UKIAH, California — Every summer, many Mormon youth between the ages of 12 and 18 walk the journey Mormon pioneers took over 150 years ago.
In 1997, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints re-created the pioneer journey from near Omaha, Nebraska, to Salt Lake City, Utah. Since then, Mormon youth around the United States have increasingly taken part in pioneer treks — a simulated journey of the early Church pioneers, including some of the experiences and trials the pioneers may have faced.
Mormon pioneers began leaving Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1846 to escape persecution. About 70,000 pioneers made the trek in covered wagons or on horseback to the Salt Lake Valley. Another 3,000 came by handcart.
This week, the Ukiah Daily Journal recounted the recent experiences of 130 youth and leaders as they participated in their summer trek.
Local Church leaders have encouraged youth to participate in the pioneer trek so they could understand the sacrifice early members of the Church made, as well as provide positive examples of courage and faith.