It is hard to believe that young men once rode horses to carry mail from Missouri to California in the unprecedented time of only 10 days. This relay system along the Pony Express National Historic Trail in eight states was the most direct and practical means of east-west communications before the telegraph.
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursThe Pony Express National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead it is a route that passes through communities, urban areas, public lands, and Wilderness. The route travels across a variety of land
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact N/A · ntir_information@nps.gov
You can visit many sites of the Pony Express National Historic Trail over the 1,800-mile historic route that crosses 8 states.
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Pony Express National Historic Trail — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Pony Express National Historic Trail?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — hiking is one of the listed activities at Pony Express National Historic Trail.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Depends What are the hours?
The Pony Express National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead it is a route that passes through communities, urban areas, public lands, and Wilderness. The route travels across a variety of land
Nearby sites
G. Thomas at English Wikipedia / Public domain · Wikimedia Commons Bureau of Reclamation Big Sandy Reservoir
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
Sand Dunes
CheckThis Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.