Euchre Bar Trail
DESCRIPTION:
No motorized vehicles.
From I-80 and the north, Euchre Bar Trail offers the quickest (1.5 miles) and somewhat easy descent to the river -- compared to other trails into the North Fork American River canyon.
That’s not much to brag about. But, Euchre offers three advantages over any of the nine access trails: (1) a footbridge across the river once you get to the bottom; (2) it is the only trail down to the Wild River Segment that can be easily reached year-round; and (3) a canyon rim-to-rim opportunity climbing out via historic Dorer Ranch Road (no motorized vehicles) to the Foresthill side (south side) of the canyon.
Before heading into the canyon, pause first to look into the dramatic reaches of Giant Gap downriver. The awesome gap is especially nice at sunset. The best view is seen by hiking out the 4WD road to the right just before the parking area. This view alone is worth a Sunday drive, a picnic, a bottle of wine, especially with a sweetie alongside . . . .
Then the challenge begins. The trail mileage (2.4) ends at the junction trail up to Dorer Ranch while the bridge/river is located closer at 1.5 miles. Remember climbing back out the Euchre Bar Trail is far from easy, just better than most other trails. Fish, camp, swim, gold pan, take photographs -- do anything to linger awhile and enjoy!
Fishing: numerous 10"-14" trout plus some larger rainbow and Browns.
Dedicated, experienced -- really experienced -- whitewater enthusiasts drag boats down to the canyon where they can then float to Iowa Hill Road or below. This is the fun way out of the canyon! (See Giant Gap Whitewater Run).
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3560’-1900’-2080’ | Option for the hearty hiker who enjoys a challenge -- especially in the off-seasons: Rim-to-rim hiking (or horseback, but steep, there is poor footing on the Euchre Bar Trail) is available and is the only trail/road system that permits this with a bridge crossing in the Wild River segment. It is accessible for most of the year. But don’t do a rim-to-rim hike unless you arranged transportation on the other side, and it’s a long shuttle drive so plan accordingly. Remember also, the access road on the south rim can be snowed in during the heart of winter. See Dorer Ranch Road. |
DIRECTIONS:
To Euchre Bar Trail
Topographic Maps: Dutch Flat, Westville.
From the Alta Exit off I-80, follow the Casa Loma Road south and east paralleling I-80. After one mile the road veers right -- in 2002 the intersection was designated only with a small "Euchre Bar Trail" sign. The road quickly crosses a one-lane bridge and railroad tracks in about 0.5 mile. Pavement ends at 1.9 miles at a stop sign.
Cross the railroad tracks to the right and follow the narrow, curvy, gravel road for 0.7 mile and veer left at the forks for another 0.6 mile to the signed parking area with a toilet. The trail drops down the steep 4WD road to the left for about 500’ then dives down all by itself toward the river.
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Best)
This is the only chance to hike down into the Wild River canyon and cross the river while still keeping your boots dry. This is the only hiking bridge along the long length of the Wild River.
Fishing (Rating: Good)
This is one of the best ways to drop into the wild canyon and reach the good fishing. Nearly 4 miles of hiking trail parallels the river and eases the access.
See Fishing the North Fork American River: Sailor Flat Trail to Euchre Bar Trail.
