2024 First Encampment Hike

2024 will be our 20th year with the Commemorative Trek to the first pioneer campsite in the Salt Lake Valley.

During this family-oriented event, you can walk in the footsteps of the 1847 pioneers in a festive and commemorative hike that follows Emigration Creek through beautiful Salt Lake City neighborhoods. Points of interest will be described and pioneer conveyances demonstrated along the way. Foods prepared during the era will be discussed.

The hike begins at 7 a.m. at Donner Park (2770 East and 990 South, east of Hogle Zoo) and ends at First Encampment Park (1700 South and 500 East), near the site where the pioneers camped in the Salt Lake Valley on July 22, 1847. The hike is five miles long. Please arrange your transportation accordingly.

Families are encouraged to participate, but no unaccompanied children can be accommodated. Wagons and strollers for children are welcome. No bicycles, skateboards or scooters are allowed, except as reasonably necessary to facilitate disability access. To add to the festivities, participants are welcome to bring an American flag, wear a name tag or dress in period costume to honor a pioneer. Be sure to bring your own water!

Commemorative badges will be issued to all hike participants.

Tours of the Wilford Woodruff farmhouse will be available at the conclusion of the Hike at 1604 South 500 East.

An authentic pioneer breakfast of buckwheat pancakes and old-fashioned bacon will be served at the Hike’s ending spot at First Encampment Park for $5.00 a plate.