The Historic Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, California. . Managed by BLM, the Nearly the entire trail is Awesome hike! Not too steep of incline or declines. 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. The trail is dange. The trail was in good condition. The river was breathtakingly beautiful and we did see ladybugs aggregating, as we often do this time of year. U.S. Bureau of Land Management - Stevens Trail, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Locals are regularly spotted out and about the town and North Fork of the American River. Stevens Trail Iowa Hill is the southern trailhead for the revered Stevens Trail. Nature is awesome! 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. - History of the Iowa Hill Road and the Stevens Trail - History of the development of telephone service on the Divide The current trail extends 4.5 miles along the northwestern slope of the North Fork of the American River Canyon. When I started at 11, the trail was dry, but on the return trip it was muddy and wet in spots. This short but challenging trail affords some spectacular views of the North Fork Canyon and when timing is right a spectacular wildflower display. Vehicles are allowed to park overnight in the parking lot for up to 72 hours for dispersed camping along the Stevens Trail. The Stevens Trail is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Stevens Trail was originally surveyed under the ownership and direction of John Rutherford, an Iowa Hill miner and tanner. enjoing the open scenery from one of the many river lookouts along the When the town of Iowa Hill and the nearby mining camps dried up, this trail was forgotten. The Stevens Trail is a popular year-round hiking trail in the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. After his time in Iowa Hill, he would go on to greatly influence Californians both in Placer County and statewide. The trail back up is long and uphill all the . and early summer. 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. 26. Steven's charged a toll of 25 cents for walkers, 50 cents for those traveling by horse, and 40 cents for each stock animal. Just off Interstate 80 in Colfax is the Stevens Trail. Check trailhead signs. TrailRank. another If you want to continue to Iowa Hill, you are looking at an additional 3+ miles one way. The Iowa Hill Road is intended for light vehicles only, trailers not advised. If you are in good shape with a good sense of balance this journey will still require over 8 hours to travel. It is now a popular hiking trail, extending 4.5 miles along the North Fork of the American River. the other side making their way down the trail. Stevens Trail EAST. 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. Based on extensive research, this book includes: . This trail was originally surveyed and under the construction of John Rutherford a successful Iowa Hill businessman during the towns glory days. 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. If you are a history buff or just looking for an adventurous day trip, then I highly recommend checking out this once great city. Hit the trailhead @ 9 am, which was perfect timing. Unfortunately, in 1883 hydraulic mining was made illegal and all the mining towns like Iowa Hill, Michigan Bluff and others greatly suffered from this. A great hint to help you choose your outdoor gear and clothing! Historic Bell From St. Dominic's Church at Iowa Hill. One of the best day trips near Sacramento. This forced many townspeople to take the law into their own hands. This trail follows close to the North Fork of the American River. Last stream crossing near the river was too high and fast moving so we didnt cross it. Iowa Hill (formerly, Iowa City)[2] is an unincorporated community in Placer County, California, United States. Originally built as a toll road for pack mules They soon built a camp and named it Iowa Hill. Vertical Gain or Loss Approximately 1,200 feet down to river from either trail head. The bridg. Enjoy your visit! Stevens Trail leaves the graded road and heads toward Robbers Ravine. Did spy some hydro flasks at the bottom of the falls, so make sure to secure all your goods! NOTICE: Camping is not allowed in the parking lot at Stevens Trail. In 1955, the first dial telephone service was installed running between Iowa Hill and Colfax, California, it was one line put in by local residents led by Robert F. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. The trail went down to the bottom of the Vehicles are allowed to park overnight in the parking lot for up to 72 hours for dispersed camping along the Stevens Trail. Trail Distance 7.1 miles Colfax to Iowa Hill, one way. After crossing, head to the right and you'll finally be at the North Fork of the American River. What remains is an old Wells Fargo vault, the old fire house, a couple of other old buildings, and two cemeteries. You will work your way steadily downward until you reach the end, which is the American River. Along the way, you are mostly in shade, with California Bay and oak trees all around. There was no recovering from this fire. Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History, Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 5, 2011, The Stevens Trail. In 1920 a fire took hold that virtually destroyed the town. There still were stages that went from Colfax to Iowa Hill, continued digging for gold, a post office and many great businesses. Took the bike trail to go around the waterfall based on other reviews. east up the canyon on the way back to Iowa Hill. The long line was suspended from the town of Colfax over the American River Canyon where it would occasionally snap apart. It became a toll trail from Colfax down to the North Fork of the American River at Secret Ravine. were able to spot a gold dredger relaxing on the shore on the other Our merry band making its way 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. Experience this 6.3-mile out-and-back trail near Colfax, California. Primitive campgrounds have no electricity, flush toilets, showers or drinking water. at your car and shepherd you all the way down the trail to the river about 10 miles all the way to the parking coordinates in the town of 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. Drink it only in an emergency Some potential in the summer months to swim in the river, there appear to be several nice rocks for jumping and deep slow water. I can imagine theres even more after a big storm. Copyright 2022 by Meadow My friends Mark and Tracey It's basically a hiker's trail but bikes are also allowed. This trail was originally established as a toll road in 1859 by Truman Allen Stevens. All Rights Reserved. But, unlike many camps that dried up and disappeared, Iowa Hill was able to push on and stave off becoming a ghost town. Travel along North Canyon Way for about a mile. But, for the most part, the fulltime residents were a peaceful bunch. Rounding This is a relatively unknown continuation of the very popular This somewhat strenuous trail is best walked, but if you like trail running, this is a good one too. http://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=303635. Iowa Hill. Stevens Trail Stevens Trail 4.5 10 reviews #48 of 161 things to do in Sacramento Hiking Trails Write a review About An easy to moderate level trail through oak pines and gold mines. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Camping is not allowed in the parking lot at Stevens Trail. a tunnel to let water out of some of the ponds for hydralic gold mining a long time ago. The first 1.5 miles out are reasonably well shaded and make for a good hike year round. 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