Riverwalk District in Reno in Washoe County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
About Your Journey...
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, August 7, 2026
1. About Your Journey... Marker
On the Trail Today
Whichever direction your travels take you, you are going to have a similar experience to what the California-bound emigrants had. You are going to see the same country, except for the towns and the ranch meadows. The big difference, though, is that you will be traveling at a much faster pace. From here, you can be in California in a few hours. For the emigrants, it was as much as a months journey. As you drive and look at the country, think about those people who plodded along, day after day, through the thick alkali dust and sand headed toward dreams of gold or a new life.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the California Trail series list.
Location. 39° 31.344′ N, 119° 49.28′ W. Marker is in Reno, Nevada, in Washoe County. It is in the Riverwalk District. It is on Riverside Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 727 Riverside Dr, Reno NV 89503, United States of America.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Sierra Nevada and in the Lake Tahoe Basin. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Coming of the Iron Horse (here, next to this marker); Pownings Addition Conservation District (a few steps from this marker); Fish of the Truckee River (a few steps from this marker); First Church of Christ, Scientist, Reno (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Culture and History (about 700 feet away); McKinley Park School (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Humboldt Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wingfield Park (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Reno.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, August 7, 2026
2. About Your Journey... Marker
The California Trail had its beginnings at several points along the Missouri River and included several variant routes across the Great Basin and over the Sierra Nevada mountains into California. With the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, most travelers made the journey by rail.
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, August 7, 2026
3. About Your Journey... Marker
You're Invited!
There are many California Trail sites like this one, spread across Nevada. They are marked on this map.
As you stop at these sites, you will learn more about what happened to these emigrants as they traveled across the Great Basin. Be sure to visit the California Trail Interpretive Center just west of Elko, Nevada.
Photographed by Douglass Halvorsen, August 7, 2026
4. About Your Journey... Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 13, 2026, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
