27 |
STEVENS |
DISTANCE: 3.0 miles round-trip
HIKING TIME: 1.5 hours
SEASON: year-round
DIFFICULTY: moderate
This trail tunnels through a mixed forest graced by wildflowers, crosses streams, and travels to a pleasant waterfall. Don’t hike here midday in summertime, and try to time your trip between October and early June. In summer, this area is uncomfortably hot and dry.
Ten minutes from the trailhead, you descend into the canyon and escape the noise of the interstate. The path cuts through tranquil woodland. Spring brings plentiful flowers, including poppies, lupine, buckeyes, and monkeyflower.
Stevens Creek Trail is well signed, fortunately, as you’ll need to negotiate a few turns. Occasionally the route follows a narrow woodland path; other times it traces along dirt roads. Pay attention to trail signs as you travel. At the 1.4-mile point, the trail splits and a sign states that bikers and equestrians must head right, but hikers should bear left to see the waterfalls on Robbers Ravine. Several boisterous cascades are hidden a few yards off the trail (follow the obvious spur). You’ll find plenty of cool, shallow pools to dunk your feet in. Turn around here for a 3-mile round-trip, or follow the path sfor up to 2.5 more miles, descending all the way to the North Fork of the American River.
From Sacramento, drive east on I-80 for approximately 50 miles to Colfax. Take the Colfax exit, turn left at the stop sign, and drive east on the frontage road (North Canyon Way) for 0.7 mile to the trailhead. The trail and parking area are clearly marked.
