The Rocky Ridge of Life

Standing by the Sweetwater River
with Devil's Gate in the Background 

M. Russel Ballard said, "We cannot begin to understand the journeys made by those who laid the foundation of this dispensation until we understand their spiritual underpinnings. Once we make that

connection, however, we will begin to see how their journeys parallel our own. There are lessons for us in every footstep they took–lessons of love, courage, commitment, devotion, endurance, and, most of all, faith. Handcarts were heavily laden with faith–faith in God, faith in the restoration of His Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith, and faith that God knew where they were going and that He would see them through. We all face rocky ridges, with the wind in our face and winter coming on too soon. Always there is a Devil’s Gate, which will swing open to lure us in. Occasionally we reach the top of one summit in life, as the pioneers did, only to see more mountain peaks ahead, higher and more challenging than the one we have just traversed. And how will

we feel then, as we stand shoulder to shoulder with the great pioneers of Church history? How will they feel about us? Will they see faith in our footsteps? I believe they will. We will learn, as did our pioneer ancestors, that it is only in faith–real faith, whole souled, tested and tried–that we will find safety and confidence as we walk our own perilous pathways through life. We are all bound together–19th and 20th century pioneers and more–in our great journey to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and to allow His atoning sacrifice to work its miracle in our lives. While we

all can appreciate the footsteps of faith walked by Joseph Smith and his followers from Palmyra to Carthage Jail and across the Great Plains, we should ever stand in reverential awe as we contemplate the path trod by the Master. His faithful footsteps to Gethsemane and to Calvary rescued all of us and opened the way for us to return to our heavenly home. Joy will fill our hearts when we fully come to know the eternal significance of the greatest rescue–the rescue of the family of God by the Lord Jesus Christ. For it is through Him that we have promise of eternal life. Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the source of spiritual power that will give you and me the assurance that we have nothing to fear from the Journey."

Rocky Ridge

As the pioneers crossed central Wyoming, they found a much needed respite from the high harsh desert conditions when they arrived at the Sweetwater River. However, before long, they began the arduous climb up and over the treacherous Rocky Ridge. Rocky Ridge came by its name naturally enough. This rugged, boulder-strewn path stretches for about 12 miles, across two high ridge shelfs, crossing Strawberry Creek. At its summit, the trail ascends about 700 feet in two miles. The rock cuts left here by the emigrant wagon wheels are among the most dramatic trail remnants remaining on Wyoming's westward emigrant trails.

James and Joseph Kirkwood
by Del Parson

One such pioneer story that tugs at our hearts in the story of Kirkwood family.  James Kirkwood was an 11-year-old boy with tremendous courage.  He traveled from Scotland with his mother and 3 brothers.  His father died a few years prior to their leaving.  Traveling with the Willie Handcart Company, his main responsibility was to watch over his four-year-old brother, Joseph Smith Kirkwood.  One morning they left their camp near the Sweetwater riverto make a 15-mile climb in a blinding snowstorm over Rocky Ridge.  It was windy and bitterly cold.  They became separated from their mother in the storm. Four-year-old Joseph’s shoes had worn out and his feet were numb.  He fell down and started to cry.  James tried to encourage him, but Joseph couldn’t take another step.  James carried him on his shoulders, then in his arms, and then on his shoulders.  They were one of the last into the camp that night, walking for 27 hours.  Finally they saw the fire burning ahead and knew they were close.  With determination, he had faithfully carried out his task and saved his brother.  James was so exhausted from the cold, starvation, and from carrying his little brother, that he sat down next to the fire and never spoke another word.  He died the next morning and was buried with twelve others.

Pioneer Grave Marker
Note James Kirkwood's Name

Elder and Sister Bowden