Big Hill
On their way west to Oregon and California,
emigrant wagons often crossed high ridges
in order to avoid gullies and canyons.
When he came here in 1843, Theodore Talbot noted that
he "had to cross a very high hill, which is said to be the greatest
impediment on the whole route from the United
States (over 200 miles east of here) to Fort Hall
(over 120 miles farther west). The ascent is very
abrupt and difficult." Many wagons had to be
let down by ropes tied to trees that have
disappeared long ago.
