Description

Scotts Bluffs were something of an obstacle for the pioneers; In the early years, the Trail veered south, avoiding the bluffs,but after 1850 a shorter route through the bluffs at Mitchell Pass gained favor. In some places, the ruts at Mitchell Pass cut eight feet deep into the soft stone. It was a treacherous and difficult cutoff. Today it is a national monument and the covered wagons in front of the administrative building mark the start of the Oregon Trail Pathway. The smaller Murphy wagon was the mode of transportation for families. The larger Conestoga wagon was not often used on the Oregon Trail, but was used to haul freight. Living history demonstrations occur at the Murphy wagon on weekends during the summer. We were there towards sunset. It was quiet, the air was very still and one could almost sense the plight of the early pioneers.

Exif: F Number: 8, ExposureTime: 1/250 seconds, ISO: 400, FocalLength: 18.00 mm, Model: NIKON D90