This route was by sea on a ship, which had a duration of about six months. It departed from New York and/or Boston, journeyed around South America (tip of SA known as Cape Horn) and the Straits of Magellan, and arrived at either San Francisco or San Diego.

Advantages:

• Fewer diseases- less risk of disease than other routes
• Safest route- majority of men made it to San Francisco

Disadvantages:

• Expensive- could cost hundreds of dollars at that time
• Overbooked- lead to crowded living spaces and boats
• Heavy Waves & Winds- dangerous for travelers
• Limited food- food spoiled very quickly

This route was traveled by wagon. They were pulled by either mules or oxen. Oxen or mule drawn wagons started on the westward trails in Independence, Missouri and set out for the San Francisco. The usual route was the Oregon Trail, which led to the California Trail and to the Gold Rush. This route was 3,000 miles and took 4-6 months.

Advantages:

• Women and Children Could Go- Offered families to join the trip as ships were dangerous for them
• Least expensive- traveling by land was cheaper then traveling by sea
• Better food options- ability to hunt food while on the trail

Disadvantages:

• Disease- cholera, mountain fever, and pneumonia killed many lives
• Mountains & Rivers- it was difficult to travel with several people across an unsteady area
• Accidents- Broken wheel axles, sick oxen, and broken bones