About our Members

Utah Crossroads Chapter members have diverse interests relating to the trails and many have done considerable original research in pursuit of those interests. Collected here are some of the fruits of their labors. Naturally, as personal works, these pages represent the views of their authors and not necessarily those of Utah Crossroads. There will be more member pages over time so check back often. Consult both the author and subject listings for items of interest to you.

Author, John & Nila Eldredge

Echo Canyon, Utah, east of Salt Lake City, presented dazzling scenic wonders undreamed of by easterners as first Mormons, later forty-niners and eventually pilgrims on the first transcontinental railway made their way beneath the famous cliffs. John & Nila Eldredge share their knowledge at their website: www.trailbuff.com for the love of "Utah's Forgotten Scenic Wonder."

Author, gar Elison

Hudspeth Cutoff of the California Trail
Gar Elison's page is about the Hudspeth Cutoff, a frequently used alternate section of the California Trail between Soda Springs, Idaho and about Malta, Idaho. The cutoff is 132 miles long and saved about 25 miles but perhaps no time, compared to the route via Fort Hall.

Author, Kristin Johnson

Kristin Johnson's page includes Donner Party myths, misconceptions, controversies, family histories and genealogies and newly available source materials. Links to other Donner references in past issues of Crossroads, the chapter newsletter, and Donner sites on the WWW are listed.

Roy's page covers the Hastings Cutoff, a regional variant of the California Trail, from Grantsville, Utah across the Great Salt Lake Desert to Donner Spring, Utah near the Nevada border. This portion of the Hastings Trail was so treacherous that it claimed animals, wagons and belongings from many emigrant groups including the most famous company on the cutoff, the Donner Party. A companion exhibition of 30 photographs from the  trail assembled by Roy can be accessed from our Photograph Exhibitions Gallery.