Stevens Trail

Stevens Trail starts a half mile from Main Street and drops into the North Fork American River canyon — a historic toll road once used by miners between Colfax and Iowa Hill, still carrying hikers along the same route today.

Know before you start: This isn’t a casual stroll. It’s 7.7 miles round trip with about 1,275 feet of elevation gain, rated Intermediate/Difficult. The trail heads downhill toward the river first, which feels easy — but it means the entire way back is uphill, with a stretch as steep as 22% grade. Bring more water than you think you need, especially in summer, when the upper sections sit fully exposed to the sun.

Along the way: a creek crossing around three-quarters of a mile in, seasonal waterfalls, and the remains of an old hard-rock mine near 1.75 miles — worth a look, not worth going inside. The trail ends down at the river near the Colfax–Iowa Hill Bridge, a good turnaround point or a spot to rest before the climb back.

Dogs are welcome, leashed. The trail is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and sits within a designated Wild River corridor, so pack out what you bring in.

Find out more about the trail >>