Stevens Trail is a 7.7 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Colfax, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
Stevens Trail has little shade and can become dangerous during the summer months. Please do not attempt in extreme heat and be wary of the hot ground on your dog's paws. Be sure to bring lots of water for your hike. Note that the climb comes at the end of this hike. This trail is very scenic and rich in history - it is also on the National Register of Historic places. 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. The trail was forgotten but then rediscovered in 1969 by a boyscout, Eric Kiel, and re-charted as part of his scouting project. Today it is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management.
U.S. Bureau of Land Management - Stevens Trail http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/folsom/stevenstrail.html
Don't miss the lady bugs at Secret Ravine if you hike this trail during the winter.
From Sacramento, take Interstate 80 east and exit at North Canyon Way (exit 135) at Colfax. Turn left on North Canyon Way, which parallels the freeway, and after a short distance you'll see the parking area sign on the left side saying Stevens Trail. On the opposite side of the parking area from the restroom, you'll see a sign marking the trail. It says 4.5 miles (9 miles round trip).
April 12, 2021one of my most favorite trails in the spring with a great workout coming up and out!
April 12, 2021Beautiful wildflowers in bloom, great views, and nice turnaround point at the river. The hike back up is strenuous so being enough water! Lots of sun too.
April 12, 2021The trail is so beautiful. This trail was my very first hike ever and I must say even tho this trail has a gorgeous view and it has killer uphills which was very challenging to come back up to the car after almost making all the way down the the water I turned back because it was too much for me to keep going and still have to return to the car I seen people running and jogging up and down the trail props to them hopefully one day I can enjoy the full on hike
April 11, 2021This trail is a beautiful one if you want to look at wildflowers. The trail is mostly in the sun, and is really easy going, but what goes down must come up. This trail is no joke returning to your car. I will say the people on the trail are very nice.
April 11, 2021Is mountain biking allowed ?
April 10, 2021Wonderful trail, shaded well for most of it, one or two sunny areas. Work coming back up but not too bad. Waterfall you can touch, a cool cave, wildflowers and amazing views.
April 10, 2021Great and a good a$$ challenge
April 10, 2021So beautiful!
April 10, 2021Much harder, rockier, steep than expected but absolutely beautiful and rewarding with the wildflowers too!
April 10, 2021Trail was great! Very beautiful. Don’t stop, make it to the water. FYI upon returning home we read a dog was found to have 20 ticks Jan 2021 after doing this trail. We got home to find a tick on our dog. Please be careful with your dogs!!!!!!!! If you do this trail please check your dog with a fine tooth comb multiple times
April 7, 2021lots of people, other than that it was amazing, good Cardio trail
April 6, 2021Beautiful trail. Got to trailhead right after sunrise Easter morning. Parking not a problem but lot was full with overflow once we got back. You hike down to the river (if you are afraid of heights do not do this hike) and then 2nd half of hike is all the way back up. Excellent workout. Was peaceful in the morning but many more hikers later in the morning. Many dogs off leash which on a narrow trail up high is not respectful at all. Would definitely recommend this hike otherwise. Beautiful views.
April 5, 2021Really fun trail! Great local day hike for sure. I would also overnight this! Incline is on the way back and def creeps up as the sun is beating. No shade. Great water sources along the way for dogs and humans alike. Def saw a few heavy spots of poison oak as well. River is great for lunch. Wasn't bad with traffic for a Monday but I can see this getting packed and the trail is narrow. The wild flowers were amazing!
April 4, 2021Beautiful hike. Lots of narrow paths and includes! Great workout and totally worth it.
April 4, 2021pretty. too many people. little pay off
April 4, 2021Amazing views! This was an awesome trail but not for the faint of heart. I went at 8am on Easter Sunday to take advantage of the cool weather and lack of crowds.
April 4, 2021Gorgeous views of the river winding around the mountains. Lovely trail run with only a handful of polite folks at 5pm. I recommend going early in the morning or late afternoon for the cooler temperatures. I wasn’t a huge fan of going downhill then uphill, but the views made up for it. There were so many golden poppies and wild purple flowers along the mountain side. When in doubt going downhill, stay to the left (unless you see the wooden teepee, then make a right). The trail narrows, so passing by one another is a little difficult, especially when you’re on the edge. My husky found a couple of streams along the way to drink from and dip her paws in.
April 3, 2021Not much of shade and the trail is very narrow. Beautiful views that will make you feel like you are walking on the edges. If you are afraid of heights, I wouldn’t recommend. Also, saw a snake laying on the middle of trail so be wary where you are stepping!
April 3, 2021April 3, 2021I agree with most of the comments. Beautiful views and great in the morning, just too busy
March 31, 2021The trail is stunning. The only reason why I wouldn’t do rate it 5 stars is only because it is HEAVILY trafficked. Other than that, great hike. Also covered in poison oak. Wouldn’t recommend if you are allergic to it
March 28, 2021One of my favorite trails in this area. Beautiful views, clear path, moderately challenging at times, water, wildflowers, and mountain vistas...and the history is cool too! As of 3.28 the wildflowers were still in full bloom, which meant entire mountainsides of California Poppies. In total, I hiked about 9 miles round trip, but I had to park pretty far out. The trek to the river is fairly easy and straightforward - there is one tricky part where you cross a stream on a ledge - but it's in full sun, so definitely bring water. Even on a mild day it can get hot. The way back is when you truly realize the gradual descent you took on your way in. About 1.5 miles from the lot I was ready for a break (luckily that's exactly where the waterfall is!). Take your time to enjoy the river before heading back. Pro tip: grab tacos or pizza in Colfax after you're done - both are excellent!
March 28, 2021I’m a fairly new at hiking and this trail was definitely pretty hard for my husband and I. Just be warned the whole way back is all inclined. Other than that it was absolutely worth it and beautiful! Definitely recommend.
March 28, 2021Beautiful hike. Wildflowers are blooming and waterfalls are flowing. Bring lots of water and sunscreen not a lot of shade.
March 28, 2021This trail is GORGEOUS! The views are amazing! I would recommend this trail over and over again. I wouldn’t do this trail in the middle of a hot day, lots of the trail is unshaded. Also there is a lot of poison oak at the front of the trail. If you’re like me and highly allergic I recommend wearing trail or yoga pants.
