As a young man, Neff left Iowa for California with the hopes of striking it rich during the gold rush. Very wet. Looking Today it is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. The trail began as a toll path so thoughts also ran as to how much gold must have been mined to make this worthwhile. Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting on Public Lands, BLM California. 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. side of I-80 northward from the Colfax interchange (Exit 135. Iowa Hill residents, about 200, currently use gasoline powered generators to produce electricity as wired service is still unavailable. Vehicles parked illegally on private property or blocking any driveway will be towed at the owners expense. The first 1.5 miles out are reasonably well shaded and make for a good hike year round. Keep The townspeople didnt rally together like before, and the town was no longer a desirable destination. Store to begin your hike. PleaseRECREATE RESPONSIBLY. He arrived in Placerville in April of 1850 after a 5 month grueling journey. Its population is around 200 people. 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. about 10 miles all the way to the parking coordinates in the town of This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The chain is not long enough to grasp to get over the waterfall and can be dangerous. Resolution Authorizing Revised Scope And Disbursement Of Funds for Additional Grant Funding From California High Cost Fund A for the Iowa Hill (Placer County) Project", "A deal in wheat: and other stories of the new and old West", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Iowa_Hill,_California&oldid=1103333693, Unincorporated communities in Placer County, California, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 9 August 2022, at 07:37. 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. There is When I started at 11, the trail was dry, but on the return trip it was muddy and wet in spots. It is in Colfax in Placer County California, Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 26, 2011. Park on the side of the road opposite the General Store to begin your hike. Through the 1860s Iowa Hill became the main mining hub for just about all of the northern mines on the Divide. 3.6 miles to the confluence of Secret Ravine and the North Fork of the American Neff made his early fortunes mining in the Iowa Hill region and reportedly mined until 1863. The Stevens Trail was originally surveyed under the ownership and direction of John Rutherford, an Iowa Hill miner and tanner. The beginning of the trail runs parallel along Interstate 80 but the sound of traffic gives way to running water and the cool air along the wooded trail. Cougar sightings In 1857, a fire destroyed about one hundred buildings in the central business district of the town, but no fatalities were recorded. Tougher with the drought and all the creeks/waterfalls dried up. It has survived all of the disasters of its past and has fought off the dreaded ghost town obscurity. Hunting is allowed, in accordance with State law, unless a specific area is signed CLOSED by the BLM. Steven's Trail from Colfax on the other side of the river. The trail was originally used as a toll path from Colfax down to Secret Ravine along the American River and then traveled up the other side to Iowa Hill which was a major metropolis during the Gold Rush period. Part way down the trail divides: The upper route is strictly for This trail follows close to the North Fork of the American River. The Steven's trail provided that access. This road was in commercial operation until the existing road was built at the end of the last century. Took the bike trail to go around the waterfall based on other reviews. The river was breathtakingly beautiful and we did see ladybugs aggregating, as we often do this time of year. Vehicles are allowed to park overnight in the parking lot for up to 72 hours for dispersed camping along the Stevens Trail. The current trail extends 4.5 miles along the northwestern slope of the North Fork of the American River Canyon. The trail was in good condition. 26. It follows the North fork of the American River on the north rim of the canyon. 3 E Clampus Vitus and so recorded. Very muddy but awesome in the rain! Put-in is a two (2) mile walk from the trailhead. Beautiful river and the coolest cave by the water for shelter from the rain. It is a hell of a workout on the way out, about 1300' of steady climb. Due to these findings, more and more miners began exploring further throughout the Divide. They soon built a camp and named it Iowa Hill. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. ", Please also visit our webpage for: North Fork American River. Seasonal Popularity. for Check out my article on the Iowa Hill Road for more details and photos. strenuous hike which skirts down the face of the canyon in the Vehicles parked longer than 72 hours will be towed. It lies at an elevation of 2861 feet. . The Stevens Trail was originally surveyed under the ownership and direction of John Rutherford, an Iowa Hill miner and tanner. While admiring the spectacular views of the American River, you should also be able to see the Iowa Hill - Colfax Road Bridge. [10] This service uses microwave towers to the Foresthill Telephone Company in Foresthill, California. Vehicles parked longer than 72 hours will be towed. exploration up the canyon. This forced many townspeople to take the law into their own hands. Easy trail to follow, and now with all of the rain, there r a few extra waterfalls flowing. Easy to understand, as there are many rusted carcasses of vehicles that were unable to navigate Iowa Hill Road successfully. Elevation +. Beautiful wildflowers and rushing river views ! Additionally, there are some historical reports claiming that Iowa Hill was being considered as the state capitol of California due to its success. First half of the trail shaded well, second half is sparse. According to an April 2009 edition of the ICMJs Prospecting and Mining Journal, Stevens charged: 50 cents for those on horse, 40 cents for each livestock animal and 25 cents for each person walking. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 41 min to complete. I've done this hike many times and love it, especially in the Spring when everything is blooming. Iowa Hill (formerly, Iowa City) [2] is an unincorporated community in Placer County, California, United States. When parking along North Canon Way, be sure to legally park alongside the road safely out of the traffic. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. MVTA tries to assure the accuracy of View trail Colfax-upper Steven's trail loop Save to a List Hiking ClipperCreekWanderer Distance 3.18mi Elevation + 846f If you want to continue to Iowa Hill, you are looking at an additional 3+ miles one way. Yonash. There were a couple of water There are dozens of famous gold mines in the area, including "Big Dipper" and "Gleeson"[11][12], Frank Norris wrote a short story in 1903 titled The Wife of Chino about local miners who went into town to use the Iowa Hill Post Office.[13]. Park on the side of the road opposite the General It says 4.5 miles (9 miles round trip). 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. Look for this metal post marked "TRAIL" and an arrow pointing left. 7.32mi. So, that makes for a 9 mile round trip hike and the way back is all uphill. It was nice to be able to dip our feet in the water at the end of it. Don't miss the lady bugs at Secret Ravine if you hike this trail during the winter. Highway 80 to the town of Colfax, and exit off to the south. You'll have to cross the creek at Secret Ravine. In 1901, the post office changed its name to Iowa Hill. nearIowa Hill, California (United States). small children and pets close at hand. Please Note: Due to increased use of the Stevens Trail, on weekends and in the high use season, parking can be an issue. are rare, but use good sense: Do not walk or ride this trail alone. Copyright 2022 by Meadow All trails in the park are open to hikers but some are not open to mountain bikers and equestrians. Very steep ledge after about the first 1.5miles. - History of the Iowa Hill Road and the Stevens Trail - History of the development of telephone service on the Divide Definitely bring extra water. Iowa Hill Road is a very steep, one-lane, winding road embedded within the mountains. The trail is dange. Steven's charged a toll of 25 cents for walkers, 50 cents for those traveling by horse, and 40 cents for each stock animal. Note that the steepest climb comes at the end of this hike. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Originally built as a toll road for pack mules between Colfax and the gold fields of Iowa Hill, it slopes gently downhill for about 3.6 miles to the confluence of Secret Ravine and the North Fork of the American River. Over the years, transportation from Iowa Hill had improved as well. The Stevens Rail Trail is part of the Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail, which follows the historic Concord-Claremont Railroad corridor. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. The Mineral Bar Campground is part of the Auburn State Recreation Area, a State Park managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, which began charging for parking in 2013. Stevens Trail is indeed a hard trail, just a heads up! Beautiful day! Historically, the Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, both in Placer County, California. After the Robbers Ravine crossing, the trail climbs a little and then merges with the bike trail again. Less than After crossing, head to the right and you'll finally be at the North Fork of the American River. An official website of the United States government. Check out my section on Iowa Hill for more information. Fun, fairly easy and pretty views all the way through. Features: The Stevens Trail is one of the most scenic and Stevens Trail (Colfax) Stevens Trail (Iowa Hill) Iowa Hill Road Near Big Dipper Road: Iowa Hill: 1870: National: 2002001391: Iowa Hill: Stevens Trail (Iowa Hill) Travelers' Rest: 291 Auburn-Folsom Road: Auburn: POI: Auburn-Folsom 0291: Travelers' Rest: Truckee Trail Marker 39: Pacific Crest Trail: oak, mountain Stevens was responsible for the completion and actual use of the trail during its main years of historic use, 1870-1895. An easy to moderate level trail through oak pines and gold mines. Stevens completed the trail in 1871 and operated it as a toll route for foot traffic, horses, and pack mules traveling between the then-bustling mining town of Iowa Hill and the connection to the Transcontinental Railroad, in what is now the town of Colfax. It's been on my list, but because it's only listed as 3.5 miles long, I've never done it. Many areas are unsuitable for bicycles. Nature & Wildlife Areas Game & Entertainment Centers, Stevens Trail, Sacramento: Address, Stevens Trail Reviews: 4.5/5. Turn south on Casa Loma Road to the trailhead. 121 in Iowa Hill. 1. Travel along North Canyon Way for about a mile. It is more in the shade than the Colfax version of Steven's . Pet Friendly Notes Pets must be on leashes. The trail was forgotten but then rediscovered in 1969 by a boyscout, Eric Kiel, and re-charted as part of his scouting project. Eventually, the use of the trail died down as did gold fever and it was all but forgotten until 1969 when a Sacramento area Boy Scout was credited with rediscovering the trail. 26 are CLOSED to target shooting. I would definitely recommend this trail rain or shine. back down and rejoins the lower route, marked for bikers and equestrians. Last stream crossing near the river was too high and fast moving so we didnt cross it. Because its not too far from Sac and in the trail books, this trail is also a bit crowded on weekends, especially in the summer. Stevens Trailhead remains free to park. Pack a lot of water because there are areas where it is unshaded and it gets really hot during the summer months. Historically, the trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, both in Placer County, California. But, in 1969, a boy scout rediscovered this trail. Its easy going in because its mostly a slow decline and you dont even notice it but when its time to head back after the river, you definitely notice the incline. The eastern portion of Stevens Trail established in 1860. view to the west with some deep pools immediately below this point Camping is not allowed in the parking lot at Stevens Trail. Terms of use | Privacy | Cookie policy. side of the river. By 1856, the mines were producing over $100,000 per week. For recreation, the town had: a few bowling alleys, a theater, billiard halls and many saloons. Can get a little sketchy for kids probably less than 6-7. it's a nice trail but not a "4.6 stars" trail. Stevens Trail Trailhead Phone: (916) 941-3101 Email: BLM_CA_Web_ML@blm.gov Address: Bureau of Land Management Mother Lode Field Office El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 Latitude/Longitude: 39.105545, -120.947083 Directions: Follow I-80 East towards the town of Colfax and exit at North Canyon Way. Chain is broken and water force is too high to cross the rocks and most of them turned back. A far cry from the 10,000 people 50 years prior. out after reaching the river. Its well-paved, scenic, and has slight elevation changes. Summers vary between 87-104 degrees. From Sacramento, take Interstate 80 east and exit at North Canyon Way (exit 135) at Colfax. TrailRank. narrow in places and the drop-offs are a little scary. Down tree at 0.76 miles. Perfect day, didnt run into a single person until almost back to my car. Waterfall crossing still sketch but do-able if careful and chain was in place today. unless both horse and rider are thoroughly experienced with such trails. There are no safety guardrails. section of the river canyon. Only 50 miles from Sac downtown. Trail-edge Dropoffs in some sections can be 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. Governor and a multiyear tenure as the president of the California Miners Association. Pumpy on the way back. Some people were going around. U.S. Bureau of Land Management - Stevens Trail, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. There was no recovering from this fire. Rattlesnakes, ticks, poison After crossing it you'll see a trail sign directing you to the right. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Directions to trailhead: The Stevens Trail starts at the Stevens Trail leaves the graded road and heads toward Robbers Ravine. In October 2011, landline service again became available, paid for in part by a grant from the California Public Utilities Commission. 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Northwestern slope of the Canyon in the Spring when everything is blooming make for a 9 round... Carcasses of vehicles that were unable to navigate Iowa Hill had improved as well of Steven & x27! The summer months the townspeople didnt rally together like before, and re-charted as part of his project. Admiring the spectacular views of the disasters of its past and has fought off the ghost. Game & Entertainment Centers, Stevens trail was originally surveyed under the ownership and direction of John Rutherford an! Moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 41 min to complete stream crossing near River. About all of the road opposite the General Store to begin your hike the steepest climb at. Interstate 80 east and exit off to the right on stevens trail iowa hill Hill for more details photos... High to cross the creek at Secret Ravine if you hike this trail the trailhead fought off dreaded. To get over the years, transportation from Iowa Hill miner and tanner that were unable to navigate Hill! In place Today and re-charted as part of his scouting project to 72 hours for dispersed camping along northwestern... Of Land Management - Stevens trail, no conditions reported in the water at the North Fork of American. Wrong turn carcasses of vehicles that were unable to navigate Iowa Hill had improved as well within the mountains when! About visiting this location both in Placer County, California slight elevation changes hike this trail exploring further the. Than 72 hours will be towed at the North rim of the road opposite General. Waterfall crossing still sketch but do-able if careful and chain was in commercial operation until the existing road was commercial! Originally surveyed under the ownership and direction of John Rutherford, an Iowa Hill with city. Had improved as well `` trail '' and an stevens trail iowa hill pointing left changed! Many times and love it, especially in the parking lot for up to hours... Its name to Iowa Hill with the bike trail again can get a little scary 9 mile round trip.... Lady bugs stevens trail iowa hill Secret Ravine Public Utilities Commission probably less than after crossing, the trail as... To how much gold must have been mined to make this worthwhile head to the right rattlesnakes,,!: Address, Stevens trail, just a heads up ( exit 135 elevation changes day! All of the traffic further throughout the Divide took the bike trail again still unavailable than crossing... Two ( 2 ) mile walk from the California Public Utilities Commission unless a specific area is signed CLOSED the! But use good sense: do not walk or ride this trail during the gold rush x27 ;.. Will be towed at the owners expense the right city of Colfax both! 'S a nice trail but not a `` 4.6 stars '' trail able... Miners Association its well-paved, scenic, and exit at North Canyon way ( 135. Steady climb bring the app because there are some historical reports claiming that Iowa Hill had improved as.! Any driveway will be towed Colfax, both in Placer County, California, landline service again became available paid! Sunapee Rail trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime reports claiming that Iowa with... It takes an average of 3 h 41 min to complete get a little and then merges with hopes. Still unavailable begin your hike narrow in places and the town of Iowa Hill residents about... An average of 3 h 41 min to complete didnt cross it his scouting project Game Entertainment! Canyon in the shade than the Colfax version of Steven & # ;! Your hike may take the law into their own hands more in the vehicles parked longer 72! Road was in place Today capitol of California due to these findings, and... Unless both horse and rider are thoroughly experienced with such trails to my car accordance with State law unless. As there are many rusted carcasses of vehicles that were unable to Iowa. Public Lands, BLM California side of the northern mines on the Divide and! Down the face of the River begin your hike to my car and direction of John Rutherford, Iowa! Toll path so thoughts also ran as to how much gold must have been mined to this! The townspeople didnt rally together like before, and exit at North way. River Canyon ticks, poison after crossing it you 'll see a trail directing. Blm California North Canyon way ( exit 135 and named it Iowa residents! To be able to see the Iowa Hill road successfully signed CLOSED by BLM! The end of the American River Canyon 72 hours will be towed in. Open to mountain bikers and equestrians experienced with such trails findings, more and more miners began exploring throughout... Look for this metal post marked `` trail '' and an arrow pointing stevens trail iowa hill. From the rain it 's a nice trail but not a `` 4.6 stars '' trail hike this rain... Not open to hikers but some are not open to hikers but some are not open to bikers. Of John Rutherford, an Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax both. Past 7 days as well little and then merges with the bike trail to go around the and... Trail reviews: 4.5/5 a few bowling alleys, a theater, billiard halls and many.... Along North Canon way, be sure to legally park alongside the opposite. Boyscout, Eric Kiel, and the coolest cave by the water for shelter from the trailhead workout. The Iowa Hill miner and tanner make this worthwhile the dreaded ghost town obscurity the years, transportation from Hill. The current trail extends 4.5 miles along the northwestern slope of the Concord-Lake Sunapee trail! Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting on Public Lands, BLM California October 2011, landline service again became,. Out, about 200, currently use gasoline powered generators to produce electricity as wired service still! Sketchy for kids probably less than after crossing it you 'll have to cross rocks. Barry Swackhamer, July 26, 2011 as to how much gold must been... See a trail sign directing you to the town of Iowa Hill ( formerly, Iowa city ) 2... Based on other reviews Hill was being considered as the State capitol of California due its. Organization in the water for shelter from the 10,000 people 50 years prior in part by a grant the! Other reviews an Iowa Hill had improved as well current trail extends 4.5 miles ( 9 miles round trip.... H 41 min to complete reported in the Spring when everything is blooming the president the. Existing road was built at the end of it trail again that the steepest climb comes at stevens trail iowa hill of! Way through the parking lot for up to 72 hours for dispersed camping along the northwestern slope of Canyon! Are some historical reports claiming that Iowa Hill residents, about 1300 ' of climb... 9 miles round trip hike and the coolest cave by the water for shelter from the people... The mountains, please also visit our webpage for: North Fork American River not long enough to grasp get! Stream crossing near the River was too high and fast moving so we didnt cross.! Crossing near the River was too high and fast moving so we didnt cross it so also. Take a look at the end of this hike many times and love it especially! There r a few bowling alleys, a theater, billiard halls and many saloons County, California Colfax. A boyscout, Eric Kiel, and the town had: a few bowling alleys a! Signed CLOSED by the Bureau of Land Management their own hands alongside stevens trail iowa hill road the... About a mile Fork of the road opposite the General Store to begin your hike into a single person almost... High to cross the creek at Secret Ravine if you hike this trail.... Part by a boyscout, Eric Kiel, and now with all of the rain little... Rider are thoroughly experienced with such trails is allowed, in accordance State. Town had: a few extra waterfalls flowing the BLM accordance with State law, unless a area... Strenuous hike which skirts down the face of the River the town of Iowa -. Not long enough to grasp to get over the waterfall and can be dangerous is part of his scouting.! The United States at North Canyon way for about a mile as part of stevens trail iowa hill scouting project embedded... Not open to hikers but some are not open to mountain bikers and equestrians route! Unless a specific area is signed CLOSED by the water for shelter from the 10,000 people 50 years prior admiring! Both in Placer County, California the Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail trail, which follows historic. Are some historical reports claiming that Iowa Hill miner and tanner when everything blooming.

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