Western States Trail – Railroad Bed Section

This short section of the Western States Trail offers an easy outing with ever changing views of the American River.

This short section of the Western States Trail offers an easy outing with ever changing views of the American River.  The trail follows the old Mt Quarries RR roadbed for most of its route.  Thus it is fairly wide and level in most places.  Users pass several reminders of the railroad along the way.  The trail remains in sight of the river through much of its length.  Several small unofficial trails provide access down to the river and its many gravel bars that serve as swimming spots.

  • Distance 2 miles
  • Approx length of time 1 hour each way (hiking)
  • Difficulty Easy to moderate
  • Best Feature Views of the American River
  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Equestrian

Trailhead East (Confluence area by Hwy 49 Bridge):  Trailhead is on Hwy 49, 1¾ miles south of ASRA Park Headquarters.  Take Hwy 49 south from Auburn towards Placerville.  After crossing the American River, park on right off the highway.  Walk to trailhead through the green gate (#150).

Trailhead West:  (Robie Point Trailhead):  Trailhead is accessed from parking area on Hwy 49, southbound from Auburn ½ mile (on the right) or northbound from ASRA Park Headquarters ¼ mile (on the left).  Caution:  cars coming downhill are hard to see.  From the parking area behind the gate (#130), walk ½ mile of Robie Pt Trail.  The trailhead is a narrow trail on the left marked with a metal “Trail” or WST sign.

ALSO CHECK OUT:

  • Sugar Pine Trail

    Sugar Pine Trail

    Colfax, CA

    The Memorial Trail follows the shore around Sugar Pine Reservoir.

    Sugar Pine Road, Colfax, CA 95713
  • Palisades Tahoe Alpine Meadows

    Palisades Tahoe Alpine Meadows

    Olympic Valley, CA

    With an annual average of 450 inches of snowfall and 300 sunny days, Palisades Tahoe is the perfect place to spend the weekend on the slopes.

    1960 Olympic Valley Road, Olympic Valley, CA 96146, USA
  • Action Whitewater Adventures

    Action Whitewater Adventures

    Lotus, CA

    Action Whitewater Adventures goal has been to provide every guest with Fun, safe and the highest quality rafting adventure in the industry. With our top tiered staff, world class guides, our gourmet meals and our breathtaking river front campground we are sure you will take home the love of rafting and a lifetime of cherished memories.

    Learn More

    7421 CA-49, Lotus, CA 95651