Evolution of a Road: Changes in The Southern Route from the California Road to the State (Territorial) Road: Utah Crossroads OCTA Spring Fieldtrip, April 25, 2009; compiled by John Eldredge, Roy Tea, and Lyndia and Robert Carter

Utah Crossroad’s spring trip was the northern portion of the road from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles, showing how the trail evolved and changed with establishment of towns along the road. This route became a thoroughfare for emigrants and freighters. It was an alternate route for California-bound travelers between Utah settlements and destinations in southern California. The goal of this trip was to build awareness of the significance of the southern route and discover more about the central and southern portions of the overland road from Utah to California.