Many feeder branches of emigrant trails crossed the states of Iowa and Missouri.

The California Trail of about 3000 miles began near Kanesville, later named Council Bluffs, and Omaha, Nebraska.  Sections of the trail were discovered and developed by American Fur Traders like Kit Carson and Jebediah Smith.

To retrace a portion of the California Trail:

• Begin east of Council Bluffs on Highway 92, driving west towards Council Bluffs
• Turn south on 240th Street / County Road L-45
• Turn west on Aspen Road to Dumfries Avenue
• Turn south (left) on Dunfries Avenue to stop at a historic marker commemorating the beginnings of the California Gold Rush Trail
• Return north to Pioneer Trail and turn west toward Council Bluffs
• Keep right on Wabash Avenue / Harry Langdon Blvd.
• Return to Highway 92

Getting across the Missouri River became easier mid-19th century by using steamboats and ferries to the Nebraska side of the river.