History Expeditions presents The Frémont Sierra Expedition 2026 at The Sherwood at Friar Tucks - the story of a five-day, 100-mile journey retracing one of the most audacious winter crossings in Sierra Nevada history.

In 1844, explorer John C. Frémont and his expedition crossed the Sierra Nevada in the depths of winter, navigating an unforgiving landscape that would become deeply connected to the history of the Donner region and the story of westward expansion.

More than 180 years later, a team of five veteran endurance athletes and researchers set out to retrace Frémont’s documented route through the same high country.

From September 9–13, 2026, the team traveled approximately 100 miles through the Sierra to better understand the decisions Frémont and his party faced along the way. Their expedition also sought to investigate unresolved mysteries surrounding the journey, search for possible caches of scientific instruments, and bring greater attention to the critical roles Indigenous guides played in navigating the landscape.

Using GPS technology, film, photography, and daily field journals, the team documented the route firsthand and created a field-verified digital record of the expedition.

Join History Expeditions for a special evening exploring what they discovered along the way, the questions that remain unanswered, and how retracing Frémont’s route on the ground offers a new perspective on this extraordinary chapter of Sierra Nevada history.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Location: The Sherwood at Friar Tucks, Nevada City

Cost: $35 per person

Evening Schedule

5:00 PM — No Host Bar Opens

5:30 PM — Seating Begins

5:45 PM — Light Appetizers Served

6:00 PM — Program Begins

7:30 PM — Program Concludes

Friar Society members receive 15% off.

Reserve your seat at friartucks.com