A few miles back, I was disappointed to find the ruins of the Cold Springs Pony Express Station behind a tall chain-link fence. That disappointment faded when I arrived at Sand Springs — a Pony Express station that’s still in good shape, and completely accessible to anyone.
From Highway 50, take the turn onto the road leading to Sand Mountain (more on it below). About halfway between Route 50 and the dunes, there’s a dirt road that turns left. Follow it to the parking area, then walk the rest of the way to the Pony Express ruins.
Signs warn visitors not to climb on the station’s rock walls. The only reason they’re crumbling in places is due to damage caused by humans. Take that into account as you walk through the station’s rooms.
The station wasn’t the least bit comfortable for the Pony Express riders who took shelter here, but it was functional. There were two large rooms for the horses, a kitchen and blacksmithing room, and a small room for living quarters, which was later divided and used for the storage of telegraph batteries.
It’s hard to relax, as you walk around the ghost station. The roar of dune-buggy engines fills the air, as dozens of vehicles buzz up and down the slopes of Sand Mountain.
From a distance, it looks like tiny ants scrambling up and down the dunes. It also looks like a tremendous amount of fun.
No comments