Which group of settlers experienced a difficult journey along barren lands through the south pass to arrive at the salt lake basin

It was the Mormons.

Having formally inherited the authority of Joseph Smith, he led thousands of more Mormons to the Great Salt Lake in 1848. Other large waves ofMormon pioneers followed.

On arrival at Great Salt Lake things didn't get easier straight away. The Mormons faced further problems, which they also had to overcome.