The Humboldt Wells are springs visible here as marshy spots and small ponds in the meadows, a historic oasis on the California Emigrant Trail. During 1845–1870, hundreds of covered wagons each year rested and refitted here after arduous journeys up Raft River, past the City of Rocks, across the Goose Creek Range, and down Thousand Springs Valley, then prepared for the grueling 300-mile trek along the Humboldt Valley. Ruts of the old emigrant trail winding down to the springs can still be seen on the slopes above them and to the northwest. The City of Wells, first established as the water stop of Humboldt Wells on the Central Pacific Railroad in September, 1869, was named for these springs, and its name was shortened to Wells in 1873.