From 1856 to 1860, about 3,000 Latter-day Saints pulled handcarts across the American plains to gather in the Salt Lake Valley. These pioneers trekked more than a thousand miles through heat and cold; through mud, sand, and sometimes snow; and through rivers and over mountains. They faced trials that required great faith and perseverance.

To help youth learn from the experiences of the handcart pioneers, the Asheville Stake stakes has chosen a handcart trek reenactment for our 2024 youth conference. The trek provides powerful opportunities for youth to:

• Strengthen testimonies

• Build unity

• Do family history

• Learn and appreciate Church history

• Feel gratitude for the sacrifices of the pioneers and the heritage they provided

• Appreciate their blessings more fully

• Seek and find guidance to overcome challenges

• Focus on serving and rescuing others

• Learn core gospel principles

The trek will be held July 25-27 near Mile High Campground in Cherokee, NC.

For a printable version of most of the content on this website, please Download Trek Informational Packet.