El Dorado Trail at Mosquito Flat Rd.
Thursday, May 18
Warning - it will be hot - bring plenty of water
DIFFICULTY: easy/moderate (due to a gradual, 2 mile uphill climb)
HIKE DISTANCE: 6 miles
GENERAL LOCATION: Trailhead at Placerville Center Transfer Station on Mosquito Rd, east of downtown Placerville
DESCRIPTION: This
is a “rails-to-trails” hike on a paved surface over what used to be a
railroad track. Pines and oaks line most of the trail that begins
at about 2200’ elevation. The hike passes through Smith Flat, and
we will continue until it reaches a pedestrian bridge that crosses over
Hwy 50. At that point we will turn around and return to our cars.
TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE/DONATION: 1 hour drive each way, 100 miles round-trip. Suggested donation to driver - $9.
HIKE LEADER/SWEEP: Tess Devenish/TBD
FACILITIES AVAILABLE: Restrooms in parking lot
PREPARATION FOR HIKE: Bring plenty of water, a hat for unshaded areas, and a snack.
RISKS: Stay
alert for cyclists and walk on the left side of the path. One
side street has no sidewalk. Take extra care with 2 street
crossings that have no stop signs for cars.
SPECIAL NOTE: On
the pre-hike on 5/8/23, heavy construction equipment was being used to
install new sidewalks and a new parking lot adjacent to the current lot
where we will park. Hopefully by the time we hike on 5/18/23,
much of this construction work will be completed. Please use
extra caution when driving and walking in the area.
QUESTIONS: Hike leader contact number, 530-957-5106
MEETING TIME: 8:15 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. departure time. Meet at OC parking lot, aisle 14, near the back of the fitness building.
Return time, 1:30 p.m.
The return time will be different for those carpools who decide to stay in town for lunch. Main
Street has several restaurants. Some well-liked restaurants
include Sweetie Pies, The Independent, and the Hey Day Cafe. You
may enjoy exploring Main Street which has the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi.
**Huckleberry shakes were available at the Old Town Grill.**
PREHIKE PHOTOS DRIVING DIRECTIONS
|
