Rim Trail
Stretching from Chute Hill Campground and connecting on its west end at the North Bloomfield Road, the trail lopes above the Diggins above its northerly and easterly rim lying within the heart of Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park.
...trail lopes above the Diggins above its northerly and easterly rim...
...enjoy this trail as a pleasant place for exercise.
DESCRIPTION:
2.8 miles, moderate, elevations: 3400’-3200’, 1½ hours.
But, the best view of the basin is from the Diggins Overlook on the southwestern corner of the campground. Along the Rim Trail, returning, young trees and manzanita have blocked all the vistas but one. And even it is bit of a scramble to drop down to the rim.
So enjoy this trail as a pleasant place for exercise. However, mountain biking is permitted and can be tied into loops using the park roads.
The giant bowl of washed-away-mountainside was created about 150 years ago during hydrologic mining that occurred after the Gold Rush. Now it is eerily scenic. But this is history still in living color after 150 years. Some of it seems like it was created only yesterday.
Combine this trail with Diggins Loop Trail for maximum effect as it offers the best opportunity to view the Diggins..
If you don’t want to return the way you came and want more exercise then make a full loop (total 5.8 miles) by following the North Bloomfield Road east back to North Bloomfield. Then use the Church Trail and climb up the Slaughterhouse Trail to return to the campground.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3400’-3200’ |
|
DIRECTIONS:
To Rim Trail
Eastern trailhead: Chute Hill Campground Road south of Group Campground. Western trailhead: 3 miles west of town site via North Bloomfield Road on western edge of Diggins.
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking: Dayhikes (Rating: Good)
A good opportunity to work off a large breakfast of flapjacks. But if you combine it with the Diggins Loop Trail, you’ll enjoy the ultimate visit to the Diggins.
Historic Sites (Rating: Exceptional)
This is the site of historically the largest and richest hydraulic gold mine in the world. The mine, which consisted of an open pit over a mile long and reportedly 600 feet deep, was closed down in 1884 by a court decision. Today the Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park offers unique hiking and outdoor opportunities unparalleled anywhere else.
Much of the town of North Bloomfield remains and offers a glimpse of the life of the miners in the mid-1800s. The park offers guided walking tours of the reconstructed dwellings and businesses. Nice museum. Hours reduced in winter. Call ahead: phone (530) 265-2740.
