Stagecoach Trail Modified
Tuesday December 17, 2013

DIFICULTY: MODERATE and at an easy pace

ELEVATION GAIN: 700 feet

HIKE DISTANCE: 6 miles

GENERAL LOCATION: Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA) - near the town of Auburn. We will park at the ASRA office.

DESCRIPTION: This hike combines a number of trails along the North Fork of the American River. We start near the ASRA Park Headquarters and descend to the Western States trail, which we follow to the Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge (a.k.a. "No Hands Bridge") at the confluence of the North Fork and Middle Fork. This trail partially follows the old railroad right-of-way that led from the old Mountain Quarry on the Middle Fork to the main railhead in Auburn. We can see evidence of the railroad artifacts, such as old bridge abutments. From there we precede uphill to the Stagecoach Trail. The Stagecoach Trail was once the main artery between Auburn and the gold mining settlements of Yankee Jim and Iowa Hill. From this trail we intersect the Manzanita Trail, and return to our starting point.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: Distance is about 15 miles and 1/2 hour to the trailhead. Return time to Lincoln about 3:00 pm. A donation of $3 is suggested for riders.

PREPARATION FOR HIKE:

1) IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE HIKING

2) Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), Health Card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you when you hike.

3) Always bring 2 pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike. DO NOT get your driver's car dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive home.

4) Bring lunch and water. We will lunch on the trail. Hiking poles are always recommended.

QUESTIONS: Call Scott Thompson  at  543-8215

MEETING TIME: 9:00, leave at 9:15

RAIN or MUD CANCELS THE HIKE:   BE SURE TO CHECK THE WEBSITE THE MORNING OF THE HIKE TO DETERMINE STATUS OF THE HIKE.