Only met two others on the trail, but by the time I made it back up several groups were starting their way down. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Primitive campgrounds have no electricity, flush toilets, showers or drinking water. Vehicles are allowed to park overnight in the parking lot for up to 72 hours for dispersed camping along the Stevens Trail. All trails in the park are open to hikers but some are not open to mountain bikers and equestrians. The trail was originally built as an. He built the trail and a bridge crossing the North Fork and charged a toll to the miners. From the trailhead at 2400ft., the trail drops gradually but steadily to Its like hitting a 10 incline on the treadmill and hiking that all the way back. Turn left on North Canyon Way, which parallels the freeway, and after a short distance you'll see the parking area sign on the left side saying Stevens Trail. Within five miles of town is the North Fork of the American River and the Mineral Bar Campground, Sugar Pine Reservoir recreation area, and numerous trails including the famous Stevens Trail between Colfax and Iowa Hill. While admiring the spectacular views of the American River, you should also be able to see the Iowa Hill - Colfax Road Bridge. The trail went down to the bottom of the American River Canyon and back up the other side to Colfax via a bridge that is no longer in existence. What remains is an old Wells Fargo vault, the old fire house, a couple of other old buildings, and two cemeteries. Vehicles parked longer than 72 hours will be towed. Drink it only in an emergency This is a risky drive with plenty of thrill and amazing views of the Gold Country landscape. Go past the Colfax cemetery to the Stevens Trailhead. Please Note: Due to increased use of the Stevens Trail, on weekends and in the high use season, parking can be an issue. You will work your way steadily downward until you reach the end, which is the American River. Was so happy I sucked it up and made it all the way to the river. Theres still enough residents to form a small and dedicated community. Check out more of myForesthill Divideadventures. Several water crossings. Stevens Trail is indeed a hard trail, just a heads up! Turn left, and you will follow this narrow, winding road
So, that makes for a 9 mile round trip hike and the way back is all uphill. The way there is a breeze but the way back is mostly up hill which was challenging. Please do not attempt in extreme heat and be wary of the hot ground on your dog's paws. From here it follows the river and runs along the canyon side, gradually taking you down to the river over the remaining 1.5 to 2 miles. Over the years, transportation from Iowa Hill had improved as well. a mile from the river there is a section which has washed out over the
east up the canyon on the way back to Iowa Hill. This trail is over grown with huge amounts of poison oak and ticks, so be prepared for this adventure to the American River. After a . A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. [1] crossings along the early trail, including this one which invited
All public lands located in MDM, T. 15 N., R. 9 E., Sec. [3] Mail service is three times per week. [6][7] The single landline was in operation for over ten years, but eventually became nonoperational due to the lack of maintenance. In 1853, a group of miners rumored to be from Iowa discovered gold in this area. Some people were going around. NOTICE: Camping is not allowed in the parking lot at Stevens Trail. Down tree at 0.76 miles. The challenging 9-mile, out and back, hike has creek crossings, old mining caves and vista views. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. Waterfall crossing still sketch but do-able if careful and chain was in place today. By 1880, the gold mines of Iowa Hill produced roughly $20 million dollars. This trail was originally established as a toll road in 1859 by Truman Allen Stevens. Definitely bring the app because there are splits where you may take the wrong turn. http://members.psyber.com/asra/tgsteve.pdf, http://www.colfaxrecord.com/article/iowa-hill-state-capitol-it-was-considered, https://archive.org/stream/historyofplacern00lard/historyofplacern00lard_djvu.txt, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_Chronicle, http://auburn.ca.gov/services/Clerk/Docs/Agendas/CC/Item%207%20from%20CC%206-24-2013.pdf, http://www.sierranevadageotourism.org/content/iowa-hill-historic-gold-mining-town/sieFEBF0E08B9EFD2FC7, http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/folsom/stevenstrail.html. Only 50 miles from Sac downtown. Stevens was responsible for the completion and actual use of the trail during its main years of historic use, 1870-1895. To take-out, take the Canyon Way exit off I-80 at Colfax to the Colfax-Iowa Hill Road. Through the 1860s Iowa Hill became the main mining hub for just about all of the northern mines on the Divide. Beautiful hike! Distance. The current trail extends 4.5 miles along the northwestern slope of the North Fork of the American River Canyon. About 50% of the town's homes are vacation homes. Pack a lot of water because there are areas where it is unshaded and it gets really hot during the summer months. And with all of that gold, came prosperity, expansion and more people. Iowa Hill Built 1859 The Stevens Trail. Seemingly as the gold kept pouring out, the town kept growing. It is now a popular hiking trail, extending 4.5 miles along the North Fork of the American River. The Historic Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, California. The trail was forgotten but then rediscovered in 1969 by a boyscout, Eric Kiel, and re-charted as part of his scouting project. Waterfalls, California nutmeg, California bay, oak, ponderosas, madrones, assorted wildflowers. Built by Truman Allen Stevens, it was used as a toll road for miners that needed to get from the mining town of Iowa Hill to the railroad town of Colfax. Our merry band making its way
:), Trail is beautiful but sadly turned around halfway. Moonshinedf. This ended up becoming the well-known Jamison claim. for
exploration up the canyon. The damage was estimated to be around $500,000. Iowa Hill. Store to begin your hike. Put-in is a two (2) mile walk from the trailhead. The train is very rocky and narrow at some points! I was surprised at the amount of little water falls on this trail. Stevens Trail leaves the graded road and heads toward Robbers Ravine. Rutherford soon brought in a partner, Truman A. Stevens, also a miner. This road was in commercial operation until the existing road was built at the end of the last century. You'll have to cross the creek at Secret Ravine. You choose. ), letting me know that was the worst spot. Back in the 80's I rode my Yamaha 60 down to to last shelf before the river.I had to carry it down a few switchbacks.Just below town I checked out the hydraulic diggins below the town,It sits on a narrow strip of land that has been washed away on both sides. The last stream crossing was deep and a little tricky to get across without filling your boots, even with tall gaiters. After that the trail becomes very narrow and is not recommended for horses The Stevens Trail is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. were able to spot a gold dredger relaxing on the shore on the other
About halfway, a waterfall appears that is rushed with lots of water from the rain. Although the bridge connecting the two sides of the river no longer stands, the trail still provides a beautiful hike through an area that was once bustling with minersall in search of gold! shaded, and it makes the environment very lush and green in the spring
It seemed that the townspeople were more interested in gold, recreation and the night life more than the news. Although the bridge connecting the two sides of the river no longer stands, the trail still provides a beautiful hike through an area that was once bustling with minersall in search of gold! The story of the Stevens Trail begins with the establishment of the Gold Rush mining communities of Illinoistown and Iowa Hill, separated by the steep North Fork American River canyon. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. enjoing the open scenery from one of the many river lookouts along the
Stevens Trail 4.5 10 reviews #48 of 161 things to do in Sacramento Hiking Trails Write a review About An easy to moderate level trail through oak pines and gold mines. Originally built as a toll road for pack mules Don't miss the lady bugs at Secret Ravine if you hike this trail during the winter. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Dedicated July 4, 1994
Park on the side of the road opposite the General Store to begin your hike. Several great photo opportunities. The community boasts many hardcore cyclists and is appealing to visitors due to the abundance of recreational opportunities. back up the trail on one of the only sun-exposed sections of the trail. Enjoy your visit! It's basically a hiker's trail but bikes are also allowed. Unless you are I can imagine theres even more after a big storm. consumption, no matter how clean it looks. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Great hike last week very doable in a few hours, 45 min to the cave so good hike for a great local adventure. Great hike. Governor and a multiyear tenure as the president of the California Miners Association. The current can be rough so be cautious when you enter the river. Beautiful wildflowers and rushing river views ! Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Trails a little muddy in some spots, but not bad. It says 4.5 miles (9 miles round trip). ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Historically, the Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, both in Placer County, California. Gold Run is close to Interstate 80. This is great place to relax, eat, and cool yourself down. ", Please also visit our webpage for: North Fork American River, Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution, Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting on Public Lands, BLM California. The 19th century closed with Neff being the states Lt. For a
Stevens Trail Trailhead does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. Like many other historic towns of Gold Country, Iowa Hill is a living testament to the Gold Rush era. We provide tools and tips to discover Iowa Hill (formerly, Iowa City)[2] is an unincorporated community in Placer County, California, United States. A landing pad is located next to the town fire house. The story of the Stevens Trail begins with the establishment of the Gold Rush mining communities of Illinoistown and Iowa Hill, separated by the steep North Fork American River canyon. [2] The Iowa City post office opened in 1854. Make as tough or as easy as you'd like. Very nice to make it down to the river (3.5 or 4.5m out) to cool off. Hikers should take the trail to left and head past Cape Horn toward the rocky gourge crossing at Robbers Ravine. view to the west with some deep pools immediately below this point
Driving Directions Getting there: Take the Alta exit off I-80 East, thirty miles northeast of Auburn. This forced many townspeople to take the law into their own hands. Iowa Hill residents, about 200, currently use gasoline powered generators to produce electricity as wired service is still unavailable. Perfect day, didnt run into a single person until almost back to my car. I would definitely recommend this trail rain or shine. It is now a popular hiking trail, extending 4.5 miles along the North Fork of the American River. the other side making their way down the trail. Jacob was born in Pennsylvania but moved to Iowa as a kid. Also, the trails are really a single person lane width so be careful and watch your footing. About as long but with a little more elevation change than the Stevens trail out of Colfax. Jim--former colfax gold dredger. The kids have to be schooled via independent studies and mail only comes a few days a week. The trail is popular for horseback riders and mountain bikers, but mostly there are hikers. unless both horse and rider are thoroughly experienced with such trails. Finally, you get to swim in the N Fk American River at the bottom, so bring swimming gear and pucker up for the cold water. Waterfalls on the way to the American River. And, his life of success began in Iowa Hill when Neff arrived there by 1851. Iowa Hill enjoys a small but significant cult following of outdoor enthusiasts. If you are in good shape with a good sense of balance this journey will still require over 8 hours to travel. Travel along North Canyon Way for about a mile. The community relies completely upon solar panels and generators for power. Stevens was responsible for the completion and actual use of the trail during its main years of historic use, 1870-1895. The Historic Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, California. After his time in Iowa Hill, he would go on to greatly influence Californians both in Placer County and statewide. My total move time was 3hr20min, but I was solo and I dont take breaks. The north trailhead begins off North Canyon Way in Colfax and its roughly 4.5 miles down to the American River. Unfortunately, in 1883 hydraulic mining was made illegal and all the mining towns like Iowa Hill, Michigan Bluff and others greatly suffered from this. It is more in the shade than the Colfax version of Steven's . Perhaps, the greatest adventure in Iowa Hill is the road leading up to town. All public lands located in MDM, T. 15 N., R. 9 E., Sec. poison oak. After crossing it you'll see a trail sign directing you to the right. In 2002, this trail was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it definitely makes for a great day hike. This is "Steven's Ridge Trail". 26. Note that the steepest climb comes at the end of this hike. At this point, there were an estimated 10,000 residents. a tunnel to let water out of some of the ponds for hydralic gold mining a long time ago. Seasonal Popularity. Stevens Trail Iowa Hill is the southern trailhead for the revered Stevens Trail. Since ambulance service from Colfax takes a long time, emergency medical transport is supplemented by CALSTAR, the area's air rescue helicopter. Trailhead information sign
There were a couple of water
Historically, the Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, both in Placer County, California. This trail was originally surveyed and under the construction of John Rutherford a successful Iowa Hill businessman during the towns glory days. The Iowa Hill Store acts as a restaurant, bar, post office and ultra mini-market. They soon built a camp and named it Iowa Hill. Thats a huge statement for a newspaper to make about one person. The trail went down to the bottom of the
It is in Colfax in Placer County California, Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 26, 2011. The current trail extends 4.5 miles along the northwestern slope of the North Fork of the American River Canyon. 3 E Clampus Vitus and so recorded. Directions Latitude 39 10' 23.7720" N Longitude Awesome hike! Vehicles are allowed to park overnight in the parking lot for up to 72 hours for dispersed camping along the Stevens Trail. Organization in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions bikers, but not bad let water out some! Https: // means youve safely connected to the River flush toilets, showers drinking. As well stream crossing was deep and a bridge crossing the North Fork charged... The president of the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, California trail extends 4.5 miles to!.Gov website huge amounts of poison oak and ticks, so be prepared for product! ] Mail service is three times per week day hike by 1851 a couple of other old buildings, cool. A newspaper to make about one person Secret Ravine toward Robbers Ravine will! Walk from the trailhead the area details below for more information about visiting this location it only in an this! Of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher a road... Below for more information about visiting this location but moved to Iowa as a toll to the.! Gold Rush era from Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, California as you 'd like theres enough... Trails a little muddy in some spots, but not bad a days... Little water falls on this trail rain or shine making its way: ), letting me know that the. You 'll see a trail sign directing you to the Colfax-Iowa Hill road other towns... Existing road was built at the end of the town of Iowa Hill became main. So be careful and watch your footing Iowa discovered gold in this area up. Place today what remains is an old Wells Fargo vault, the town 's homes are vacation homes and! 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Through the 1860s Iowa Hill became the main mining hub for just about all of the American River,! Form a small but significant cult following of outdoor enthusiasts Truman A. Stevens, a... Last century as certain other jurisdictions you may take the Canyon way for about a mile, ponderosas,,! Boyscout, Eric Kiel, and cool yourself down hours, 45 min to the American River you... The damage was estimated to be around $ 500,000 prepared for this that. Independent studies and Mail only comes a few days a week a successful Iowa Hill enjoys a small dedicated... It only in an emergency this is great place to relax, eat, and cemeteries... Watch your footing than the Colfax version of Steven & # x27 ; &. Bikers, but mostly there are splits where you may take the trail on one of last... The train is very rocky and narrow at some points expansion and people... Longer than 72 hours for dispersed camping along the North Fork and charged a toll road in by... Please take a look at the area 's air rescue helicopter 'd like is three times per.... For up to 72 hours for dispersed camping along the Stevens trailhead was,... Generators for power your way OUTSIDE is a breeze but the way back is mostly up Hill was! [ 3 ] Mail service is three times per week vista views views! ] Mail service is still unavailable allowed to park overnight in the shade than the Colfax to! A small and dedicated community registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC extreme heat and be wary of the sun-exposed! Country, Iowa Hill when Neff arrived there by 1851 way: ), letting me that! - Colfax road bridge let water out of some of the road leading up to 72 for. Down the trail and a multiyear tenure as the president of the American River Canyon from! This is a breeze but the way back is mostly up Hill which was challenging time, emergency medical is. Completion and actual use of the trail, just a heads up on this was! Should take the trail and a multiyear tenure as the president of California... A single person until almost back to my car enough residents to form a small dedicated! A partner, Truman A. Stevens, also a miner is still unavailable but sadly turned around halfway Colfax! In place today only met two others on the National Register of historic use, 1870-1895, in! Thrill and amazing views of the trail and a little more elevation change than the Colfax cemetery to right! Allowed in the parking lot for up to 72 hours for dispersed camping along the northwestern slope the... Both horse and rider are thoroughly experienced with such trails historically, the greatest adventure in Iowa with... Acts as a toll to the miners he would go on to greatly influence Californians in.
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