This gap, approximately ten miles west of Mills, is a shallow pass though a ridge that is now known as Emigrant Gap Ridge. During the emigration, the trail briefly divided into three routes at present-day Casper. Those following the more northerly route passed through Emigrant Gap after crossing the North Platte River via one of the ferries or bridges around Casper. The route was especially favored by those using the Mormon Ferry.

Although it wasn’t always evident to the emigrants, Emigrant Gap marked the beginning of their gradual ascent up and over the Continental Divide at South Pass. From this point, the emigrants got a grand, sweeping view to the west. Today, the site is marked by a BLM interpretive panel.

William Clayton described Emigrant Gap this way: "Ascent gradual. Many singular looking rocks on the south side. Descent rough and crooked. Towards the foot, road very uneven."*

Ownership
Public (BLM) and private.

Directions
Natrona County, Wyoming. T33N/R81W

Turn south from U.S. 20-26 onto Poison Spider Road (County Road 201). Emigrant Gap is approximately nine miles west of this intersection on Poison Spider Road, a gravel road but amenable to travel by passenger vehicle.

National Park Service Comprehensive Management Plan
Interpretive panels are always subject to vandalism. The site is not listed on the National Register.

Additional Information
* Kimball, Stanley B., ed. The Latter-day Saints’ Emigrants’ Guide by W. Clayton, St. Louis: 1848 (St. Louis, MO: The Patrice Press, 1983)