California National Historic Trail (NHT), Hastings Cutoff
Box Elder County, UT
Approximate location — plotted from published sources, not a site visit, and not a guarantee of access.
The Hastings Cutoff was promoted in the late 1840s as a shortcut on the California Trail. It became infamous after the Donner-Reed ordeal on the waterless Salt Desert stretch. Long segments remain publicly accessible on BLM land west of Salt Lake City, including Hastings Pass and related markers. The route is part of the California National Historic Trail system.
Cultural sites and artifacts are protected by federal law (ARPA/NHPA) — stay on established routes, touch and remove nothing, and follow the managing agency's and the affiliated tribe's guidance on access.