This point on the trail is called the Parting-of-the-Ways. The trail to the right is the Sublette or Greenwood Cutoff and to the left is the main route of the Oregon, Mormon, and California Trails. The Sublette Cutoff was opened in 1844 because it saved 46 miles over the main route. It did require a 50 mile waterless crossing of the desert and therefore was not popular until the gold rush period. The name tells the story, people who had traveled a thousand miles together separated at this point. They did not know if they would ever see each other again. It was a place of great sorrow. It was also a place of great decision to cross the desert and save miles or to favor their livestock. About two-thirds of the emigrants chose the main route through Fort Bridger instead of the Sublette Cutoff.

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Little Sandy Crossing Historical
The Parting of the Ways
"Parting of the Ways"
Parting of the Ways
The Oregon Trail
To All Pioneers Who Passed This Way to Win and Hold the West
The Way West
The Corridor West
The Fur Trade
South Pass

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