Greenvalley Trail
DESCRIPTION:
No motorized vehicles.
Steep, but decent trail with many switchbacks, few intriguing views through the forest, but you are just upriver from the beginning of the spectacular Giant Gap. There are limited options at the bottom without encroaching on private land. If you ford the river, short non-maintained segments lead up and down to private properties. The river won’t be crowded; best camping sites are on private property. But you’ll want to linger for any reason to rest up your legs before starting back up to the canyon rim.
The access road is narrow and brushy to the point that if you’re driving a newer vehicle with a good paint job, you might not want to risk scratching your vehicle. Since the last little bit is steep and rough, low clearance vehicles might want to stop at the 5-way junction.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 4020’-1780’ | Note: the Elliot Ranch Road continues for about 3.4 miles to Doer Ranch Road. This connection is not signed well, and it is easy to get on a wrong road. Plus, it is narrow and brushy to the point that the connection should be avoided unless you have the appropriate vehicle and savvy. In short, I’d avoid the shortcut and go around. |
DIRECTIONS:
To Greenvalley Trail
Topographic Map: Dutch Flat.
Drive 7 miles east to Sugar Pine Road #10 (E on North Fork American River East Map). Turn left (north) and follow 5 miles to Sugar Pine Reservoir. Continue past the dam for 1 mile and turn right on Elliot Ranch Road #26 that is signed "Sugar Pine Mitigation Area." It begins 100' past the paved road into "Sugar Pine Reservoir Recreation Area."
Trailhead is 2.4 miles northeast on this dirt road. Continue by the spur road #26-16 that intersects about 1 mile as you continue east. At 2.2 miles, head straight through the five way road junction and follow the signs for another 0.2 mile to the designated parking.
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Good)
