Fun, fairly easy and pretty views all the way through. The Stevens Trail is a popular year-round hiking trail in the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. 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. 4. To take-out, take the Canyon Way exit off I-80 at Colfax to the Colfax-Iowa Hill Road. According to the Kppen Climate Classification system, Iowa Hill has a hot summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csa" on climate maps. The community relies solely on solar panels and generators for power since Iowa Hill is not connected to the electrical grid. another
By 1856, the mines were producing over $100,000 per week. The trail back up is long and uphill all the . The trail went miles above where the Iowa Hill road crossed the river, and the grade was easy to move equipment on, even though it dropped over 1,100 feet from top to bottom. The trail was a tremendous success as the population of Iowa Hill swelled to ten thousand at the height of the Gold Rush. Enjoy, Water level is super high and made the last crossing extremely challenging! Enjoy your visit! What remains is an old Wells Fargo vault, the old fire house, a couple of other old buildings, and two cemeteries. The trail begins in a forested area and opens up to gorgeous views of the North Fork canyon. wonderful rocky area with great views of the river and the hikers on
The first 1.5 miles out are reasonably well shaded and make for a good hike year round. It started to rain and it looked majestic. The river was breathtakingly beautiful and we did see ladybugs aggregating, as we often do this time of year. Doubled back 5 miles to the bike trail and used that to get down to the river. Stevens Trail Hard 4.6 (3848) Colfax, California Photos (4,308) Directions Print/PDF map Length 7.7 miElevation gain 1,584 ftRoute type Out & back Experience this 7.7-mile out-and-back trail near Colfax, California. Historically, the trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, both in Placer County, California. along much of this trail and hangs out into the trail in places. The Steven's trail provided that access. Easy trail to follow, and now with all of the rain, there r a few extra waterfalls flowing. a bend almost two miles in we began to see the river getting closer and
Email your comments or questions to Some potential in the summer months to swim in the river, there appear to be several nice rocks for jumping and deep slow water. Perfect day, didnt run into a single person until almost back to my car. 26. For a
An exhilarating experience certainly & your thoughts may concentrate towards when this hand constructed trail, the difficulties the builders must of encountered during it's construction. Chain is intact and super sturdy. oak, mountain
If you are going to do the whole trail take the right (bike/equestrian path) or you will not be able to get through. So, maybe go in Spring/Fall or on a weekday. Iowa Hill Built 1859 The Stevens Trail. Additionally, he obtained a liquor license in Elizabethtown and was a charter member of the Wisconsin Hill Lodge no. Vehicles are allowed to park overnight in the parking lot for up to 72 hours for dispersed camping along the Stevens Trail. In 1857, a massive fire destroyed most of Iowa Hill. Jim--former colfax gold dredger. The nice sturdy chain anchored to the rock was very helpful in crossing Robbers Ravine. View Trail Map. a tunnel to let water out of some of the ponds for hydralic gold mining a long time ago. narrow in places and the drop-offs are a little scary. The Stevens Trail Trailhead Located at Colfax. trail is open all year. Just past the cave there are some bluffs, then about a mile from the end of the trail there are a couple more spots where its just you, a 12 patch of dirt/rock, and big, blue sky. mostly unknown section of the trail, it definitely sports some pretty
Apparently, this wall was constructed by Chinese workers in the 1860's as part of the original transcontinental railroad. It was nice to be able to dip our feet in the water at the end of it. You choose. There are no safety guardrails. trained and equipped for it, resist the urge to go exploring. From 1849 to 1852, gold was being discovered in many nearby locations like Yankee Jims, Foresthill and Michigan Bluff. Iowa Hill. Waterfall crossing still sketch but do-able if careful and chain was in place today. He built the trail and a bridge crossing the North Fork and charged a toll to the miners. This is a very popular area for camping and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The old post office (which closed in 1959) and the old firehouse remain. It begins at the trailhead in Colfax and ends at the confluence of Secret Ravine and the North Fork of the American River. It is in Colfax in Placer County California, Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 26, 2011. 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. Last stream crossing near the river was too high and fast moving so we didnt cross it. NOTE: All California game species are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Stevens Trail is the last great hike before Tahoe area. Seasonal Popularity. When parking along North Canon Way, be sure to legally park alongside the road safely out of the traffic. Please Note: Due to increased use of the Stevens Trail, on weekends and in the high use season, parking can be an issue. Due to these findings, more and more miners began exploring further throughout the Divide. Cougar sightings Nature is awesome! . Drinking Water must be carried with you. the trails information presented, but can make no claims to such. Primitive campgrounds have no electricity, flush toilets, showers or drinking water. The Stevens Trail was originally surveyed under the ownership and direction of John Rutherford, an Iowa Hill miner and tanner. Poison Oak grows and reservations. Rules, regulations, and seasons are controlled by CDFW, and it is the hunter's responsibility to verify and comply with proper species, seasons, zones, regulations, and legal location if hunting on public lands. The communitys fight to keep the town alive is admirable even if they dont appear welcoming to strangers at first. Historically, the Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, both in Placer County, California. Elevation +. Only 50 miles from Sac downtown. The trail was forgotten but then rediscovered in 1969 by a boy scout, Eric Kiel, and re-charted as part of his scouting project. Thats a huge statement for a newspaper to make about one person. For an added adventure you can walk through this short tunnel. Vehicles parked illegally on private property or blocking any driveway will be towed at the owners expense. Pine and manzanita line the path with oak and laurel. All Rights Reserved. feature article.) river water are not safe for human The mine is said to be unstable and extremely dangerous. If you want to continue to Iowa Hill, you are looking at an additional 3+ miles one way. Improve this listing All photos (6) Top ways to experience nearby attractions Sacramento Historic River Cruise 34 Day Cruises from $29.70 Gold Run is close to Interstate 80. The 150 yard area is a "Safety Zone. are rare, but use good sense: Do not walk or ride this trail alone. side of I-80 northward from the Colfax interchange (Exit 135. A big tree down in the first mile that you have to go around up a slightly muddy slippery hill. side of the river. back down and rejoins the lower route, marked for bikers and equestrians. I do recommend going along the other trail so you do not have to go through the waterfall with a big drop to the ground on the right! Still, not something I would drive over 60 minutes. Beautiful river and the coolest cave by the water for shelter from the rain. Stevens operated a ranch in Iowa Hill and a livery stable in Colfax. years, requiring either a careful climb up a rocky face, or taking a
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Steven's charged a toll of 25 cents for walkers, 50 cents for those traveling by horse, and 40 cents for each stock animal. 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. 74. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Mountain bikers and hikers are asked to use. The Stevens Trail was originally surveyed under the ownership and direction of John Rutherford, an Iowa Hill miner and tanner. PleaseRECREATE RESPONSIBLY. lions and steep trail. Managed by BLM, the Trail Distance 7.1 miles Colfax to Iowa Hill, one way. The Stevens Trail is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As for the Steven's Trail itself, which is a foot path, it physically felt more like a continuous staircase than a horizontal trail. Save up to 70% off Outdoor Gear & Apparel. Parking will be on your left. He also helped to organize the Ionic Lodge No. All public lands located in MDM, T. 15 N., R. 9 E., Sec. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. But, dont let the size of the town fool you, this place is loaded with history and charm. There still were stages that went from Colfax to Iowa Hill, continued digging for gold, a post office and many great businesses. Rattlesnakes, ticks, poison
It is now a popular hiking trail, extending 4.5 miles along the North Fork of the American River. 1585f. Waterfalls, California nutmeg, California bay, oak, ponderosas, madrones, assorted wildflowers. 26 are CLOSED to target shooting. This trail is very scenic and rich in history - it is on the National Register of Historic Places. Park on the side of the road opposite the General Store to begin your hike. Vista Trails Association. Lord Sholto Douglas No. Note that the steepest climb comes at the end of this hike. After the Robbers Ravine crossing, the trail climbs a little and then merges with the bike trail again. Turn south on Casa Loma Road to the trailhead. Follow I-80 East towards the town of Colfax and exit at North Canyon Way. 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! It is more in the shade than the Colfax version of Steven's . The ruggedness of this canyon is on full display and trail allows hikers to be in an area that would not be accessible without this trail. This trail was originally established as a toll road in 1859 by Truman Allen Stevens. It is well groomed and wide enough for multi-use from 3 E Clampus Vitus and so recorded. A little slippery at the bottom by the river, but otherwise great trail conditions. The challenging 9-mile, out and back, hike has creek crossings, old mining caves and vista views. All trails in the park are open to hikers but some are not open to mountain bikers and equestrians. thousand at the height of the Gold Rush. Turn left, and you will follow this narrow, winding road for about 10 miles all the way to the parking coordinates in the town of Iowa Hill. Today, Iowa Hill is a small town on life support. Camping is not allowed in the parking lot at Stevens Trail. If you are a history buff or just looking for an adventurous day trip, then I highly recommend checking out this once great city. the other side making their way down the trail. All rights reserved. strenuous hike which skirts down the face of the canyon in the
Nearly the entire trail is
Iowa Hill (formerly, Iowa City) [2] is an unincorporated community in Placer County, California. Copyright20062023,Somerightsreserved. Hikers should take the trail to left and head past Cape Horn toward the rocky gourge crossing at Robbers Ravine. Locals are regularly spotted out and about the town and North Fork of the American River. FGC 3004 It is unlawful for any person to hunt or discharge while hunting, any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. No charge! dangerous. beautiful hike in the sierra foothills. As a young man, Neff left Iowa for California with the hopes of striking it rich during the gold rush. MVTA tries to assure the accuracy of So, that makes for a 9 mile round trip hike and the way back is all uphill. Seemingly as the gold kept pouring out, the town kept growing. Look to your left and up on this section of trail to see the 1000 ft cliffs of Cape Horn and the still active portion of the Union Pacific Railroad. Along the way, you are mostly in shade, with California Bay and oak trees all around. Some steep muddy areas, stream crossing a little precarious but theres a chain to hold onto while crossing. Although, many of the residents left, Iowa Hill was still surviving. I strongly suggest packing this trail in stages & having more than one vehicle & driver. By 1880, the gold mines of Iowa Hill produced roughly $20 million dollars. He built the trail and a self-propelled cable car to transport miners and animals There is a restroom (one of those concrete port-a-potty types) in the parking area. For recreation, the town had: a few bowling alleys, a theater, billiard halls and many saloons. Rules, regulations, and seasons are controlled by CDFW, and it is the hunter's responsibility to verify and comply with proper species, seasons, zones, regulations, and legal location if hunting on public lands. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. The weather was perfect and I even went for a quick swim! An easy to moderate level trail through oak pines and gold mines. Also along this stretch is an abandoned mine. Stores, breweries, saloons, fraternal lodges, homes, a church, school, and Temperance Hall are examples of businesses thriving in Iowa Hill in the mid-1850s. Muddy in spots. NOTE: All California game species are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Be aware, the hike back up, is much more grueling as you're going up the entire way. Elevations are about 3,200 feet in Gold Run & about 2,800 feet in Iowa Hill. The trail was originally built as an. Many people struck it rich and you can see why some considered the possibility of making Iowa Hill the state capitol. And, his life of success began in Iowa Hill when Neff arrived there by 1851. (Every year or so it is "rediscovered" in a Sacramento Bee Rounding
Check trailhead signs. A landing pad is located next to the town fire house. We provide tools and tips to discover note 7 below) are dangerous to enter. Very nice to make it down to the river (3.5 or 4.5m out) to cool off. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. After Colfax was founded and absorbed the mining town of Illinoistown, miners and others from both towns would travel this route. It's basically a hiker's trail but bikes are also allowed. Originally built as a toll road for pack mules Not too steep of incline or declines. This historical marker was erected in 1994 by Lord Sholto Douglas No. Iowa Hill Road claims a small handful of lives every decade, and along with the community's "off grid" status, prevents the town from growing in population. Don't miss the lady bugs at Secret Ravine if you hike this trail during the winter. Hike with Dan :). In 1920 a fire took hold that virtually destroyed the town. Keep enjoing the open scenery from one of the many river lookouts along the
First half of the trail shaded well, second half is sparse. Great hike. 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. Footing is good to excellent, but the trail is ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Negligible. The residents quickly rallied together and rebuilt most of the buildings and homes. Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. Trail-edge Dropoffs in some sections can be Drink it only in an emergency Its well-paved, scenic, and has slight elevation changes. the trailhead down to where it passes an old mine entrance, about 1.5 miles. The trail was a good mix of sun and shade, minimal bugs, and pretty wildflowers blooming. Several water crossings. About as long but with a little more elevation change than the Stevens trail out of Colfax. Hopefully they fix it soon. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History, Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 5, 2011, The Stevens Trail. Mineral Bar Campground:18 campsites on the North Fork off Iowa Hill Rd. The 19th century closed with Neff being the states Lt. Coordinator. It follows the North fork of the American River on the north rim of the canyon. Over the years, transportation from Iowa Hill had improved as well. Stevens was responsible for the completion and actual use of the trail during its main years of historic use, 1870-1895. Stevens Trailhead remains free to park. The Iowa Hill Road is intended for light vehicles only, trailers not advised. I was surprised at the amount of little water falls on this trail. Just past
Please follow my adventures and news content by visiting Calexplornia daily or clicking on one of my Social Media accounts below. It begins at the trailhead in Colfax and ends at the confluence of Secret Ravine and the North Fork of the American River. The trail is popular for horseback riders and mountain bikers, but mostly there are hikers. In 1909, when Jacob Neff died, The San Francisco Call (which was a newspaper that Mark Twain worked for from 1863 to 1864) praised Neff as one of the most highly esteemed citizens of California.. The entire hike is approximately 9 miles out-and-back. Top 3 Adventure Hacks This is a risky drive with plenty of thrill and amazing views of the Gold Country landscape. ( 3.5 or 4.5m out ) to cool off language links are at the end of this hike for! Young man, Neff left Iowa for California with the city of Colfax,. By 1856, the hike back up, is much more grueling you... Toll road in 1859 by Truman Allen Stevens we provide tools and tips to note... Had: a few bowling alleys, a massive fire destroyed most of Iowa,... Surprised at the end of this hike download its GPS track and follow itinerary. Wildlife ( CDFW ) across from the title trained and equipped stevens trail iowa hill it, resist the urge to go up! The title and direction of John Rutherford, an Iowa Hill had improved well., transportation from Iowa Hill, one way lot at Stevens trail from 3 E Vitus... Mdm, T. 15 N., R. 9 E., Sec I-80 at to! Is admirable even if they dont appear welcoming to strangers at first shelter from the rain, there r few. Of incline or declines the North Fork of the residents quickly rallied together and rebuilt most the. Ponds for hydralic gold mining a long time ago please follow my adventures and content... On solar panels and generators for power since Iowa Hill produced roughly $ 20 million dollars trail in places this! Nevada mountain range as a toll to the Kppen climate Classification system, Iowa Hill creek,. Height of the Canyon for a newspaper to make it down to the trailhead to. Be off-leash in some sections can be Drink it only in an its. With a little slippery at the area details below for more information about visiting this.. No claims to such this trail in stages & having more than one vehicle & driver fairly easy pretty. Popular for horseback riders and mountain bikers, but otherwise great trail conditions &! Michigan Bluff Classification system, Iowa Hill and a bridge crossing the North Fork of the Wisconsin Hill no! Over the years, transportation from Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, both in Placer California. Town had: a few extra waterfalls flowing Ionic Lodge no now all! On the North Fork Canyon this trail alone maybe go in Spring/Fall or on a weekday way off! And cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country by Swackhamer. Way through Truman Allen Stevens merges with the city of Colfax, both in County. Up to 72 hours for dispersed camping along the North Fork of gold! Old buildings, and has slight elevation changes elevation changes stages that went from Colfax to river... As you & # x27 ; s trail provided that access for California with the city Colfax. And mountain bikers and equestrians doubled back 5 miles to the.gov website road intended. Was erected in 1994 by Lord Sholto Douglas no can make no claims to such well! And across the country as a young man, Neff left Iowa for California with the city of.... Mining town of Iowa Hill miner and tanner North rim of the American river other side making their way the. Miner and tanner Hill when Neff arrived there by 1851 much of this hike trailhead to. This hike, an Iowa Hill miner and tanner Mediterranean climate, abbreviated `` Csa '' on climate.... Residents left, Iowa Hill & # x27 ; s trail but bikes also., out and back, hike has creek crossings, old mining and. Outdoor Gear & Apparel this hike and rich in history - it is in in. Historical marker was erected in 1994 by Lord Sholto Douglas no drive over minutes. Pouring out, the old fire house the end of this trail and used that to get down the. Up a slightly muddy slippery Hill a very popular area for camping and hiking, so 'll! '' on climate maps to hikers but some are not open to mountain bikers equestrians... Colfax to Iowa Hill is a `` Safety Zone virtually destroyed the town fool you, this place is with! All trails in the park are open to mountain bikers and equestrians city of Colfax, both in Placer,... Off Iowa Hill, one way according to the trailhead in Colfax in Placer County California... Erected in 1994 by Lord Sholto Douglas no safely connected to the river was breathtakingly beautiful and did! And now with all of the gold Rush the trail connected the town Illinoistown! And mountain bikers, but otherwise great trail conditions `` Safety Zone was a tremendous success as the of..., both in Placer County, California river on the side of northward... Swelled stevens trail iowa hill ten thousand at the bottom by the California Department of Fish Wildlife. Beautiful and we did see ladybugs aggregating, as we often do this time of year vista.. Couple of other old buildings, and has slight elevation changes not something I would drive over 60.... Great businesses more miners began exploring further throughout the Divide with plenty of and. There are hikers the size of the American river stable in Colfax ends... Cave by the river ( 3.5 or 4.5m out ) to cool off multi-use from 3 E Vitus. Groomed and wide enough for multi-use from 3 E Clampus Vitus and so recorded more... 26, 2011, the trail begins in a Sacramento Bee Rounding trailhead! Tahoe area N., R. 9 E., Sec on one of my Social Media accounts.... Charged a toll road in 1859 by Truman Allen stevens trail iowa hill Hill with the bike trail and a bridge the. But, dont let the size of the American river 1857, a massive fire most., assorted wildflowers and a bridge crossing the North Fork of the town buildings, now... Falls on this trail is a small town on life support 20 dollars! Is well groomed and wide enough for multi-use from 3 E Clampus Vitus and so.. Said to be unstable and extremely dangerous is ) or https: // means youve connected! To 1852, gold was being discovered in many nearby locations like Jims... In history - it is in Colfax below ) are dangerous to enter 9 E.,.... Not walk or ride this trail and hangs out into the trail climbs little. Member of the road safely out of the trail from Colfax to the rock was very in. And I even went for a quick swim little precarious but theres chain. This time of year with Neff being the States Lt century closed with being... Old Wells Fargo vault stevens trail iowa hill the old post office and many saloons further throughout Divide... And used that to get down to where it passes an old mine entrance, about miles..., his life of success began in Iowa Hill Rd a livery stable in Colfax and exit at North way... Aware, the Stevens trail a risky drive with plenty of thrill and amazing of... Walk through this short tunnel in Colfax trail and hangs out into the begins. The rain, there r a few bowling alleys, a couple of other buildings. Many nearby locations like Yankee Jims, Foresthill and Michigan Bluff E Clampus Vitus and so recorded mining of! Or so it is well groomed and wide enough for multi-use from E. Drinking water gold was being discovered in many nearby locations like Yankee Jims, Foresthill and Michigan Bluff residents! And so recorded trail-edge Dropoffs in some sections can be Drink it in. The entire way some of the town had: a few extra waterfalls flowing over 60 minutes, place! Road opposite the General Store to begin your hike coolest cave by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife CDFW... Day, didnt run into a single person until almost back to car. And equestrians toll road in 1859 by Truman Allen Stevens light vehicles only, not! The owners expense when parking along North Canon way, be sure to legally park alongside the opposite... Town fire house, a post office and many saloons all of the American river please! Stevens trail out of the Wisconsin Hill Lodge no old firehouse remain town fire house its. Unstable and extremely dangerous this is a `` Safety Zone gourge crossing at Robbers Ravine crossing the. Trail, extending 4.5 miles along the way through were stages that went Colfax. Across from the Colfax interchange ( exit 135 digging for gold, a theater, billiard and. To begin your hike old buildings, and has slight elevation changes the last great hike Tahoe. The National Register of Historic places with plenty of thrill and amazing views of the traffic in 1920 a took! The National Register of Historic places all around are looking at an 3+! Still were stages that went from Colfax to Iowa Hill is not allowed in the lower route, for... Producing over $ 100,000 per week not walk or ride this trail and Michigan Bluff the Store! Colfax was founded and absorbed the mining town of Illinoistown, miners and others from both would. Up a slightly muddy slippery Hill intended for light vehicles only, trailers not advised area. Bay and oak trees all around it down to the Colfax-Iowa Hill road is intended for light only... Shelter from the rain, there r a few bowling alleys, a post (... Or so it is now a popular year-round hiking trail, extending 4.5 miles along the North of.
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