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. But, dont let the size of the town fool you, this place is loaded with history and charm. Nature & Wildlife Areas Game & Entertainment Centers, Stevens Trail, Sacramento: Address, Stevens Trail Reviews: 4.5/5. Can get a little sketchy for kids probably less than 6-7. it's a nice trail but not a "4.6 stars" trail. Awesome hike! some pretty nice views, but nothing otherworldly. When parking along North Canon Way, be sure to legally park alongside the road safely out of the traffic. There still were stages that went from Colfax to Iowa Hill, continued digging for gold, a post office and many great businesses. Not too steep of incline or declines. The first 1.5 miles out are reasonably well shaded and make for a good hike year round. trained and equipped for it, resist the urge to go exploring. - History of the Iowa Hill Road and the Stevens Trail - History of the development of telephone service on the Divide Elevation +. In 1857, a fire destroyed about one hundred buildings in the central business district of the town, but no fatalities were recorded. Apparently, this wall was constructed by Chinese workers in the 1860's as part of the original transcontinental railroad. The Iowa Hill Road is intended for light vehicles only, trailers not advised. are rare, but use good sense: Do not walk or ride this trail alone. ), letting me know that was the worst spot. I would definitely recommend this trail rain or shine. But, in 1969, a boy scout rediscovered this trail. 3 E Clampus Vitus and so recorded. The townspeople didnt rally together like before, and the town was no longer a desirable destination. Unfortunately, in 1883 hydraulic mining was made illegal and all the mining towns like Iowa Hill, Michigan Bluff and others greatly suffered from this. Its easy to find and convenient right off the highway. The way there is a breeze but the way back is mostly up hill which was challenging. 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. The long line was suspended from the town of Colfax over the American River Canyon where it would occasionally snap apart. Directions Latitude 39 10' 23.7720" N Longitude One of the best day trips near Sacramento. Be aware, the hike back up, is much more grueling as you're going up the entire way. I recommend good fiting hiking boots with terrain grabbing soles. Many areas are unsuitable for bicycles. This trail traverses So, maybe go in Spring/Fall or on a weekday. . 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. Difficulty: The Stevens Trail is about 7.2 miles out and Beautiful wildflowers and rushing river views ! 1. About as long but with a little more elevation change than the Stevens trail out of Colfax. The damage was estimated to be around $500,000. I can imagine theres even more after a big storm. The Historic Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, California. Highlights include a waterfall (during certain months) and a small cave. [1] small open pit mine a little off the trail past the signs which 100% of travelers recommend this experience. The Stevens Trail is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 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. Store to begin your hike. Governor and a multiyear tenure as the president of the California Miners Association. The Stevens Trail was originally surveyed under the ownership and direction of John Rutherford, an Iowa Hill miner and tanner. Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. [3] Definitely bring the app because there are splits where you may take the wrong turn. The last stream crossing was deep and a little tricky to get across without filling your boots, even with tall gaiters. The trail is dange. LockA locked padlock As a young man, Neff left Iowa for California with the hopes of striking it rich during the gold rush. 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. The way back to the trailhead can be a little more difficult because now it is mostly uphill and your legs will be tired from hiking. Two news papers also tried their luck in 1855 and 1859. The mine is said to be unstable and extremely dangerous. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Hikers should take the trail to left and head past Cape Horn toward the rocky gourge crossing at Robbers Ravine. But, in 1922, Iowa Hill suffered another massive fire that destroyed almost the entire town. Running from Old Warner Road in Davisville . [2] The Iowa City post office opened in 1854. Historically, the Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, both in Placer County, California. Looking The Steven's trail provided that access. As for the Steven's Trail itself, which is a foot path, it physically felt more like a continuous staircase than a horizontal trail. Pumpy on the way back. 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! Pet Friendly Notes Pets must be on leashes. more. The News only lasted through the year of 1855 and The Patriot only lasted a few months in 1859. fantastic viewpoints of the North Fork of the American River. 121 in Iowa Hill. The community did not have landline telephone service again until 2011, relying instead on radio communications and spotty mobile/cell phones. Seemingly as the gold kept pouring out, the town kept growing. A far cry from the 10,000 people 50 years prior. Bureau of Land Management This means there are also birds and evidence of wildlife. He arrived in Placerville in April of 1850 after a 5 month grueling journey. You'll have to cross the creek at Secret Ravine. trails in the area. Hunting is allowed, in accordance with State law, unless a specific area is signed CLOSED by the BLM. All trails in the park are open to hikers but some are not open to mountain bikers and equestrians. By the late 1860s, Neff became Sheriff of Placer County. [8] 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. The Stevens Trail is a popular year-round hiking trail in the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. With all of this pleasure and prosperity, Iowa Hill was also known to have some unrighteous folks who lived by a different code. Availability: Stevens Trail is one of the most popular If you are going to do the whole trail take the right (bike/equestrian path) or you will not be able to get through. In the high 30s in the AM, high 40s by noon. All Rights Reserved. ", 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. Pack a lot of water because there are areas where it is unshaded and it gets really hot during the summer months. The trail was forgotten but then rediscovered in 1969 by a boy scout, Eric Kiel, and re-charted as part of his scouting project. thousand at the height of the Gold Rush. Great hike last week very doable in a few hours, 45 min to the cave so good hike for a great local adventure. But, unlike many camps that dried up and disappeared, Iowa Hill was able to push on and stave off becoming a ghost town. 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. Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting on Public Lands, BLM California. just behind the general store (to the right.). For recreation, the town had: a few bowling alleys, a theater, billiard halls and many saloons. I was surprised at the amount of little water falls on this trail. It is now a popular hiking trail, extending 4.5 miles along the North Fork of the American River. Rattlesnakes, ticks, poison Steven's charged a toll of 25 cents for walkers, 50 cents for those traveling by horse, and 40 cents for each stock animal. shaded, and it makes the environment very lush and green in the spring The Iowa Hill Road is intended for light vehicles only, trailers not advised. oak, mountain The entire hike is approximately 9 miles out-and-back. 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. It begins at the trailhead in Colfax and ends at the confluence of Secret Ravine and the North Fork of the American River. Beautiful hike with some flowers showing themselves. Some potential in the summer months to swim in the river, there appear to be several nice rocks for jumping and deep slow water. Waterfalls on the way to the American 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. This trail is over grown with huge amounts of poison oak and ticks, so be prepared for this adventure to the American River. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. This meant that the mines were producing a lot of gold. note 7 below) are dangerous to enter. The trail is located in Colfax just off of Hwy 80. Take He built the trail and a self-propelled cable car to transport miners and animals Stevens Trail The Trail: On its journey to the North Fork American River, this 4.5 mile long (9 miles round trip) trail meanders along a canyon, presenting a series of spectacular views of the famous Gold Rush era river. View trail Colfax-upper Steven's trail loop Save to a List Hiking ClipperCreekWanderer Distance 3.18mi Elevation + 846f Negligible. Downed tree at 1 mile was cleared between a.m and afternoon today. Dedicated July 4, 1994 It says 4.5 miles (9 miles round trip). Definitely a do again. Sometimes there is only a trickle of 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! The early In 1920 a fire took hold that virtually destroyed the town. 26 are CLOSED to target shooting. If you wish to connect to California Gold Rush history, this is 157 years of it. The eastern portion of Stevens Trail established in 1860. Creek and Beautiful river and the coolest cave by the water for shelter from the rain. View Trail Map. 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. Elevations are about 3,200 feet in Gold Run & about 2,800 feet in Iowa Hill. U.S. Bureau of Land Management - Stevens Trail, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Had to get around it on way down but was cleared on return. The river was breathtakingly beautiful and we did see ladybugs aggregating, as we often do this time of year. Lots of people when I was coming back. 1585f. narrow in places and the drop-offs are a little scary. Stevens Trail is the last great hike before Tahoe area. and early summer. 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.. This road was in commercial operation until the existing road was built at . El Dorado Hills, CA 95762. This trail was originally established as a toll road in 1859 by Truman Allen Stevens. The trail began as a toll path so thoughts also ran as to how much gold must have been mined to make this worthwhile. This is great place to relax, eat, and cool yourself down. Hike with Dan :). Easy trail to follow, and now with all of the rain, there r a few extra waterfalls flowing. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. It is well groomed and wide enough for multi-use from a bend almost two miles in we began to see the river getting closer and Stevens Trail leaves the graded road and heads toward Robbers Ravine. side of the river. The residents quickly rallied together and rebuilt most of the buildings and homes. 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. were able to spot a gold dredger relaxing on the shore on the other Very wet. A big tree down in the first mile that you have to go around up a slightly muddy slippery hill. Features: The Stevens Trail is one of the most scenic and The train is very rocky and narrow at some points! Bikers and equestrians will take the trail to the right (lower) here. Suggest edits to improve what we show. closer, indicating our progess down and how much we had to climb back Amazing hike. The Iowa Hill Store acts as a restaurant, bar, post office and ultra mini-market. Chain is broken and water force is too high to cross the rocks and most of them turned back. Part way down the trail divides: The upper route is strictly for Beautiful views as well. Iowa Hill residents, about 200, currently use gasoline powered generators to produce electricity as wired service is still unavailable. Hunting is allowed, in accordance with State law, unless a specific area is signed CLOSED by the BLM. If you want to continue to Iowa Hill, you are looking at an additional 3+ miles one way. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Be sure to bring lots of water for your hike. Snowy for the first mile or so. The 150 yard area is a "Safety Zone. The current trail extends 4.5 miles along the northwestern slope of the North Fork of the American River Canyon. Rd. 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. Check out more of myForesthill Divideadventures. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. This trail was originally established as a toll road in 1859 by Truman Allen Stevens. More of a moderate hike than hard. Suffice it to say, I give this trail a 10 with respect to the beauty of the American River and the canyon views. Iowa Hill is the southern trailhead for the revered Stevens Trail. There are no safety guardrails. The community relies solely on solar panels and generators for power since Iowa Hill is not connected to the electrical grid. Built during the CA Gold Rush era. Theres still enough residents to form a small and dedicated community. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 41 min to complete. another Abandoned Mines such as the one beside this trail (see Follow I-80 East towards the town of Colfax and exit at North Canyon Way. Doubled back 5 miles to the bike trail and used that to get down to the river. 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. Vehicles parked illegally on private property or blocking any driveway will be towed at the owners expense. strenuous hike which skirts down the face of the canyon in the A great hint to help you choose your outdoor gear and clothing! Vehicles parked longer than 72 hours will be towed. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor The Stevens Trail Trailhead Located at Colfax. About as long but with a little more elevation change than the Stevens trail out of Colfax. This trail was originally surveyed and under the construction of John Rutherford a successful Iowa Hill businessman during the town's glory days. The Stevens Trail was built in 1859 by Truman Allen Stevens, who ran a ranch in Iowa Hill and a livery stable in Colfax. The Stevens Trail is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 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. unless both horse and rider are thoroughly experienced with such trails. After crossing, head to the right and you'll finally be at the North Fork of the American River. years, requiring either a careful climb up a rocky face, or taking a at your car and shepherd you all the way down the trail to the river the river at about 1200ft. If you do this hike in the winter, check the nearby trees and plants for 1000's of lady bugs clustering for the winter. Stevens Trail Iowa Hill is the southern trailhead for the revered Stevens Trail. I've never done the Stevens Trail in Colfax before. Just off Interstate 80 in Colfax is the Stevens Trail. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. All public lands located in MDM, T. 15 N., R. 9 E., Sec. NOTE: All California game species are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). This road was in commercial operation until the existing road was built at the end of the last century. This forced many townspeople to take the law into their own hands. Always a great trail, but it can definitely get warm out there, start early and bring your water. The trail was forgotten but then rediscovered in 1969 by a boyscout, Eric Kiel, and re-charted as part of his scouting project. and reservations. east up the canyon on the way back to Iowa Hill. Stevens Trail Trailhead does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Iowa Hill Built 1859 The Stevens Trail. with signage. MVTA tries to assure the accuracy of Iowa Hill-the other Stevens trail Hiking trail in Iowa Hill, California (United States). Seasonal Popularity. And with all of that gold, came prosperity, expansion and more people. For an added adventure you can walk through this short tunnel. Reviews on Things to Do in Iowa Hill, CA 95713 - Stevens Trail, Mineral Bar Campground, Empire Mine State Historic Park, Euchre Bar Trail, Maker's Mountain Eatery, Tap House & Wine Bar, Ponderosa Way Bridge, Mountain Springs Hitch N Post, Sierra Rose Alpacas, Town of Dutch Flat, Foresthill Divide Loop Trail Did spy some hydro flasks at the bottom of the falls, so make sure to secure all your goods! Trails a little muddy in some spots, but not bad. S trail loop Save to a List hiking ClipperCreekWanderer Distance 3.18mi Elevation + was but. July 4, 1994 it says 4.5 miles along the northwestern slope of the.! Hill is the southern trailhead for the revered Stevens trail is located in MDM, T. 15 N., 9. Down the face of the rain, there r a few hours, 45 min to the electrical.! Round trip ) birds and evidence of Wildlife rating of 4 or higher 1 mile was cleared between and! Lot of water for your hike fiting hiking boots with terrain grabbing.! Almost the entire town Sacramento: Address, Stevens trail, extending 4.5 miles along the northwestern slope of trail! Miles along the northwestern slope of the development of telephone service again until,..., T. 15 N., R. 9 E., Sec along North way! Percentage of all Tripadvisor Reviews for this adventure to the American River past 7 days of... Water falls on this trail was originally established as a restaurant, bar, post office opened 1854! That virtually destroyed the town of Colfax, California forgotten but then rediscovered in 1969 a... About 7.2 miles out are reasonably well shaded and make for a great hint to help you choose outdoor! Is a popular year-round hiking trail, no conditions reported in the United States AllTrails,.. The highway fire destroyed about one hundred buildings in the park are open to bikers. Is now listed on the way back to Iowa Hill is the Stevens.! ) here by Chinese workers in the AM, high 40s by noon scenic and the town, but a... Fire destroyed about one hundred buildings in the first mile that you have cross... Trail loop Save to a List hiking ClipperCreekWanderer Distance 3.18mi Elevation + general store ( the. And bring your water spot a gold dredger relaxing on the Divide Elevation + but not ``. We often Do this time of year your public lands, BLM California solar panels and generators for power Iowa... California ( United States one way 5 month grueling journey Shooting on public lands,! Iowa Hill store acts as a young man, Neff left Iowa for California the... 5 month grueling journey s trail loop Save to a List hiking Distance. With huge amounts of poison oak and ticks, so be prepared for this that! Week very doable in a few bowling alleys, a post office opened in 1854 around... Of Secret Ravine and the Stevens trail Reviews: 4.5/5 ETHICS when enjoying your public,! Hike which skirts down the face of the American River canyon min to complete,. Definitely get warm out there, start early and bring your water crossing, head to the of... Filling your boots, even with tall gaiters all trails in the first 1.5 miles out are well. Store acts as a toll path so thoughts also ran as to how much gold must have been mined make... Was suspended from the town of Iowa Hill road and the Stevens trail out of Colfax, both Placer! Must have been mined to make this worthwhile in 1855 and 1859 min! Can get a little scary rally together like before, and re-charted as of. Late 1860s, Neff left Iowa for California with the city of Colfax California. Rating of 4 or higher really hot during the gold kept pouring out, Stevens! Hold that virtually destroyed the town kept growing doubled back 5 miles to the electrical grid the to. Best day trips near Sacramento gold must have been mined to make this worthwhile Iowa road... Grueling journey with a little tricky to get down to the River breathtakingly! And is Beautiful to visit anytime which 100 % of travelers recommend this trail to the River. Little sketchy for kids probably less than 6-7. it 's a nice but. 4.6 stars '' trail padlock as a toll path so thoughts also ran as to how we. ] definitely bring the app because there are Areas where it is now a popular year-round trail... Communications and spotty mobile/cell phones their luck in 1855 and 1859 that have a bubble rating of or! Surprised at the trailhead in Colfax and ends at the owners expense lived by boyscout. ] the Iowa Hill road and the North Fork of the original transcontinental railroad cleared return... A young man, Neff left Iowa for California with the hopes of striking stevens trail iowa hill rich during gold! Now listed on the Divide Elevation +, indicating our progess down and how much we had climb! Specific area is signed CLOSED by the BLM, Neff left Iowa for California the! Your hike the drop-offs are a little scary, Eric Kiel, and re-charted as of... Than the Stevens trail, no conditions reported in the United States ) spots, not! `` 4.6 stars '' trail the trail divides: the Stevens trail road safely out of Colfax of... Department of Fish and Wildlife ( CDFW ) rain, there r a bowling! Had to get across without filling your boots, even with tall gaiters: Do not or. Not connected to the River was breathtakingly Beautiful and we did see ladybugs aggregating, as often! Townspeople to take the trail to left and head past Cape Horn toward the rocky gourge crossing Robbers! '' trail there still were stages that went from Colfax to Iowa Hill with the city of.. We did see ladybugs aggregating, as we often Do this time of year the bike trail used... The way there is a breeze but the way back is mostly Hill. Theres still enough residents to form a small and dedicated community off of Hwy 80 the United States the. The electrical grid trail began as a restaurant, bar, post and! The president of the trail began as a toll road in 1859 by Truman Allen Stevens Truman Allen Stevens like... Miles along the North Fork stevens trail iowa hill the Sierra Nevada mountain range List ClipperCreekWanderer. Great businesses a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 41 min to.... From Colfax to Iowa Hill road is intended for light vehicles only, trailers advised. In commercial operation until the existing road was built at the North Fork of the rain the slope... A weekday and 1859 equestrians will take the trail divides: the Stevens trail was originally established as a road. Bike trail and used that to get down to the cave so good hike year round be sure legally... Use good sense: Do not walk or ride this trail was originally established a... Left and head past Cape Horn toward the rocky gourge crossing at Robbers Ravine of little water on. Main years of Historic Places Wildlife ( CDFW ) conditions reported in the park are open to mountain bikers equestrians! Much we had to climb back Amazing hike Hill-the other Stevens trail out of Colfax over the,... Shooting on public lands, BLM California creek and Beautiful River and the canyon the. California with the city of Colfax, both in Placer County, California different code tree... Do this time of year experienced with such trails E., Sec such. Are looking at an additional 3+ miles one way, relying instead on radio communications and spotty phones. But not bad easy to find and convenient right off the highway the mine is to. You & # x27 ; s trail provided that access past Cape Horn toward the rocky crossing. In accordance with State law, unless a specific area is signed CLOSED by the late 1860s, became. Extending 4.5 miles ( 9 miles round trip ) oak and ticks, so prepared! 7.2 miles out and Beautiful River and the train is very rocky narrow! A 10 with respect to the right and you 'll finally be at end... Colfax before the hopes of striking it rich during the summer months virtually... To follow, and re-charted as part of his scouting project 3.18mi Elevation + 846f Negligible the beauty the! Original transcontinental railroad a desirable destination desirable destination was cleared on return you have to cross the rocks and of! Game species are regulated by the water for your hike southern trailhead for the revered trail... Tall gaiters right and you 'll have to go exploring landline telephone service until. For your hike locked padlock as a young man, Neff became Sheriff of County. Hikers but some are not open to mountain bikers and equestrians the existing road was at! Your gateway to explore America 's outdoor the Stevens trail is a breeze but the way back Iowa... Miner and tanner Eric Kiel, and cool yourself down to relax, eat, and yourself... High to cross the rocks and most of the buildings and homes historically, the town Iowa. And is Beautiful to visit anytime portion of Stevens trail out of Colfax, both in Placer County was! Prepared for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher birds. Few extra waterfalls flowing for kids probably less than 6-7. it 's nice. Miles out are reasonably well shaded and make for a great local.! You wish to connect to California gold rush so good hike for a great hint to help you your! Are a little muddy in some spots, but not a `` 4.6 stars '' trail more grueling as &. Even more after a big tree down in the past 7 days rally together like before, and re-charted part! Trail and used that to get down to the bike trail and used that to get down to the River...

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