Western Sheep Creek Hills Diary Accounts
We went a few miles farther when we had to cross a very high hill, which is said to be the
greatest impediment on the whole route from the United States to Fort Hall. The ascent is very
long and tedious, but the descent is still more abrupt and difficult. I think that it might be
avoided by following the river in the gap which it makes for itself through this same range of
hills, and that by crossing and recrossing the river several times and a very little labor, a good
road might be obtained.
Theodore Talbot September 7, 1843
Emigrant Trails of Southern Idaho, page 15
Four or five miles brought us to the big hill or mountain. It is about half a mile to the top of the
first ridge, and quite steep. The road then turns a few rods to the right, then to the left down a
ravine for three hundred yards, and then up a ravine for half a mile to the top of the
mountain. We traveled about two miles along the ridge, and then turn to the left down the
mountain. It is about one mile to the plain, and generally very steep and stony; but all
reached the plain safely, and were truly thankful that they had safely passed on of the most
difficult mountains on the road. From the top of this mountain we had a most delightful view
of the surrounding country… From the south comes in a broad valley, up which can be seen
Bear Lake… The road strikes the river two miles from the foot of the mountain, at Big Timber.
Joel Palmer August 2, 1845
Emigrant Trails of Southern Idaho, page 14
We was on the alert at our usual hour. We all feel about the same. We had very high hill to
ascend this morning, about 1 mile high, and traveled a little on top and then descended
again. Some of the hills is desperate. This afternoon, our roads is been level and good. The
land is rich here. There is no wild sage here. The land is too rich but wild surenwood[?] in
abundance. Saw a badger. We have not seen any game in some days. This country is all
mountains. 4 p.m. Crossed fullows fork[?] of the Bear River. 2 miles from there we camped.
Good grass and water. Went 1/2 mile for wood. 6 p.m. Fine evening.
George Bonniwell Saturday June 29 and 79 day out, 1850
The Gold Rush Diary Of George Bonniwell
We started at six o’clock, forded Thomas Fork, and turning to the west, came to a high spur
we were compelled to climb. The distance is seven miles, and we were five hours in
crossing. Part of the way I rode on horseback, the rest I walked. The descent was very long
and steep. All the wheels of the wagon were tied fast, and it slid along the ground. At one
place the men held it back with ropes and let it down slowly.
Margaret A. Frink July 6, 1850
Emigrant Trails of Southern Idaho, page 15
July 15 Just before coming to the River we had the hardest mountain to cross on the whole
route. It was very steep and difficult to climb, and we had to double teams going up and at
the summit we had to un-hitch the teams and let the wagons down over a steep, smooth
sliding rock by ropes wound around trees on the side of the road. Some trees are nearly cut
through by ropes.
July 16 The boys took another look at the pass and concluded to stop and make a road
around the mountain. [Between July 17 and 28 the party worked on the road. By July 29,
the work was completed.]
July 29 After dinner we started on, leaving Thomas and Mr. Buck to remain on the road a
week or two to collect toll and pay the expenses of making it.
Eliza Ann McAuley July 15-29, 1852
Emigrant Trails of Southern Idaho, page 15