Cardiac Hill is a 4.4 mile loop trail located near Auburn, California that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and bird watching. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Note: As of September 10, 2020 users have reported that the toll to get in at the top of the hill is closed so you’ll have to walk down/up for a while. Please be aware of the self registration fee of $10 for parking/day use. The hike starts off flat along a connector path by a drainage canal before a steep descent to the river in a series of cutbacks. The river views at the bottom are worth it and there is a picnic table. It’s easy to go along the rocks to the rivers edge. The hike back up is a bit of a scramble, especially if it’s rained recently. It's a great workout. This trail lives up to its name in getting your heart rate up! If you bring your dog, be aware that they will need to be somewhat agile.
February 28, 2021February 28, 2021Short trail but a great workout.It’s best to do this hike super early.Amazing view of the river.The trail is well maintained.
February 27, 2021Tough on the way back up but not too long. great views of the river
February 26, 2021
February 23, 2021February 23, 2021February 20, 2021Trail is steep, muddy and gritty. Bathrooms at beginning and middle. I ended up taking the alternate trail back and it was a deer trail through blackberries. It was still nice though.
February 16, 2021February 15, 2021We did the trail on the way down, steep! We opted for the road on the way back because it is a very narrow trail and nobody wore masks as they huffed and puffed in your face passing on the trail. The river was beautiful.
February 10, 2021About 1.5 mile hike down, so remember have to climb that back up. Before you go down the hill next to the water canal is a beautiful cave you can go in and find a geocache. Very clean. Water is BEAUTIFUL. Very worth it!
February 9, 2021Beautiful scenery, specifically the river. Great workout, especially the uphill hike back. Not to mention, the hike back up from the river, gets the heart pumping. Would’ve given 5 stars, but poor signage.
February 7, 2021February 4, 2021Did the loop down the road and up to the canal. Nice hike overall. Right before the canal feels like your in a backyard but you can still see a trail in the grass if you look.
February 1, 2021The trail was amazing and good to work out! Moreover, I decided to do the loop to add more miles but the trail took me to someone’s back yard. According to the map it should have connected to the cardiac trail. Be careful.
January 30, 2021Loved it...mostly around water. People were friendly and respectful too. Will definitely come back.
January 26, 2021A little overgrown with sharp blackberries in places and very steep in one part but beautiful views of the American River
January 26, 2021Definitely worth it!
January 24, 2021Great hike to beautiful river spots and back. Cardiac trail is a little steep, but if you get tired, you can take the Cardiac bypass which is a little longer but not a straight shot up.
January 24, 2021Great hike for a workout and trio down to the river. There is lot parking for a fee, but plenty of free parking along the street. Never know what you'll see on this trail. Today I saw both a golden eagle and a bobcat. The first mile of the hike is relatively flat and then the second mile is all downhill along a bunch of switchbacks until you reach the river. The hike back to the parking area is along the same path.
January 24, 2021Great hike but most people are not wearing masks with fairly heavy foot traffic on the trail.
January 18, 2021Nice easy trail. Go early where it’s nice and cool and not too crowded.
January 17, 2021Hiked this yesterday 1/16. Beautiful day mid 60s. Definitely gets the heart pumping but doable. Could be brutal in the heat. Heard there were ticks out there but you should be okay if you stay on the trail.
January 16, 2021January 16, 2021January 11, 2021There are ticks in this trail so be safe
January 11, 2021Hiked this on 1/10. Very well maintained trail with great views of the American Canyon. I clocked in about 4.3 miles round trip down to the river and back but don't let that fool you - the hike down is a breeze, but the haul back up will definitely get your heart pumping for sure! Feel free to follow my Instagram account for more dope hiking content! @sertanusanmaz
January 9, 2021The incline at the end can get tough, but definitely a nice workout.
January 9, 2021
