Stevens Trail is a 9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Colfax, California that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
dog friendly
hiking
mountain biking
nature trips
walking
bird watching
running
cave
river
views
waterfall
wild flowers
wildlife
no shade
Stevens 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 boy scout, Eric Kiel, and re-charted as part of his scouting project. Today it is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. Please do not attempt in extreme heat and be wary of the hot ground on your dog's paws. Bring water.
This trail is cool, lots of other hikers. The sad part was there was a lot of dog poop on the trail. Please clean up after your dog. Great views, tail only muddy in the beginning, you can hear freeway the first mile
This is an amazing hike, it was perfect for what we were looking for! Had a bunch of beautiful views
Sean de Guzman recorded Stevens Trail
Great hike with gorgeous views of the North Fork of the American River. I went in mid January, and the ladybugs were all over the tree right after you cross the confluence of Secret Ravine and the NF American River. Make sure you conserve enough energy because it’s uphill the entire way back. There are some parts of the trail that get fairly narrow, so I wouldn’t recommend this with younger children. There were about 15-20 other people on the trail, but I don’t think everyone makes it all the way down to the water.
Dominique M.
Absolutely LOVED this trail! Pictures don’t do it justice. It is more challenging in some areas but the views are incredible. Definitely hike on this trail!!
absolutely my favorite hike thus far. beautiful, I couldn't stop taking pictures. and at the end we found millions of ladybugs.
My favorite hike to date! I attempted this hike twice within a months time and the experience both times was amazing. The first time there was snow... so the beginning of the hike was covered in the most beautiful green moss. It was like walking into a fairy tale. The second time it was entirely different experience but equally as amazing. The views on this hike continued throughout which easily made this one of my favorites. If you get to the end during the winter months make sure to experience the lady bugs as they hibernate everywhere. Lastly, I wouldn’t recommend this hike for small children and or small dogs. ↟
By far my favorite trail in Tahoe National Forest! Great scenery all throughout and finishes off at the beautiful American River. If you can make it all to the end during the winter time, you’ll be able to see thousands of ladybugs burrowing. WARNING: It’s mostly downhill on the way there, so it’s mostly UPHILL on the way back! Trust me, the work is very much worth it. Bring water and snacks.
Beautiful trail all downhill going in and long uphill in return. It gets hit in summer and need a lot of water for return. nice swiming spot at the end. in the way back you can rest a d cool off in old mine shaft half say.
Logan Hanley recorded Stevens Trail
Bring some water boots and make sure to go all the way to the river. The hike down is easy but the hike back is mostly uphill. Totally worth it though.
Great trail. Stay left as you begin there’s a metal post labeled “trail” with an arrow. It begins to go up. The trail has narrow areas, however so many kind people allowed to pass. I saw lots of people with their companions. : ) Parking is limited. No fees. Great views, small cave. The trail is marked with metal posts. Some muddy areas. May be slippery.
The trail itself is easy to follow thanks to some signs to direct you one on the right path. Difficulty level is a low moderate hike. Yes, heading out is mostly downhill. And yes the way back is mostly uphill, however not extremely steep. Definitely broke a sweat on this 60° day on my way back. Bugs do swarm so keep moving if possible. The views are amazing as you’re looking down on the American River. Noticed some fire rings and some “abandoned” camps off trail.
Elizabeth Vo recorded Stevens Trail
It was a dope trail. The end was definitely not a trail, just rocks, but very beautiful
Tori Shepard recorded Stevens Trail
Great trail, especially in the fall with all the changing colors. The trail is on the side of the mountain and the lookout at the bend is incredible. Tons of dogs!!! Be sure to bring lots of water.
moderate,no shade,good workout..
