In the late 1860s, the Oregon Trail was said to have a grave every mile, its two-thousand-mile stretch wrought with hardship and danger. But in 1840, no wagons had yet made the treacherous journey to the Columbia River.

When Zach "Grizzly Killer" Connors leads a group of missionaries and their wagon train through one of the most perilous sections of the trail, from Blacks Fork to Fort Hall, they expect uncharted terrain-not the fierce resistance of Native American tribes.

Battling hostile forces on top of harsh weather, perilous rivers, and unforgiving mountains, Zach must rely on his survival instincts. But will his legendary skills be enough to get them through, or will the trail claim more lives?