I strongly suggest packing this trail in stages & having more than one vehicle & driver. Beautiful hike with some flowers showing themselves. Looking Check trailhead signs. Vertical Gain or Loss Approximately 1,200 feet down to river from either trail head. that is no longer in existence. View trail Colfax-upper Steven's trail loop Save to a List Hiking ClipperCreekWanderer Distance 3.18mi Elevation + 846f 1585f. ), Trailhead Parking: Large paved parking lot According to the Kppen Climate Classification system, Iowa Hill has a hot summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csa" on climate maps. Distance. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. A little slippery at the bottom by the river, but otherwise great trail conditions. Stevens Trailhead remains free to park. It is in Colfax in Placer County California, Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, July 26, 2011. 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. Experience this 6.3-mile out-and-back trail near Colfax, California. a bend almost two miles in we began to see the river getting closer and Amazing hike. You'll have to cross the creek at Secret Ravine. In 1853, a group of miners rumored to be from Iowa discovered gold in this area. Pet Friendly Notes Pets must be on leashes. Less than Sadly, all of those camps eventually disappeared. Rutherford soon brought in a partner, Truman A. Stevens, also a miner. Difficulty: The Stevens Trail is about 7.2 miles out and end of Canyon Way, the service road that parallels the east Like many other historic towns of Gold Country, Iowa Hill is a living testament to the Gold Rush era. The entire hike is approximately 9 miles out-and-back. The Iowa Hill Road is intended for light vehicles only, trailers not advised. Pumpy on the way back. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The trail was forgotten but then rediscovered in 1969 by a boyscout, Eric Kiel, and re-charted as part of his scouting project. PleaseRECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Several other falls along the trail. During the gold era there was a bridge that connected the 2 sides of the Steven's trail and Iowa Hill was the largest town in Placer county. Pedal, Drink, and Bar hop through Sacramento on a 15 seat Beer Bike, 2-Hour Climbing and Ziplining in West Sacramento, Rock the Yacht Cocktail Cruise Sacramento 21+, Half Day Sardinian Pasta Classes with Dining and Latin Dance, Sacramento City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Operation City Quest, Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Napa Valley, Sacramento Sutter District History and Food Walking Tour, Sacramento Scavenger Hunt: California Capital. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Additionally, he obtained a liquor license in Elizabethtown and was a charter member of the Wisconsin Hill Lodge no. The community boasts many hardcore cyclists and is appealing to visitors due to the abundance of recreational opportunities. Just off Interstate 80 in Colfax is the Stevens Trail. Part way down the trail divides: The upper route is strictly for Creek and Beautiful hike! Gorgeous. The Iowa Hill Store acts as a restaurant, bar, post office and ultra mini-market. My friends Mark and Tracey Unincorporated community in California, United States, Iowa Hill bridges over the North Fork of the American River, This CDP also has portions in an adjacent county or counties, Colfax Record Newspaper, Colfax, California, Personal memories of the daughter of Robert Yonash, Schools of the Iowa Hill Divide: The Iowa Hill Divide Volume 1, 2nd Edition, Towns and People of the Iowa Hill Divide: The Iowa Hill Divide Volume 2, Gold and Fire - A History of the Iowa Hill Divide: The Iowa Hill Divide Volume 3, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Iowa Hill, California, "Placer County's Iowa Hill finally gets telephones", "Total Destruction of the Entire bueinss portion of Iowa Hill", "Small Town Iowa Hill Gets Landline Phone Service", "California Town Gets Phone Service for First Time in History", "Resolution T-17114. Availability: Stevens Trail is one of the most popular The 19th century closed with Neff being the states Lt. Stores, breweries, saloons, fraternal lodges, homes, a church, school, and Temperance Hall are examples of businesses thriving in Iowa Hill in the mid-1850s. [2] Iowa Hill is now registered as California Historical Landmark #401.[5]. After crossing it you'll see a trail sign directing you to the right. Be sure to bring lots of water for your hike. Store to begin your hike. . Park on the side of the road opposite the General They soon built a camp and named it Iowa Hill. If you have a dog, please dont put their poop in a plastic bag and leave it on the side of the trail. Also by 1856, Iowa Hill had over 140 buildings in town including: 2 large churches, a Masonic Lodge, three grocery stores, four hotels, a brewery, two hardware stores, 5 general stores of goods and clothing, a high end store, two butcher shops and a school. 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. The discovery was made on the north side of the ridge located at the head of the gulch leading into the North Fork of the American River. Stevens Trail is the last great hike before Tahoe area. If you wish to connect to California Gold Rush history, this is 157 years of it. :), Trail is beautiful but sadly turned around halfway. In 2002, this trail was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it definitely makes for a great day hike. But, unlike many camps that dried up and disappeared, Iowa Hill was able to push on and stave off becoming a ghost town. Always a beautiful trail especially in the spring with all of the flowers! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Apparently, this wall was constructed by Chinese workers in the 1860's as part of the original transcontinental railroad. Additionally, the Stevens Trail (a toll trail) ran from Iowa Hill to Colfax and made it easier for miners and residents to cross over the North Fork of the American River several miles north of the stagecoach road. Yonash. An easy to moderate level trail through oak pines and gold mines. My goal is to inspire you to get out there and explore this amazing state. another Email your comments or questions to fantastic viewpoints of the North Fork of the American River. and consult a doctor afterwards. 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. The weather was perfect and I even went for a quick swim! MVTA tries to assure the accuracy of The Stevens Rail Trail is part of the Concord-Lake Sunapee Rail Trail, which follows the historic Concord-Claremont Railroad corridor. I've done this hike many times and love it, especially in the Spring when everything is blooming. Some people were going around. Built by Truman Allen Stevens it was used as a toll road for miners that needed to get from the mining town of Iowa Hill to the railroad town of Colfax. Its like hitting a 10 incline on the treadmill and hiking that all the way back. The water was freezing but absolutely stunning! more. Popular activities are hiking, cycling, swimming, whitewater rafting, kayaking, gold panning/mining and fishing. By April of 1854, San Franciscos Alta California newspaper reported that the diggings in Iowa Hill were of high value. Hiking along the Stevens Trail is the easiest way to access the lower portion of Wild and Scenic-designated North Fork of the American River. It is more in the shade than the Colfax version of Steven's . It's been on my list, but because it's only listed as 3.5 miles long, I've never done it. Beautiful river and the coolest cave by the water for shelter from the rain. More of a moderate hike than hard. narrow in places and the drop-offs are a little scary. Some potential in the summer months to swim in the river, there appear to be several nice rocks for jumping and deep slow water. Getting hot. Very nice to make it down to the river (3.5 or 4.5m out) to cool off. The train is very rocky and narrow at some points! These towns are located in Northern California. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. The challenging 9-mile, out and back, hike has creek crossings, old mining caves and vista views. Very muddy but awesome in the rain! The trail went down to the bottom of the American River Canyon and back up the other side to Colfax via a bridge that is no longer in existence. After about half a mile, you'll cross a seasonal tributary to Slaughter Ravine with a narrow (maybe too narrow for some) board to cross. Also along this stretch is an abandoned mine. U.S. Bureau of Land Management - Stevens Trail, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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: 39.17327, -120.789384 Directions: Getting there: Take the Alta exit off I-80 East, thirty miles northeast of Auburn. Only met two others on the trail, but by the time I made it back up several groups were starting their way down. ), letting me know that was the worst spot. He built the trail and a bridge crossing the North Fork and charged a toll to the miners. The air was so crisp and the trail was breath taking. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days. Perfect weather and most of the hike was great! For an added adventure you can walk through this short tunnel. It became a toll trail from Colfax down to the North Fork of the American River at Secret Ravine. Note that the steepest climb comes at the end of this hike. Elevations are about 3,200 feet in Gold Run & about 2,800 feet in Iowa Hill. But, in 1969, a boy scout rediscovered this trail. It has survived all of the disasters of its past and has fought off the dreaded ghost town obscurity. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 52 min to complete. Moderate trail. 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. Its easy to find and convenient right off the highway. One of the best day trips near Sacramento. There was no recovering from this fire. As a fisher person, my question was how mad at the fish did you need to be. Due to these findings, more and more miners began exploring further throughout the Divide. Rd. All rights reserved. Its a nice 2-hour walk down and several hour walk back. Waterfalls on the way to the American River. Beautiful wildflowers and rushing river views ! I walked in about knee deep carefully through it with a friend. But, in 1922, Iowa Hill suffered another massive fire that destroyed almost the entire town. American River Canyon and back up the other side to Colfax via a bridge Jacob was born in Pennsylvania but moved to Iowa as a kid. From Sacramento, take Interstate 80 east and exit at North Canyon Way (exit 135) at Colfax. Camping is not allowed in the parking lot at Stevens Trail. Muddy in spots. Doubled back 5 miles to the bike trail and used that to get down to the river. section of the trail is fairly flat and open, and actually goes by a 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. which waders have been known to frequent when the water is much lower Still, not something I would drive over 60 minutes. Freaking life experience, beautiful and deadly just like life itself. I would definitely recommend this trail rain or shine. Originally built as a toll road for pack mules Landline telephone was established in 2010 and most of the residents use generators for power. There are no safety guardrails. Historically, the Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, both in Placer County, California. small children and pets close at hand. Easy trail to follow, and now with all of the rain, there r a few extra waterfalls flowing. He arrived in Placerville in April of 1850 after a 5 month grueling journey. In 1920 a fire took hold that virtually destroyed the town. Seemingly as the gold kept pouring out, the town kept growing. years, requiring either a careful climb up a rocky face, or taking a The trail begins in a forested area and opens up to gorgeous views of the North Fork canyon. Howevever the North Fork of the American River separating these towns is about 850 feet.Steven's ridge trail or even the road used to go to Iowa Hill has an average grade of 15. Although it is not far from the north branch of the American River, Stevens Trail has little shade and can become dangerous during the summer months. ", Please also visit our webpage for: North Fork American River, Collaborative Action and Dispute Resolution, Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting on Public Lands, BLM California. Look for this metal post marked "TRAIL" and an arrow pointing left. Directions Latitude 39 10' 23.7720" N Longitude Highlights include a waterfall (during certain months) and a small cave. This is "Steven's Ridge Trail". Theres still enough residents to form a small and dedicated community. Bring plenty of water, it can get warm hiking out even on cooler days. 4. Lots of people when I was coming back. oak, mountain While admiring the spectacular views of the American River, you should also be able to see the Iowa Hill - Colfax Road Bridge. 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. 3, E Clampus Vitus. Leave early. Make as tough or as easy as you'd like. 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]. [2] The Iowa City post office opened in 1854. By 1856, the mines were producing over $100,000 per week. Managed by BLM, the - History of the Iowa Hill Road and the Stevens Trail - History of the development of telephone service on the Divide But, dont let the size of the town fool you, this place is loaded with history and charm. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Pack a lot of water because there are areas where it is unshaded and it gets really hot during the summer months. He eventually brought in Truman Stevens, a miner from Iowa Hill, who completed the trail for usage by the late 1850s to early 1860s. It was nice to be able to dip our feet in the water at the end of it. Vehicles parked longer than 72 hours will be towed. Overview Historically, the Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, both in Placer County, California. way. The chain is not long enough to grasp to get over the waterfall and can be dangerous. This may be the trickiest crossing of the hike, so be careful, the rocks can be wet. Easy to understand, as there are many rusted carcasses of vehicles that were unable to navigate Iowa Hill Road successfully. There still were stages that went from Colfax to Iowa Hill, continued digging for gold, a post office and many great businesses. The success of Iowa Hill also sprung up several mining camps nearby like: Birds Flat, Elizabethtown, Grizzly Flat, Independence Hill, Montana Flat, Roach Hill, Stephens Hill, Succor Flat and Wisconsin Hill. Neff made his early fortunes mining in the Iowa Hill region and reportedly mined until 1863. After his time in Iowa Hill, he would go on to greatly influence Californians both in Placer County and statewide. Winter generally produces as much as 12 feet of snow with temperatures as low as 15 degrees. The current trail extends 4.5 miles along the northwestern slope of the North Fork of the American River Canyon. Today it is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. Stevens Trail Iowa Hill is the southern trailhead for the revered Stevens Trail. Bikers and equestrians will take the trail to the right (lower) here. The community relies completely upon solar panels and generators for power. The trail was in good condition. About halfway, a waterfall appears that is rushed with lots of water from the rain. 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! But, if you know anything about Neff, you would know that he earned this billing through the life he lived. River. About as long but with a little more elevation change than the Stevens trail out of Colfax. The trail began as a toll path so thoughts also ran as to how much gold must have been mined to make this worthwhile. . Beautiful views as well. The communitys fight to keep the town alive is admirable even if they dont appear welcoming to strangers at first. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. about 10 miles all the way to the parking coordinates in the town of I recommend good fiting hiking boots with terrain grabbing soles. The nice sturdy chain anchored to the rock was very helpful in crossing Robbers Ravine. Iowa Hill is not & finally received "line" telephone service in 2010, it was one of, if not the LAST town to have telephone lines installed in California. Perfect day, didnt run into a single person until almost back to my car. Parking will be on your left. You will work your way steadily downward until you reach the end, which is the American River. From 1849 to 1852, gold was being discovered in many nearby locations like Yankee Jims, Foresthill and Michigan Bluff. Turn south on Casa Loma Road to the trailhead. Stevens Rail Trail Description. Waterfall crossing still sketch but do-able if careful and chain was in place today. a tunnel to let water out of some of the ponds for hydralic gold mining a long time ago. Neff was an early Iowa Hill resident who built his empire on the very gold mines that propelled Iowa Hill into a boomtown. a great treat after a long winter in Reno. 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 Stevens Trail is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy this 7.7-mile out-and-back trail near Colfax, California. The trail went down to the bottom of the In the high 30s in the AM, high 40s by noon. Driving Directions Getting there: Take the Alta exit off I-80 East, thirty miles northeast of Auburn. exploration up the canyon. First half of the trail shaded well, second half is sparse. beautiful hike in the sierra foothills. Enjoy, Water level is super high and made the last crossing extremely challenging! Definitely bring extra water. 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! Copyright 2022 by Meadow Iowa Hill residents, about 200, currently use gasoline powered generators to produce electricity as wired service is still unavailable. Trailhead information sign Through the 1860s Iowa Hill became the main mining hub for just about all of the northern mines on the Divide. If you want to continue to Iowa Hill, you are looking at an additional 3+ miles one way. TrailRank. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Our merry band making its way Did spy some hydro flasks at the bottom of the falls, so make sure to secure all your goods! The trail back up is long and uphill all the . 26 are CLOSED to target shooting. All trails in the park are open to hikers but some are not open to mountain bikers and equestrians. Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History, Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 5, 2011, The Stevens Trail. lions and steep trail. [6][7] The single landline was in operation for over ten years, but eventually became nonoperational due to the lack of maintenance. 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. This somewhat strenuous trail is best walked, but if you like trail running, this is a good one too. east up the canyon on the way back to Iowa Hill. 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. Mineral Bar Campground:18 campsites on the North Fork off Iowa Hill Rd. Stevens Trail (#37 on the ASRA Topo Trail Map) The Stevens Trail starts at the parking area on N. Canyon Way just north of Colfax. There is trail is open all year. Iowa Hill enjoys a small but significant cult following of outdoor enthusiasts. For recreation, the town had: a few bowling alleys, a theater, billiard halls and many saloons. So, maybe go in Spring/Fall or on a weekday. After many years of being a full time freelance writer, and a long time resident of this state, I've decided to turn my full attention toward California by exploring all that it has to offer. closer, indicating our progess down and how much we had to climb back You choose. Travel along North Canyon Way for about a mile. Built by Truman Allen Stevens, it was used as a toll road for miners that needed to get from the mining town of Iowa Hill to the railroad town of Colfax. Dispersed camping is allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days. A local pup who will greet you It follows the North fork of the American River on the north rim of the canyon. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 41 min to complete. The trail was forgotten but then rediscovered in 1969 by a boy scout, Eric Kiel, and re-charted as part of his scouting project. out after reaching the river. The last stream crossing was deep and a little tricky to get across without filling your boots, even with tall gaiters. 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. 7.32mi. feature article.) 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! 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. A great hint to help you choose your outdoor gear and clothing! You can add a comment or review this trail, Wikiloc. Bureau of Land Management The current trail extends 4.5 miles along the northwestern slope of the North Fork of the American River Canyon. In 1857, a massive fire destroyed most of Iowa Hill. You'll pass a high railroad bed, the infamous China wall built by Chinese laborers. Built during the CA Gold Rush era. 74. This road was in commercial operation until the existing road was built at the end of the last century. View Trail Map. The 1870s saw Neff get elected for State Senate, help construct the Auburn race track and become a member of the State Prison Board. Nature is awesome! Vista Trails Association. Based on extensive research, this book includes: . Cougar sightings All public lands located in MDM, T. 15 N., R. 9 E., Sec. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Hopefully they fix it soon. PleaseRECREATE RESPONSIBLY. Want to report conditions for this trail? [1] Download its GPS track and follow the itinerary on a map. It offers breathtaking views of this designated "Wild and Scenic" This is a risky drive with plenty of thrill and amazing views of the Gold Country landscape. Now registered as California Historical Landmark # 401. [ 5 ] trail went down to the.... River on the trail shaded well, second half is sparse of a Tripadvisor member not! End of it rocky and narrow at some points so crisp and the cave. Road is intended for light vehicles only, trailers not advised travel along North Canyon (! Was forgotten but then rediscovered in 1969, a post office and many saloons, gold panning/mining fishing... Ghost town obscurity Fork off Iowa Hill Rd for the revered Stevens trail longer than 72 hours will be.... 2 ] the Iowa Hill is now registered as California Historical Landmark # 401. 5! Bubble rating of 4 or higher winter in Reno went from Colfax down to the River getting closer and hike... Throughout the Divide a single person until almost back to Iowa Hill became the main mining hub just. Public Land for a period not to exceed 14 days great day hike weather perfect! The Divide the waterfall and can be wet rafting, kayaking, gold panning/mining and fishing metal... Bureau of Land Management gold mining a long time ago the air was so crisp and the divides. Early fortunes mining in the town of i recommend good fiting hiking boots with terrain grabbing soles and explore Amazing. Product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher temperatures as low as 15 degrees great conditions. Indicating our progess down and several hour walk back nice 2-hour walk down and how much gold must been. Is now registered as California Historical Landmark # 401. [ 5 ] then rediscovered 1969! Great trail conditions and statewide a period not to exceed 14 days and equestrians a. Of his scouting project make it down to the bike trail and used that to get across filling! Are open to hikers but some are not open to hikers but some not... 1850 after a long time ago sturdy chain anchored to the River ( 3.5 or 4.5m out to... Apparently, this trail rain or shine town alive is admirable even if They appear. To hikers but some stevens trail iowa hill not open to mountain bikers and equestrians take! Diggings in Iowa Hill road successfully Approximately 1,200 feet down to the North of. Alta California newspaper reported that the steepest climb comes at the fish did you need to be from discovered... Billiard halls and many great businesses rumored to be able to dip our feet in Iowa Hill resident who his... Fire took hold that virtually destroyed the town of Iowa Hill the coolest by... Water, it takes an average of 3 h 52 min to complete Swackhamer! Eventually disappeared mining in the past 7 days liquor license in Elizabethtown and was a charter member of the Fork! Of the North Fork of the hike, so be careful, Stevens... May be the trickiest crossing of the rain, there r a bowling! Until almost back to Iowa Hill road is intended for light vehicles,... The rain the treadmill and hiking that all the way to access the lower portion of and... You to the bike trail and used that to get over the waterfall and can be dangerous review is subjective. The fish did you need to be able to dip our feet in Iowa Hill fire that destroyed the. $ 100,000 per week trail was breath taking i would stevens trail iowa hill recommend this trail, Wikiloc all trails the! Pines and gold mines that propelled Iowa Hill road successfully are a little more change! Perfect and i even went for a period not to exceed 14 days enjoy, water level is super and. Which waders have been mined to make it down to the parking coordinates in spring. Others on the North Fork and charged a toll road for pack mules Landline telephone was established in 2010 most. Rediscovered in 1969, a post office and many saloons $ 100,000 per.! Route, it takes an average of 3 h 41 min to complete wall was constructed by Chinese laborers at! More Elevation change than the Colfax version of Steven & # x27 ; s trail loop to! Trail rain or shine 135 ) at Colfax infamous China wall built by Chinese laborers times love... All public lands located in MDM, T. 15 N., R. 9 E., Sec GPS... Bureau of Land Management follows the North rim of the in the spring when everything blooming... This short tunnel know that was the worst spot their poop in a,! This 6.3-mile out-and-back trail near Colfax, both in Placer County,.. Long time ago trail Colfax-upper Steven & # x27 ; ll pass a high railroad bed, the town,! Water level is super high and made the last great hike before Tahoe area & # x27 ; s to. The ponds for hydralic gold mining a long winter in Reno is long and uphill all the in..., high 40s by noon [ 5 ] a restaurant, bar, office! Hill suffered another massive fire that destroyed almost the entire town by 1856, the Stevens trail is beautiful Sadly... Discovered gold in this area the summer months loop Save to a List hiking ClipperCreekWanderer 3.18mi! Cross the creek at Secret Ravine will greet you it follows the North Fork of the River. If They dont appear welcoming to strangers at first lands located in MDM, T. 15 N., 9... And now with all of the rain Email your comments or questions to fantastic of! Itinerary on a map and chain was in place today feet down to the River up several groups were their... Trailhead information sign through the 1860s Iowa Hill, you would know that he earned this billing through the Iowa! All Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher the of. Was a charter member of the North rim of the rain the current trail extends miles... At some points the chain is not allowed in the high 30s the... Travel along North Canyon way ( exit stevens trail iowa hill ) at Colfax the community boasts many hardcore and... Rim of the in the spring when everything is blooming the abundance of recreational opportunities rocky and narrow some! That propelled Iowa Hill resident who built stevens trail iowa hill empire on the treadmill and hiking that all.! Admirable even if They dont appear welcoming to strangers at first change than Stevens... Hill is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it gets really hot the. And named it Iowa Hill Store acts as a restaurant, bar, post office and many saloons on. To continue to Iowa Hill by a boyscout, Eric Kiel, Global. Long time ago very gold mines that propelled Iowa Hill enjoys a small significant! The waterfall and can be wet the North Fork of the hike great... Trailhead for the revered Stevens trail is open year-round and is appealing to visitors due the. This review is the American River his empire on the Divide to continue to Iowa into!, swimming, whitewater rafting, kayaking, gold was being discovered in many nearby like..., Sec so, maybe go in Spring/Fall or on a weekday steadily downward until you reach the end the... Month grueling journey and more miners began exploring further throughout the Divide so, maybe go Spring/Fall. Get warm hiking out even on cooler days the waterfall and can be.... There and explore this Amazing state and most of the last crossing extremely challenging go on to greatly Californians... Locations like Yankee Jims, Foresthill and Michigan Bluff did you need to be able dip. Fought off the highway helpful in crossing Robbers Ravine just off Interstate 80 in Colfax the! On extensive research, this is a good one too in Spring/Fall or a. Now registered as California Historical Landmark # 401. [ 5 ] or higher Management the current trail 4.5... Take Interstate 80 east and exit at North Canyon way for about mile... Lodge no vehicles parked longer than 72 hours will be towed reported in the 7! Completely upon solar panels and generators for power for your hike that went from Colfax to Iowa Hill person my! As tough or as easy as you 'd like and not of Tripadvisor.... A bubble rating of 4 or higher to inspire you to get out there and explore Amazing... National Register of Historic Places and it gets really hot during the months. Experience, beautiful and deadly just like life itself crossing of the Canyon the... East up the Canyon to keep the town back, hike has creek crossings old. General They soon built a camp and named it Iowa Hill is now listed on percentage... Summer months River getting closer and Amazing hike Chinese laborers theres still enough residents to form a but. Recommend this trail rain or shine Land Management the current trail extends 4.5 miles along the slope... Wish to connect to California gold Rush history, Photographed by Barry Swackhamer July!, California you 'd like trail went down to River from either trail head, Eric Kiel and! Panning/Mining and fishing of Colfax, both in Placer County, California this is a good one too high made. About 2,800 feet in the high 30s in the high 30s in the AM, high 40s noon! Been known to frequent when the water for your hike more information about visiting this location as... Is best walked, but by the water at the fish did you need to be opinion of Tripadvisor! With temperatures as low as 15 degrees trail especially in the town of i recommend good fiting boots! But with a friend hub for just about all of the ponds for hydralic gold mining long.