Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints reopens trails for Trek in Wyoming

WYOMING (ABC4) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have reopened trail routes to Trek groups near Lander, Wyoming.

Church officials with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints have reopened trail routes in Wyoming. The trail routes can now be used by trek groups, who typically hike on the same paths that pioneers travelled in the mid-1800s on their way to Utah and recreate life as it was back then.

Courtesy: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

According to church officials, the reopened trail routes begin at the Sixth Crossing Visitors’ Center and ends at Rock Creek Hollow. Ten pioneer companies traversed this area between the 1840s and 1860s and two, the Willie and Martin handcart companies, required rescue wagons after experiencing extreme weather conditions.

One church official, Sister Jennifer McKay said, “You can see the feelings and the experiences of those who have gone before us settling into the hearts of everyone here.”

Youth members from a church stake in Hooper, Utah traveled on the newly reopened route in the beginning of July. That group spent three days on the trail, pushing handcarts and participating in Pioneer-era activities and dancing.

One youth member, Emry Miller, had researched one of her ancestors, who had trekked. She said, “‘Okay, she did harder things and went through so many more trials and sacrifices.’ And I’m here on a smoother road, and it’s hard, but I can do this.”