Red Pass facts for kids

Red Pass is a natural opening, like a low spot, in the Avawatz Mountains. You can find it in San Bernardino County, California.

This "gap" or pass connects different areas. It sits between the Silurian Valley and a valley that leads to Salt Creek. Water from places like the Fort Irwin National Training Center flows through Red Pass into the Silurian Valley. From there, it eventually reaches the Amargosa River in Death Valley.

Red Pass: A Path Through History

Red Pass has been an important pathway for a very long time.

The Old Spanish Trail

Long ago, Red Pass was part of the famous Old Spanish Trail. This trail was used by travelers and traders. They used Red Pass to cross the Avawatz Mountains. It was a key part of their journey between important watering spots like Salt Spring and Bitter Spring.

From Trail to Road

After 1847, the Old Spanish Trail changed. It became a wagon road. This new road was first used by a group of Mormons led by Jefferson Hunt. Because of them, it became known as the Mormon Road.

Later, around 1849, many people rushed to California for gold. These "Forty-Niners" called it the "Southern Route" of the California Trail. It was their main way to travel to California during the winter.

By 1855, the route was improved by the State of California and the government. It became a major road for trade and freight wagons. This important path connected Utah and California. It was then known as the Los Angeles - Salt Lake Road.