Stevens Trail is a 9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Colfax, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. 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.
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..
First: if you plan to go all the way out and back, I’m not your reviewer. We did 3 miles of this trail. First- it is pretty shaded and was great on a 75 degree day! Second- read the other reviews and take heed. You are descending mostly the whole way into the canyon and then ascending on the way out. Oof! Worth it but be prepared and save your energy/ plan your time to get back out. Third- road noise. Pretty close to the road at first. Very wide trail. Lots of traffic. We enjoyed the boulders and springs. Scenic. Definitely moderate. Lots of insects/ gnats/ mosquitos.
kent geller recorded Stevens Trail
Great trail, on a great day, temp about 80. Views were worth it.
Really nice trail / no real obstructions. We took a right at the fork leading to the river. Downhill there - not too much to worry about . The way back - all up hill. A tad hard. Ensure you bring lots of water !! Wear proper hiking shoes. No need to go on hot days - majority of the trail - feels like the surface of the sun
I can’t get enough! My fav trail for hiking and running. Beyond gorgeous!
Beautiful trail that goes down to the river.
Patrick Bradley recorded Stevens Trail
It’s steep
Love the hike/run. This is my 2nd trip & plan on going again. Enjoyed all the views and the amazing swimming hole. It is everything you would expect from hiking (bugs, sun, vegetation).
Other than the bugs here and there, beautiful hike! Gorgeous river!
Kevan Young recorded Stevens Trail
Decent trail, nice swimming hole.
Jamie G.
This was a great little hike but if hiking with your dog beware the afternoon heat! Parts of the trail have full sun exposure all day and the ground and rocks get really hot.
Beautiful trail! Swimming at the bottom was worth the challenging climb back up the canyon!
Jennifer M.
Trail gets a little skinny/washed out on a very steep section on your decent to the river. Encountered a big coiled up, mad rattle snake right on the trail one of the days and had to wait for it to move (40 mins) because the poison oak was so thick on each side to go around. Other than that it’s a nice trail. Bring water, bug spray and sunscreen.
great trail to lovely spot on North Fork and hard work back up the canyon
Hiked last week and is gorgeous. Didn’t make it down to the river but will next time! Hard uphill trek back to car but well worth it. Must have lost 5lbs.
great hike, nice views. Down to the river is nice, back up is a workout... will definitely do this again
Great trail for experienced hikers not for beginers. Bring lots of water. Dont go on a hot day (lesson learned). will return to this hike again soon.
We went when it was super hot and it was nothing special. Long unshaded stretches with some decent views.
it was such a beautiful hike, but I was not as prepared for the incline in the heat on the way back. was still worth the 4 hours!!
