Youth Rider near Cold Springs, Nevada. Photo courtesy of Petra Keller

POLLOCK PINES, CA (MPG) - Riders, history enthusiasts and communities along the historic Pony Express Trail are gearing up for the 2026 National Pony Express Re-Ride. This year’s event promises to be an extraordinary milestone as it aligns with the nation's semi quincentennial. The Missouri Pony Express President will officially open the event at 2 p.m., and the first rider will depart from the Patee house in St. Joseph, MO at 3:00 p.m. CDT on Monday, June 15.

The grueling, 1,900-plus -mile journey will continue 24/7 on horseback, following the original 1860–1861 mail route across eight states. The non-stop relay will conclude with the final rider arriving in Old Sacramento, CA at 4:30 p.m. PDT on Thursday, June 25. Riders in authentic attire will carry a traditional mochila packed with 1,570 letters, honoring a vital chapter in U.S. communication history.

Honoring the Past, Celebrating America 250

Each year, the National Pony Express Association (NPEA) commemorates the legendary Old West mail service by carrying a historical mochila filled with commemorative letters. However, the 2026 Re-Ride holds unique historical significance.

An America 250 highlight of this year's re-ride will take place on Tuesday, June 24 in Carson City, Nevada, where the NPEA will partner with the Carson City Historical Society to present “Saddle -up Carson City”.  A special Presentation by Chautauquan Kim Harris will be featured - listen to the story of Warren Upson and the important role the Pony Express Played in keeping the Union connected: https://nationalponyexpress.org/celebrating-the-250th-birthday-of-america/.

"Community support is what keeps this tradition alive, but tying this year’s ride into the America 250 celebration adds a profound layer of pride," said Petra Keller, NPEA corresponding secretary. "The Pony Express exemplifies the enduring American spirit of perseverance and connection. We invite everyone to come out to Carson City and all along the trail to celebrate this monumental piece of our collective heritage."

Swearing in Riders in Nebraska. Photo courtesy of Petra Keller

Event Details & Public Invitation

The continuous relay will press through Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California. The public is highly encouraged to participate in the festivities:

Attend Local Events: Spectators are welcome to witness live mochila exchanges, meet the riders and horses, and engage with trail volunteers.

Track the Ride Live: A real-time GPS tracking map will be active around the clock at: nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/follow-the-ride/.

Join the Conversation: Share your photos, experiences, and community celebrations on social media using the hashtags #2026PonyExpressReRide #PonyExpressAmerica250th #PonyExpressReRide2026.

To help raise awareness and support along the trail, the NPEA encourages local businesses, organizations and residents to display the official 2025 Re-Ride Flyer, now available online. The flyer includes key information, and a QR code for live tracking during the Re-Ride.

About the National Pony Express Association (NPEA)

The NPEA is a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the Pony Express (April 1860 – October 1861). Through educational programs, trail preservation, and annual reenactments, the NPEA keeps the spirit of the American West alive for generations to come.