Stevens Trail

This very well maintained trail is one of the most popular hiking and biking routes to the North Fork American River, in part because of its easy access from Colfax.

This very well maintained trail is one of the most popular hiking and biking routes to the North Fork American River, in part because of its easy access from Colfax.  However, this is a remote trail, and hikers are advised to carry a whistle or hike with a friend.  The trail passes through oak, laurel, douglas fir, and huge stands of manzanita.  The wildflower displays here are rarely matched elsewhere in ASRA, particularly during April and May.  Take plenty of water and use caution, as the trail is hot during summer months and steep at times with narrow passages.  Poison Oak can be found along much of the trail.

  • Distance 3.2 miles to river
  • Approx length of time 1½ hours down, 3 hours up (hiking)
  • Difficulty Easy down, moderate up
  • Website Stevens Trail
  • Best Feature Along the trail is a beautiful cascading waterfall, and shortly thereafter is perhaps the most distinctive landmark on the trail – an immense bed of shale cascading down the mountainside.
  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Waterfalls

Parking is on N. Canyon Way in Colfax.  From Auburn, take I-80 east to the 2nd Colfax exit and turn left on the frontage road, N. Canyon Way.  Continue 0.6 miles; turn left into a small parking area.  Look for “trail” sign marking the trailhead.

ALSO CHECK OUT:

  • Auburn State Recreation Area

    Auburn State Recreation Area

    Auburn, CA

    In this beautiful setting next to the Middle Fork of the American River, you have river access and you can participate in boating, fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking, gold panning, equestrian/horseback riding trails, and off-highway motorcycle riding.

    Highway 49 S @ Old Foresthill Road, Auburn, CA 95603
  • Windy Point Trail

    Windy Point Trail

    Colfax, CA

    This short but challenging trail affords some spectacular views of the North Fork Canyon and when timing is right a spectacular wildflower display.

    Iowa Hill Road, Colfax, CA 95713
  • Weimar Institute Trails

    Weimar Institute Trails

    Weimar, CA

    Extensive network of trails through oak/pine/manzanita forested areas with seasonal and year-round creeks and some natural meadows. Some trails have “tunnels” through old manzanita groves.

    20601 West Paoli Lane, Weimar, CA 95736