spirit and resilience.

The Nevada segment showcases an extraordinary path where history meets the modern frontier. Mounted riders will carry the baton down historic Fort Churchill Road, kicking off a high-energy stretch through the Carson River basin. The route guides riders directly past Fort Churchill State Historic Park, where onlookers can gather near the preserved adobe ruins to cheer on the relay.

Moving eastbound, the relay advances through key landmarks of Nevada’s wild topography and frontier history:

Key Highlights 

Friday, July 17: ADT Relay participants will walk from Ash Canyon to Carson City, gathering at the Nevada State Legislature building between 9:30 and 9:45 a.m.

Sunday, July 19 & Monday, July 20: Along the historic Pony Express Trail section. (Hwy 50 Ft Churchill Rd to Salt Wells). A core focus of this Nevada leg is honoring two monumental pillars of early western pioneer travel and military communication:

• Fort Churchill (Established July 1860): Built as a U.S. Army post to guard early settlers and protect the Pony Express and overland mail routes, the historic fort served a vital role during a tumultuous era. Relay riders will salute this deeply rooted history as they carry the baton past the towering adobe ruins that have watched over the trail for more than 165 years.
•  Buckland Station (Established 1859 / Current Structure 1870): Located just down the road from the fort, this historic site served as an official Pony Express change station where exhausted riders swapped horses. Samuel S. Buckland established his ranching operation here in 1859, providing a crucial haven for travelers. The two-story white house standing today, built in 1870 using salvaged materials from the decommissioned fort, stands as a stunning monument to frontier resourcefulness.
•  Scout Camp & Hooten Wells: Recreating the gritty, fast-paced exchanges of the 1860s, riders will pass through the historic watering holes and staging areas that kept the Old West connected.
•  Top Gun: Blazing past the high-desert ranges near Fallon, the ride bridges America's historic overland roots with its modern aviation legacy.
•  Sand Mountain: The Nevada leg culminates against the dramatic backdrop of the massive singing sand dune, passing the remnants of the original Sand Springs Pony Express Station.
• Wednesday, July 29: Out of Cave Lake towards Baker, NV
• Conquering Cooper Summit to the Shadow of Wheeler Peak:  This leg represents the grand finale of the Nevada relay segment before the trail crosses into Utah. Departing from Cave Lake State Park,  riders will quickly leave the pavement behind at the park’s boat ramp and dock to begin an arduous, high-elevation dirt climb.
• Navigating steep switchbacks lined with dense aspen groves, participants will push up to Cooper Summit. At the crest, relayers will be rewarded with an iconic, expansive view sweeping across Spring Valley toward the snow-dusted, 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak—the crown jewel of Great Basin National Park. 
• The descent toward Baker offers its own historic trials, presenting a mix of chunky gravel, soft desert dirt, and wide, exposed valleys that demand the ultimate endurance from both riders and support crews.

 Honoring a Legacy of Daring Relays

"Carrying the Declaration of Independence across Nevada on horseback in the America 250 baton along the actual paths forged by the young riders of 1860 is an incredible honor," said Petra Keller, NPEA Corresponding Secretary. "Just as the original Pony Express riders raced across these very valleys to keep a divided nation connected, our relayers are connecting communities from coast to coast to celebrate our shared heritage."

The American Discovery 250 Relay is a 6,800-mile journey stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, celebrating the 250th anniversary of American Independence and the 35th anniversary of the American Discovery Trail. By incorporating the National Pony Express riders for this rugged Nevada stretch, the relay highlights the preservation of our National Historic Trails and the enduring heritage of the American West.

Local communities and visitors are encouraged to gather at designated historic markers and state park viewing areas to watch the exchange. Because riders travel across open public lands under variable desert conditions, spectators are advised to track the ride progress live.

For real-time tracking updates, scheduling details, or to learn how to get involved in the ongoing cross-country journey, visit the official American Discovery Trail Society website.

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About the National Pony Express Association
The National Pony Express Association (NPEA) is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the history and memory of the historic Pony Express Trail, which operated from April 1860 to October 1861. The NPEA hosts annual re-rides across the eight states of the original 1,966-mile route.