Old Emigrant Road

Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009

1. Old Emigrant Road Marker

Inscription. Here the Old Emigrant Road of 1848 swung down across the meadow now covered by Caples Lake (Twin Lakes) and climbed along the ridge at the right to the gap at the head of the valley. From this summit (9,460 feet) it descended to Placerville. This rough and circuitous section became obsolete in 1863 when a better route was blasted out of the face of the cliff at Carson Spur.

Erected 1959 by California State Parks Commission and the Silver Lake Camper’s Association. (Marker Number 661.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 11, 1772.

Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 38° 42.178′ N, 120° 2.189′ W. Marker was in Kirkwood, California, in Alpine County. Marker was on Carson Pass Scenic Byway (State Highway 88), on the right when traveling east. Marker is located at Caples Lake, 17.3 miles east of Woodfords. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Kit Carson CA 95644, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Summer Retreat (approx. 0.4 miles away); Caples Lake

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(approx. one mile away); Kirkwood's (approx. 1.9 miles away); Naming of Carson Pass (approx. 2.7 miles away); Snowshoe Thom(p)son (approx. 2.7 miles away); Kit Carson (approx. 2.7 miles away); Memorial to Pioneer Odd Fellows (approx. 2.7 miles away); Carson Trail - Ascent to Carson Pass (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kirkwood.

Regarding Old Emigrant Road. This site was designated as California Registered Historical Landmark No. 661 on November 5, 1958.

Also see . . . The History of El Dorado County. This Old Emigrant Road across the Sierras went through the current El Dorado, Amador and Alpine Counties. (Submitted on July 31, 2009.)

Additional keywords. Emmigrant Trails

Old Emigrant Road Marker found missing July, 2011 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 20, 2011

2. Old Emigrant Road Marker found missing July, 2011

Old Emigrant Road Marker with Caples Lake in Background image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009

3. Old Emigrant Road Marker with Caples Lake in Background

Caples Lake Looking Southeast image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009

4. Caples Lake Looking Southeast

Original Trail crossed the valley which now is covered by Cables Lake.

Caples Lake Looking Southwest image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Syd Whittle, July 26, 2009

5. Caples Lake Looking Southwest

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,380 times since then and 23 times this year. Last updated on December 20, 2016, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1. submitted on July 31, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. 2. submitted on July 25, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 31, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.