California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs, Inc.
8120 36th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95824-2304
916-381-8300

Contact: Jack Raudy
(530) 389-9154 or jraudy@foothill.net

SACRAMENTO (April 25, 2005) – Painted Canyon, Rabbit Creek Hole Springs, and the Black Rock Desert will all come to life for sport utility vehicle (SUV) and other four-wheel drive owners signing up to retrace the early pioneer Lassen-Applegate Emigrant Trail, Friday, July 15 through Monday, July 18.

According to Warner Anderson, trail boss and historian for this famous trip hosted by the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs, participants will travel over many of the same roads and trails traveled by more than 8,000 early pioneers in 1,500 covered wagons during the 1849 to 1852 gold rush period.

Anderson said the journey is approximately 250 miles long and is especially designed for families. The trip begins in Lovelock, Nevada and concludes in Surprise Valley, California, located near Cedarville in northern Modoc County.

"Whether you are history buff, life myself, or just want to take your family out into the backcountry and enjoy some beautiful scenery, great food and wonderful camaraderie, we will have it all for you," Anderson said.

This outdoor adventure follows the same route discovered by Peter Lassen in 1849. Anderson estimates that one-third of the 1849 gold rush emigrants used this particular trail.

This year’s trail ride guests will gather at the Ramada Inn/Sturgeon’s Casino in Lovelock for a wine and cheese get-together at 7:30 p.m. on Friday evening, July 15. At that time, Anderson will provide his guests with an overview of this trip and each vehicle owner will receive maps and excerpts from the book entitled "Emigrant Trails West."

After breakfast on Saturday, the group will begin its journey across the Humboldt River, past a pioneer cemetery, through Rabbit Hole Springs and camping that evening will be at Double Hot Springs. Sunday’s itinerary will include stops at the site where Peter Lassen was murdered, Soldier Meadow Ranch, High Rock Canyon and finally to Stevens Camp for the evening. Stevens Camp, discovered by Captain John Fremont during his exploration of the West, offers toilets, spring water and possible hot showers.

On Monday, the final day of the trip, the group will climb over the 49er Pass, where participants will have an opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view looking east from atop a high mountain ridge.

Cost for the trip is $250 per adult and $125 for children age 12 and under. The cost includes all meals from breakfast on Saturday through lunch on Monday. In addition to bringing their own tent and sleeping bags, participants are also encouraged to bring a citizens band (CB) radio, camera, folding chairs, trail snacks, refreshments and drinking water.

The Lassen-Applegate Emigrant Trail Ride is fully insured and operates under a permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Proceeds from the event help support the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Club’s Conservation & Education Foundation.

The trip is limited to 25 vehicles on a first-registered, first-served basis. Interested participants are encouraged to register no later than June 17. To reserve space for this trip or for more information, contact Ron or Carole Vance at (775) 246-4099 or vance@intercomm.com ; Dennis Porter at (775) 577-9157 or dlporter2@mindspring.com ; Warner Anderson at (775) 629-9232 or wana7448@sbcglobal.net .

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California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs Inc
California Association of 4 Wheel Drive Clubs Inc. Conservation & Education Foundation

CA4WDC, INC.
8120 36th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95824-2304
800 - 4x4-Funn (494-3866)
916 381-8300
916 381-8726 (Fax)
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