Below this ridge is what some pioneers dubbed the "Devils Ladder." A name reflecting the steepness and extreme difficulty that pioneers experienced as they began their ascent over the Sierra Nevada. This climb was usually referred to as the "first summit" or "three quarter mountain." It was called "three quarter mountain" because it was only three quarters of a mile from Red Lake to the summit.
A staging area was set up at the base of the mountain. All goods were removed from the wagon and carried up the mountain on the backs of the people. Using several yoke of oxen and putting a man at each wheel, the wagons were slowly moved up the mountain. Upon reaching the top, the oxen and men returned to the bottom to assist with the next wagon. Looking carefully, scars at the base of some trees a few yards to the south can still be seen where pioneers wrapped ropes and chains to pull the wagons.
Dr. Edwards Tompkins writes in 1850: "A few miles brought us to a small lake, called Red Lake, in the midst of the mountains overhung by thick branches of evergreens. Two or three miles further found us at the foot of what is called "Three Quarter Mountain," which is generally supposed to be, on reaching it, the main ridge of the Sierra Nevada, but it is several hundred feet lower that the main ridge. This is the stopping place of many wagons, owing to the great steepness, and irregularity of the mountainside. The road zigzags from the foot, obstructed by huge stones, for three quarter of a mile at an angle of about 45 degrees where it gains the summit, covered with immense embankments of eternal snow."
The route through Carson Pass and over First & Second Summits was known by the pioneers as the Carson River Route. It carried more gold seekers than any other Trail. In 1849 it is estimated that between 25,000 and 45,000 people traveled this route. In 1850 and 1852, it is estimated that 50,000 or more used this trail.
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