Celebrate a timeless American legacy and join the America 250 Anniversary riders. History buffs and fans of American frontier heritage are invited to experience one of the nation’s most iconic events — the Annual Pony Express Re-Ride, taking place June 15 through June 25, 2026. This year’s event celebrates not only the enduring spirit of the Pony Express but also ties into the America 250 celebrations commemorating the 250th birthday of the United States.

The Pony Express Re-Ride retraces the original 1,900-mile mail route established in 1860–61, with dedicated riders carrying mail by horseback across rugged terrain from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California. Participants and spectators alike will relive the courage, determination, and endurance of the young men who forged a vital communication link across the young nation.

Personal letters and Commemorative letters will be carried in a mochila (a leather square that is placed over the saddle, with four locked cantinas to hold the mail) by horse and rider relays from the Missouri River to the Sacramento River. The first rider will depart St. Joseph, Missouri, on June 15 at 3 PM CDT in front of the historic Patee house.  

The route will follow the Pony Express National Historic Trail, a component of the National Trails System. The mail will travel 1966 miles across Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada to California.

Highlights of the 2026 Re-Ride include:

  • A relay of horseback riders covering the historic route from St. Joseph, MO, through South Lake Tahoe, and to Sacramento, CA
  • Community celebrations and educational activities in partner towns along the route
  • Special America 250 events recognizing the Pony Express role in shaping the nation’s early communication and expansion https://nationalponyexpress.org/celebrating-the-250th-birthday-of-america/
  • Special letters will be carried on horseback the entire route

Organized by the National Pony Express Association, the Re-Ride brings together volunteers, equestrians, and history enthusiasts from across the country to honor this uniquely American chapter of history. Whether participating in a leg of the ride or cheering from your local community, this event connects past and present in a memorable celebration of service and shared heritage.

History: The annual Re-Ride is a 10-day, 24-hour-a-day event honoring the Central Overland California and Pikes Peak Express Company. The Company carried letters and telegrams from April 1860 to November 1861, between St. Joseph and Sacramento, proving the Central Route through Salt Lake City was passable year-round. They intended to win a federal mail contract, which, unfortunately, never materialized.

Riders & Volunteers Wanted: Are you interested in participating in the annual Re-Ride? Get your mount legged up to ride a leg in the annual Re-Ride. Reach out to a State President near you and find out about riding & supporting this year’s Re-Ride. Several states have ride sections available; come experience the thrill of being a Pony Express rider! State Officer Directory: Https://nationalponyexpress.org/about/national-directory/

Send A Letter: The Commemorative letters carried this year will be a vignette of Pony Express history in America’s 250 years. The public can purchase the letters for the 1860 price of $5 each. Personal letters are also available for $10 each. All letters will be carried on horseback from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California. They will be stamped as having been officially carried by Pony Express and then delivered via USPS. The letter application form can be found https://nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/send-a-letter/

Re-Ride: During the Re-Ride, updates and information about the progress across the Pony Express trail can be found at https://www.facebook.com/expressrider/. A GPS Device will be carried in the mochila, which transmits the real-time location of the mail. The National Parks Service (NPS) will have an interactive map to follow the transmissions at https://nationalponyexpress.org/re-ride/follow-the-ride/. Status updates will also be posted on the website, and photos & videos on the NPEA Facebook page.

Join the journey and share your experience with #2026ponyexpressreride #PonyExpressAmerica250th — ride with history!