Annual Re-Ride of the Pony Express Trail

@ The National Pony Express Association will be conducting its Annual Re-Ride of the Pony Express Trail from St. Joseph Missouri, to Sacramento, California, June 15 – 25, 2026. On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at approximately 5:30 pm, they will pass by the California/Nevada Stateline at South Lake Tahoe. Over 750 riders participate and around 1,000 letters are mailed each year. Riders come from all walks of life, but are all members of NPEA. We invite you to join us in this exciting event! Annual Re-Ride Schedule  Celebrate a timeless American legacy and join the America 250 Anniversary riders. History buffs and fans of American frontier heritage are invited to experience one of the nation’s most iconic events — the Annual Pony Express Re-Ride, taking place June 15 through June 25, 2026. This year’s event celebrates not only the enduring spirit of the Pony Express but also ties into the America 250 celebrations commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States. The Pony Rides Again The Pony Express Re-Ride retraces the original 1,900-mile mail route established in 1860–61, with dedicated riders carrying mail by horseback across rugged terrain from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California. Participants and spectators alike will relive the courage, determination, and endurance of the young men who forged a vital communication link across the young nation. Personal letters and Commemorative letters will be carried in a mochila (a leather square that is placed over the saddle, with four locked cantinas to hold the mail) by horse and rider relays from the Missouri River to the Sacramento River. The first rider will depart St. Joseph, Missouri, on June 15 at 3 PM CDT in front of the historic Patee house.   The route will follow the Pony Express National Historic Trail, a component of the National Trails System. The mail will travel 1966 miles across Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada to California. Highlights of the 2026 Re-Ride include: A relay of horseback riders covering the historic route from St. Joseph, MO, through South Lake Tahoe, and to Sacramento, CA Community celebrations and educational activities in partner towns along the route Special America 250 events recognizing the Pony Express role in shaping the nation’s early communication and expansion https://nationalponyexpress.org/celebrating-the-250th-birthday-of-america/ Special letters will be carried on horseback the entire route Organized by the National Pony Express Association, the Re-Ride brings together volunteers, equestrians, and history enthusiasts from across the country to honor this uniquely American chapter of history. Whether participating in a leg of the ride or cheering from your local community, this event connects past and present in a memorable celebration of service and shared heritage. History The annual Re-Ride is a 10-day, 24-hour-a-day event honoring the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company. The ...