Golden Pass Road

Parley P. Pratt’s toll road through Parleys Canyon, known as the Golden Pass, was described in the Deseret News on June 29, 1850, as a new route through the mountains. Pratt explored and built this alternate valley entrance, which he used to secure fuel and timber for himself and other emigrants. To defray his road-building expenses, he began charging tolls in 1848, with rates of 75 cents for a two-horse outfit, 10 cents for each additional pack or saddle animal, and 1 cent per head for sheep and loose stock. His toll house stood near the creek about 1/2 mile west of Suicide Rock. At first the road was passable for horse and wagon, and from 1850 to 1869 thousands of Mormon pioneer emigrants, California-bound gold seekers, Pony Express riders, Overland Stage coaches, and soldiers traveled over this dirt road.

Salt Lake City, Utah · United States