The Tevis Cup or Western States Trail Ride is a 100 mile endurance ride that has been held annually since 1955. The trail starts near Squaw Valley and ascends 2,550 ft in 4½ miles to Emigrant Pass near Watson's Monument. Following the trail once used by gold and silver miners during the 1850s and rediscovered by Robert Montgomery Watson in 1929, riders will travel west, ascending another 15,540 ft and descending approximately 22,970 ft before reaching the century-old town of Auburn via the traditional route through Robinson Flat, Last Chance, Deadwood, Michigan Bluff, Foresthill, and Francisco’s.