Wagon Train to Roll Over Sonora Pass

Local businesses in Northern California’s Gold Country are organizing the first-ever Sonora Pass Wagon Train, rolling across 94 miles of California 108 between Bridgeport and Twain Harte, Calif., from Aug. 27 to Sept. 5. As of last week, there were still spots open for outriders (horseback riders with their own horses) and teamsters (drivers with their own wagons). Passenger slots were filled, but organizers said there may be last-minute openings. Registration is $15 per day or $120 for the whole trip.

The wagon train, hoping to have about 10 wagons with 100 passengers, is designed to evoke the Emigrant Trail of the 1850s Gold Rush era. To avoid blocking California 108 on the Labor Day weekend, it’s expected to bivouac at the Kennedy Meadows camping and picnic area, near Dardanelle, Aug. 30 through Sept. 1. A parade through Twain Harte is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 5, to kick off the third annual Twain Harte Days Celebration. For information, call the Twain Harte Area Chamber of Commerce, (209) 586-4482..