Relay Stations

Relay stations were needed at frequent intervals along The Pony Express Trail. Each rider rode over 100 miles per day, changing horses every 10 to 15 miles. The relay stations as they were called, held fresh horses, for a fast exchange. If the rider was lucky he would have time for a bite to eat and relax a minute but most times he just grabbed a lunch and ate on the fly.

These men had to be rugged and their horses, once American Mustangs, were the fastest and most resistant to the fast pace. It was not an easy life for either the Mustang or The Pony Express Rider. Young men made expert riders who risked their lives daily. Between all of the riders, they traveled over 200 miles in sometimes fewer ten days.

For the first time, California in the west, felt connected to the rest of the eastern United States. At $5.00 to mail a ½ ounce letter, it was still a much-used commodity.

• The Dominguez-Escalante Expeditions Journal:

Through Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico in 1776

• I Walked to Zion:
- Young Pioneers on the Mormon Trail

• The Gathering of Zion:
- The Story of the Mormon Trail

• National Geographic's Guide to:
- Lewis and Clark Trail

• Hiking Historic Trails
- Utah's Favorite Hiking Trails

• Scenic Driving - Travel guides
- Scenic Driving in Utah

• Historical reading
- The Old Spanish Trail

---