Robidoux Pass National Historic Landmark
Trace the Oregon Trail's path at Robidoux Pass, a historic landmark with a vital spring and the legacy of the Roubadeau trading post.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for exploring trails
Robidoux Pass National Historic Landmark
Best Time
Best for exploring trails
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Trace the Oregon Trail's path at Robidoux Pass, a historic landmark with a vital spring and the legacy of the Roubadeau trading post.
"Experience a tangible piece of American history where emigrants once traveled and traded. "
Respect Private Land
Heed 'no trespassing' signs; much of the area is private. :warning:
Follow Trail Markers
Look for OCTA posts marking the original Oregon Trail route. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Original Oregon Trail Route
North of the main dirt road
Follow the path of pioneers, marked by OCTA posts, experiencing a tangible piece of American history.
Roubadeau Spring & Traverse
Near the creek crossing
Discover the vital spring used by emigrants and the 'traverse' gully, a key feature of the historic route.
Roubadeau Trading Post Site
Vicinity of the pass
Imagine the bustling activity at the Roubadeau trading post, a significant historical settlement.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect Private Property
Trail Markers & Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respect Private Land
Heed 'no trespassing' signs; much of the area is private. :warning:
Follow Trail Markers
Look for OCTA posts marking the original Oregon Trail route. :hiking_boot:
Watch for Gravesites
Be respectful as there are historical graves in the vicinity. :pray:
Explore from the Bottom
Start your exploration from the bottom and work towards the pass. :arrow_up:
Tips
from all over the internet
Respect Private Land
Heed 'no trespassing' signs; much of the area is private. :warning:
Follow Trail Markers
Look for OCTA posts marking the original Oregon Trail route. :hiking_boot:
Watch for Gravesites
Be respectful as there are historical graves in the vicinity. :pray:
Explore from the Bottom
Start your exploration from the bottom and work towards the pass. :arrow_up:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Robidoux Pass to be a historically significant site, offering a tangible connection to the Oregon Trail and the Roubadeau family's legacy. The marked trail and natural features like the spring are highlights, though respecting private property is crucial. Some visitors note the need for clear signage and better preservation efforts.
"Before 1851 the Oregon California trail generally came over Roubadeau Pass. (After 1851 the trail went by Scott's bluff).
The original trail winds mostly to the N of the dirt road and is marked with OCTA posts. The pass itself is at the top of the hill to the N side of the road. The "traverse" (see my photo of the gully) is where the trail crossed over the creek and there was/is a spring the emigrants used. Also the Roubadeau "grog/ blacksmith" shop was near here.
Not only did my GGMAs come across this trail but I am also related to the Roubadeau family that ran this trading post. Roubadeau ran several posts in the area and he was married to native women (yes, archives indicate he may have had at least 2 wives.) I am related to a descendant of one of these unions.
Be careful as there are some no trespassing signs in the area. Also there are a few graves in the area. Stop at the bottom and work your way to the actual pass past the curve at the top."
Stephen Voetsch
"Roubadeau pass take a trip on the Oregon trail see where the first native American settlement once was and enjoy god's creation"
angryplaystationNerd4
""
Allan Wlaschin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Robidoux Pass is accessible via a dirt road. It's recommended to start from the bottom and ascend towards the pass, being mindful of private property.
The pass is generally accessible by car via a dirt road, but conditions can vary. High-clearance vehicles might be beneficial depending on recent weather.
Follow the dirt road and look for OCTA posts marking the historic Oregon Trail route, which is often north of the main road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As a National Historic Landmark primarily on private land, there are typically no official entrance fees. However, respecting private property is paramount.
Robidoux Pass is an open historical area, so it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Always be aware of any posted hours on private land.
No advance booking is required for Robidoux Pass. It's an open historical site, but always check for any local advisories.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the original Oregon Trail route marked by OCTA posts, the Roubadeau Spring, the historic traverse gully, and the site of the Roubadeau trading post.
Yes, Robidoux Pass offers opportunities for hiking along the historic trail. Wear appropriate footwear as the terrain can be uneven. :hiking_boot:
Yes, OCTA posts mark the original Oregon Trail route, and historical context can be gleaned from the landscape itself and local knowledge.
It was a crucial part of the Oregon California Trail before 1851, featuring a vital spring and the Roubadeau trading post.
The trading post site is in the vicinity of the pass. Be sure to respect any private property signs when exploring the area.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vast prairie landscapes, the historic OCTA trail markers, and the natural features like the traverse gully and spring.
Absolutely. The open terrain and historical elements offer compelling scenes for landscape photographers, especially during golden hours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Enthusiasts
Genealogy Researchers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Oregon Trail's Passage
The landscape itself tells a story, with features like the 'traverse' gully illustrating the challenges and ingenuity of those who traveled this route. Understanding this context enhances the experience of walking in the footsteps of pioneers.
It's important to note that after 1851, the main trail shifted to bypass Scott's Bluff, making the Roubadeau Pass era a distinct chapter in trail history.
Roubadeau Family and Trading Post
The Roubadeau trading post near the pass was a hub of activity, facilitating commerce and cultural exchange. Visiting the vicinity of the pass allows you to connect with this legacy, imagining the lives of the traders, Native peoples, and emigrants who converged here.
Descendants of the Roubadeau family, including those from unions with Native American women, have a direct connection to this historical site, adding a personal dimension to its significance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit