Saturday June 1, 1850
Route: Crossed Sublet’s Cutoff (Wyoming)
Approximate Miles Traveled: 48
GPS Latitude: 42° 17.191′ N; Longitude: 109° 03.307′ W
Elevation: 7,045 ft
Notes about this post: Eighteen miles west of South Pass, the emigrants came to the first of many decision points on the road to California. The entrance to Sublet’s Cutoff and the “Parting of the Ways” offered the choice between a safe, established trail following water and relatively level ground or a substantial shortcut through dry, barren and mountainous country. Many, including John App, chose the Sublet’s Cutoff shortcut. It provided a direct route west to the Bear River eliminating the more northerly trip to Fort Bridger and down again followed by the older, established emigrant road. John never took cutoffs that were untried or risky. This particular spot is now called the “False Parting of the Ways” and the original “Parting of the Ways” spot is about 8 miles to the west… pretty much inaccessable today.
Crossed Sublets Cut off June 1st It was Cloudy and Cold, distance 48 miles (measured the same day) without water, it is called the great desert, I dont Call it a desert, Because there is plenty of grass and a hard road all the way.
 Diary entries 5/27/1850 - 6/1/1850 |
 Diary entries 6/1/1850 - 6/23/1850 |
 Parting of the Ways sign at entrance to Sublet's cutoff |
 False Parting of the Ways sign at entrance to Sublet's cutoff
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 Parting of the Ways marker at entrance to Sublet's Cutoff
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 Parting of the Ways California-Oregon trail post at the entrance to Sublet's Cutoff
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 Parting of the Ways ruts at entrance to Sublet's Cutoff
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