Mitchell Pass

Beginning in 1851, two of the Westward Expansion Trails passed through the gap, as did the Pony Express in the early 1860s.

Today the area is protected as part of Scotts Bluff National Monument.

It was favored over Robidoux Pass because it was both shorter and emigrants remained closer to the North Platte River, an important water source.

[1] Who built the road through the pass about 1850 is unknown, although one possibility includes soldiers from Fort Laramie.

[2] The northern branch of the Great Platte River Road, commonly called the Mormon Trail, did not use Mitchell Pass, but rather passed the bluffs at a further distance on the north side of the North Platte River.