COLOMA - MONROE RIDGE TRAIL

Thursday, March 11, 2010

DIFFICULTY: Relatively Easy

ELEVATION GAIN: Switchbacks at beginning of hike climb a few hundred feet

HIKE DISTANCE: 2.8 mile loop

GENERAL LOCATION: Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park on Highway 49 in the Town of Coloma - south of Auburn.

DESCRIPTION: Spend a day in Coloma! We will hike on the Monroe Ridge Trail and visit the James Marshall Monument and historic sites. Then on to the Gold Discovery Museum and a visit to the outdoor exhibits like Miners Cabin, Man Lee Mining exhibit and Wah Hop Store. We will lunch in the area and on the way back to the parking lot we pass by the sawmill replica and the spot where James Marshall discovered gold.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: Approximately 33 miles one way. A $6 contribution to the driver is requested. There is also a $6 parking fee per auto unless you have a California State Park pass or foundation tickets.  The $6 contribution includes the parking fee.  We will plan return to Lincoln Hills before 3 PM.

HIKE LEADER / SWEEP: Vern Luke / TBD

SPECIAL NOTES:

      FACILITIES AVAILABLE: Public facilities available at the Museum and parking lot.

      PREPARATION FOR HIKE: Hiking boots recommended and an extra pair of shoes for the return journey. Bring water, hat, poles, etc. and bring lunch although a quaint little restaurant might be open.

QUESTIONS: Call Vern Luke, 253.3711

MEETING TIME: 8:45AM – leave at 9:00 AM.

RAIN CANCELS HIKE

 DIRECTIONS:  Drive your favorite way to I-80 East.  Go past the Highway 49 (Grass Valley/Placerville) exit in Auburn and proceed to the next exit which is Elm Street.  Upon exiting, move left and turn left at the traffic light.  Go down the hill to the stop light on Elm Street and turn left onto High Street (CA 49) and follow CA 49 down into the canyon.  At the confluence bridge, turn right toward Cool, Coloma and Placerville.  Proceed through Pilot Hill to Coloma.  After entering Coloma, take the first parking lot on the left and go to the far end and park.  The driver will need to remit the funds and post the receipt on the dash.