Stevens Trail in Colfax, CA

The 7.5-9 mile round trip on historic Stevens Trail is conveniently located near Colfax off I-80.  It is well maintained, offers excellent canyon views, and is lavishly adorned with wildflowers in the spring! 

Parking is provided, and there is a bathroom at the trailhead.

As noted,  it is a 9 mile round trip, so well suited for a whole day hike.  You will hike down about 1200 feet and back up on your return.

After weaving through the shady woods, the trail opens out onto this old roadway.



You will soon find more wide woody sections.



Some sections are lush and lined with shrubby, riparian, wildflower dotted and narrow trail.  It is easy to follow though. 

As things get more of the western exposure, they dry up considerably, making it best to start your hike before the heat has set in.

This wonderful stream crosses the trail.  No wet feet necessary; rocks are there to step across.  Carry water in since this is not acceptable drinking water.

 There is poison oak and there are also cougar warnings.  Best hiked in groups making some noise to avoid surprising wildlife.  Keep kids close to adults.

At last, views of the length of the canyon open up.



Along this section, some turn back for fear of heights!  The trail is almost flat
but spooky views aren't for the faint of heart!



Far below is the river, your destination. 
The openness of the views can bring on vertigo!  (Chuckle)



Stevens Trail wildflowers are colorful distractions!

I started out a bit late in the day, and it gets HOT along the canyon walls.

On your return, it is a pleasure to re-enter the riparian, moist cool woods.

I found some great information for my hike at MVTA.

• From I80, take the Canyon Way exit at Colfax and follow the frontage road east (to your left), alongside the freeway.  It will take you to the parking.
• Do not park on the roadway please.  Use the provided parking for the trail.  The restroom is in the parking lot.
• Again, take water and snacks.  Try to arrive early for parking and a cool hike.  Leave your plans with someone at home and allow enough time to hike out before sunset.





For a fabulous set of GPS tracks you can send to your iPhone, and a detailed description of the trail, go to Everytrail.
For more trail reviews by Peachy Hiker:   Trails by Location
HAPPY TRAILS!

 

 



Windy Point Wildflowers

Foothill Hikers
Together with experts in geology and botany, we hiked the Windy Point trail, this time, really taking close looks at the wildflowers, and I played with macro shooting.  

Length: 2.8 miles one way

Difficulty:  We have seen people turn back because the steep hill on the lower side of the trail with the view to the river scares them.  I'll call it difficult for that reason and there is creek crossing involved.

Driving Directions: Out of Colfax, CA off of Highway 80, take Iowa Hill Road to the trail head .  Parking is on the right where there is a small TH sign and parking is a decent pull out area.

Redbud

This small flower is part of the sunflower family, and if you magnify the photo you will see the center is composed of a ring of TINY flowers of 5 flower petals each. There are smaller "bumps' in the center which are just the tiny flowers waiting to bloom.  The long petals easily seen are called "ray flowers".  I never knew!

I heard this called a star flower...maybe a "blazing star"?  I'm not convinced although it has star-like qualities!

This is another variety of lupines.

Meet our old friend the monkey flower!  Didn't you love these when you were a kid?

The hillside was covered in mostly yellow blooms, but if we come back in a couple of weeks, it may be yellow but it will consist of other varieties of plants in bloom!

Our downhill view across the trail into the river canyon...no wonder we were warned to keep our eyes on the trail, even while we investigated flora along the way!  This is where less experienced hikers turn back.

In California we often think everything similar to this is a California Poppy, but this doesn't have a pink disc at the underside base, and the blooms are smaller.

I caught a glimpse of this kayak-er, in an opportune moment, making his way down the river. He's the first one I saw this year riding through the whitewater.

Foothill Hikers listening intently to one of our experts while breaking in the shade.  I couldn't hear him and focused on getting more macro shots, making my time productive!

The Experts enjoying a break at the river.

These reportedly provide large amounts of nectar.  So many diners to choose from with cluster flowers!

My own favorite lupine shot!  The sun was hanging in the perfect angle 

to glow through the vibrant purple petals.

This plant has extremely tiny leaves and flower petals so I am happy to give Nikon bragging rights for the S8100v1.0.  Once you get the hang of it, and take the time to achieve the lighting and focus area you desire, there are details beyond what you can see in person, but discover when you get home. Use you computer to zoom even closer!  It also has a wider lense than previous models which is helpful for canyon or panoramic shots.

I heard these referred to as popcorn flowers but they resemble pussytoes in my book, The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada.  I am waiting for the Native Plant Society book for identifying wildflowers in Nevada and Plumas Counties.  I will keep you posted.

A Sierra newt in hiding at the creek we crossed to get to the river.

Brown Bells of the lilac family.

With this shot zoomed, you can find the purple spots the blooms are known for.

Penstemon varieties.

Tiny little things as you can see by the finger size!

In a couple of weeks we will see hatched monarch eggs which are laid on the underside of these leaves!

Kayakers floating leisurely by before the next small whitewater challenge.

For more information about this hike and directions, 

go to http://members.psyber.com/

asra//tgwind.pdf.  

or join Sierra Foothill Hikers.

This group is dynamic and has something for everyone. Of all the hiking clubs I have joined and left, none had the number of hikers allowed on a trip limited so groups are small and a new person doesn't get lost in a crowd.  It also makes a hiking experience a truly peaceful, pleasurable and pressureless event!  Pausing for photos or rest aren't frowned upon, and you won't get lost!  Dogs are included whenever possible. Whatever length, and difficulty level you are ready for, hikes at a variety of times of day for invigorating adventures 

with a group of friendly, supportive, outdoorsy people are the norm.  Meetup also invites you to other organizations' events that can enrich your knowledge and 

outdoor opportunities including:

  Auburn Recreation District , 

California Native Plant Society , 
Sierra Club Motherlode Chapter 

REI trainings and events, and more!

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