Devil's Gate Pass - History and Land Use

History and Land Use

John C. Fremont crossed the pass in Jan 1844. His party was surveying the western boundary of the Nevada Basin but due to cold weather they were forced to search for a route across the Sierra Nevada and the warmth of California's central valley. Due to difficult terrain and deep snow (weather estimates indicate snowfall was significantly below normal at the time), he was forced to abandon his cannon on Jan 29, 1844 after crossing the pass (from Fremont's log). It is unclear if the cannon has ever been found.

Various commercial activities have been attempted along the pass. Enough water to power a mill was noted by William H. Brewer in his journal entry for July 15, 1863. The remnants of a steam powered machine (probably a saw mill) can be found on private property near the gate along Saw Mill Creek (identified by the property owner and viewed by the editor).

A stage stop and resort at Fales Hot spring 2 miles to the west was operated from about 1877 through 1952. A newer resort was constructed in 1954 and is now being restored after falling into disrepair. The gasoline station next to the resort remained open until at least the 1970s and was torn down around 1990. A small ski run was operated at Swaugger Creek, 4 miles to the east of the pass, in the 1930s. A pack station catering to deer hunters was operated at the pass in the 1970s. Currently much of the private land is used as pasture (west side of pass) or for private homes (east side of pass).