Segment of the Western States Trail (Michigan Bluff to Deadwood Trail)
The trail drops off quickly into Eldorado Canyon and switchbacks down to the footbridge over Eldorado Creek.
The trail drops off quickly into Eldorado Canyon and switchbacks down to the footbridge over Eldorado Creek. Good camping and fishing are available here. Campfire permits are required for campfires, backpacking stoves, BBQs and lanterns. After crossing the West Branch of Eldorado Creek, the trail continues up the other side of the canyon offering some very scenic views of the rugged topography. The trail flattens out and eventually intersects the Deadwood Road near the old Deadwood Cemetery, which acts as the other trailhead for the trip. This hike can be made in a day by anyone in good physical shape or a more leisurely overnight trip.
- Distance 6 miles each way
- Difficulty Difficult
- Website Michigan Bluff to Deadwood Trail
- Best Feature Well available near Deadwood trailhead
- Hiking
- Camping
- Fishing
Directions to the Deadwood Trail Trailhead: From Interstate 80, take the Foresthill exit to Foresthill Road and proceed 15.5 miles to the Foresthill Ranger Station. Continue approximately 17 miles to Deadwood Ridge Road. Make a right on Deadwood Ridge Road which is a dirt road and not recommended for low clearance vehicles. Follow it to the Deadwood cemetery intersection and park in the pullout near the cemetery. The road degrades quickly.
ALSO CHECK OUT:
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Quarry & Western States Loop Trail
Auburn, CAHighway 49 S, Auburn, CA 95603This loop affords regular users of the Quarry Trail an alternate route rather than the normal out and back.
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Grouse Falls Trail
Foresthill, CA32507 Mosquito Ridge Road, Foresthill, CA 95631The deep, rugged canyons of this area remind us of the hard work and remote life of the early miners who lived and worked in many of the drainages of the area.
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Upper Stagecoach Trail
Foresthill, CAHighway 49 S, Auburn, CA 95603While not as wide, level or well graded as Stagecoach Trail, it provides another perspective on the canyon, and has some shade.
