In 1849, by far the most used route to California crossed the Nevada dessert to Surprise Valley and over Fandango Pass, on the route pioneered by Peter Lassen. Many pioneer document the experiences, thoughts and feelings as they tried to survive the fearsome Black Rock dessert in late summer, through rugged High Rock Canyon, viewed "the elephant" overlooking Surprise Valley and then made the spectacular steep climb up Fandango Pass. Because this region remains so much as it was 150 years ago, the present-day explorer can walk, bike and ride along the route and relive the emigrant trail experience. The Surprise Sheldon Regional Recreation Guide shows the entire Trail route and is available from the BLM office in Cedarville.

From U.S. Highway 395, six miles south of the Oregon State line, a good gravel road proceeds along the meadows of Fandango Valley and up to Fandango Pass high overlooking the Surprise Valley. The road, as it switchbacks down to the Valley, crosses the Applegate Lassen route of the California National Historic Trail a number of times. But there were no switchbacks for the wagons of the pioneers and the fact that the trail traces come straight up a mountain so steep it is almost unbelievable.

 

For further information contact the Surprise Area Resource Area office in Cedarville at (916) 279-6101.