The Western States Trail Ride, popularly called the Tevis Cup Ride, is the oldest modern day equestrian endurance ride, having been held annually since 1955. As such, it has been the inspiration and model for the most challenging endurance rides worldwide.
The Tevis Cup Ride follows a rugged portion of the Western States Trail which stretches from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Sacramento, California. Normally, the ride starts at the Robie Equestrian Park (elevation 7,000 feet), south of Truckee, California, This year because of late snow, they will start at Soda Springs. For the exact route, go HERE. The trail descends gradually approximately nine miles to the Truckee River at the Midway Crossing on Highway 89. The trail takes a route through Squaw Valley, the U.S. Olympic training facility and site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, and ascends from the valley floor (elevation 6,200 feet) to Emigrant Pass near Watson's Monument (elevation 8,750 feet), a climb of 2,550 vertical feet in 4½ miles. From the pass, following the trail once used by gold and silver miners during the 1850s and rediscovered by Robert Montgomery Watson in 1929, riders will travel west, ascending another 15,540 feet and descending approximately 22,970 feet before reaching the century-old town of Auburn via the traditional route through Robinson Flat, Last Chance, Deadwood, Michigan Bluff, Foresthill, and Francisco's.
Much of this historic route passes along narrow mountain trails through remote and rugged wilderness territory. Participants who are unfamiliar with this area should use caution, especially in the high country and the route out of Foresthill to Francisco's. MUCH OF THIS TERRITORY IS ACCESSIBLE ONLY ON FOOT, ON HORSEBACK, OR BY HELICOPTER.
Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of the trail, the Tevis Cup Ride differs substantially from other organized endurance riding events. Adequate physical training and preparation for both horse and rider are of the utmost importance. The mountains, although beautiful, are relentless in their challenge and unforgiving to the ill-prepared.
The ride starts at in Soda Springs 5:00 AM Saturday, August 5, and continues through 5:00 AM Sunday where the riders finish in Auburn Fairgrounds. But, riders and their support crews are are traveling up to Soda Springs this week and today, Friday, August 4.
PLEASE, anyone who is not a participant or support crew for this ride, STAY OFF THIS TRAIL THIS WEEKEND. If you would like to know more and where you can see the brave riders and horses compete, go to the website HERE.
The Tevis Cup Ride follows a rugged portion of the Western States Trail which stretches from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Sacramento, California. Normally, the ride starts at the Robie Equestrian Park (elevation 7,000 feet), south of Truckee, California, This year because of late snow, they will start at Soda Springs. For the exact route, go HERE. The trail descends gradually approximately nine miles to the Truckee River at the Midway Crossing on Highway 89. The trail takes a route through Squaw Valley, the U.S. Olympic training facility and site of the 1960 Winter Olympics, and ascends from the valley floor (elevation 6,200 feet) to Emigrant Pass near Watson's Monument (elevation 8,750 feet), a climb of 2,550 vertical feet in 4½ miles. From the pass, following the trail once used by gold and silver miners during the 1850s and rediscovered by Robert Montgomery Watson in 1929, riders will travel west, ascending another 15,540 feet and descending approximately 22,970 feet before reaching the century-old town of Auburn via the traditional route through Robinson Flat, Last Chance, Deadwood, Michigan Bluff, Foresthill, and Francisco's.
Much of this historic route passes along narrow mountain trails through remote and rugged wilderness territory. Participants who are unfamiliar with this area should use caution, especially in the high country and the route out of Foresthill to Francisco's. MUCH OF THIS TERRITORY IS ACCESSIBLE ONLY ON FOOT, ON HORSEBACK, OR BY HELICOPTER.
Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of the trail, the Tevis Cup Ride differs substantially from other organized endurance riding events. Adequate physical training and preparation for both horse and rider are of the utmost importance. The mountains, although beautiful, are relentless in their challenge and unforgiving to the ill-prepared.
The ride starts at in Soda Springs 5:00 AM Saturday, August 5, and continues through 5:00 AM Sunday where the riders finish in Auburn Fairgrounds. But, riders and their support crews are are traveling up to Soda Springs this week and today, Friday, August 4.
PLEASE, anyone who is not a participant or support crew for this ride, STAY OFF THIS TRAIL THIS WEEKEND. If you would like to know more and where you can see the brave riders and horses compete, go to the website HERE.
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