The trail approximates the route followed by a band of 750 Nez Perce warriors and civilians, including women, children, and elders, as they tried to resist U.S. Army efforts to confine them within federal reservation lands in Idaho.

First, they were fleeing some episodes of violence that erupted during their initial relocation to a smaller reservation; next, trying to evade the 7th Cavalry and reach a territory of the US where they could continue their traditional lifestyle; finally, trying to escape to Canada.

The Nez Perce were near starvation and exhaustion after fighting their last battle north of the Bear Paw Mountains, less than 40 miles (64 km) from the Canada–US border, when they surrendered to U.S. authorities.

None of the forest lands were managed by the federal government, but Yellowstone National Park was created 5 years before the Nez Perce journey.

The trail also passes through privately owned property and it is best advised to obtain permission to enter these areas from local landowners.