Overland Route · 1849
The California Trail
MDCCCXLIX
✦
⛏️🏔️💰
"Gold has been discovered in great abundance. Men have gone wild. The word California is on every lip."
— New York Herald, 1849

Who Are You, Traveler?
Your occupation determines your wealth, skills, and abilities on the trail
⛏️
Forty-Niner
Starting: $700
⭐ Pan for gold at rivers
MEDIUM
A gold seeker lured by tales of riches. You can prospect at rivers for extra cash, but gold fever makes your party harder to manage.
🛒
Merchant
Starting: $1,400
⭐ 15% cheaper at all forts
EASY
A trader hauling goods west. Well-funded and experienced in commerce. You negotiate favorable prices, but your loaded wagon is slower.
🌾
Farming Family
Starting: $400
⭐ −20% food use + 120 lbs free
HARD
Seeking fertile California valley land. Tight on funds but expert foragers who stretch rations further than most.
🐄
Cattle Rancher
Starting: $900
⭐ Oxen hardier, +1 free ox
MEDIUM
Driving livestock west to the great California ranches. Your animals are well-conditioned and far less likely to perish on the trail.
PIKE'S GENERAL OUTFITTERS · INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI
Outfit Your Wagon
Available Funds
$0
Purchase Summary
Recommendation: Food, water, and oxen first. The Nevada desert will demand both water barrels and sturdy animals.
Remaining: $0
⛟ The Golden Road — California Trail
DateApr 1, 1849
Traveled0 mi
To Go2,100 mi
WeatherClear ☀️
MoraleHigh
Party
Supplies
Trail Progress
Travel Pace
Daily Rations
Event
⚠️
🦌 Hunting Grounds
AMMO--
MEAT0 lbs
TIME40s
Click animals to shoot. Manage your ammunition wisely.

🥣 Gold Panning

FOUND$0
TIME25s
River Crossing

☀️ The Forty-Mile Desert

Humboldt Sink, Nevada Territory · No water. No grass. No mercy.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

❄️ Sierra Nevada Mountains

Crossing the Final Barrier
Fort Kearny
320 MILES FROM INDEPENDENCE
OPTIONS
💀
Your Party Has Perished