A great hiking trail that isn't to extreme. There are some steeper sections but nothing to difficult and a majority of the trail is relatively easy. The second half of the trail follows the canyon down towards the American River and offers some amazing views of the riber as it snakes through the canyon. An awesome trail overall and well worth a visit.

Absolutely breathtaking! This was a challenging hike as it is 4.5 miles down and 4.5 miles UP, however it is so worth it! There is very little shade after the first quarter mile so be prepared if it is a sunny day! This is absolutely one of the most beautiful areas I have experienced recently. There are no places to rest until you get to the end of the 4.5 miles but you can sit next to the running water of the American River when you do get to that end and have lunch or get wet to cool off. All people I encountered were friendly and helpful as it was my first visit. They have a stationary Porta potty at the trail head and a small parking lot. We had to park along the side of the road and walk a short distance but had no issue with parking at all.

Super beautiful hike. It's long and mostly downhill to get to the river. Bring lots of water and look out for little snake friends.

Went on a Monday morning about 7am. Parking lot empty. Finished hike at 11 and parking lot was full. There's about 10-15 parking spots. Trail is gorgeous now in April with all the wild flowers blooming. Waterfall is flowing strong! It's starting to heat up so definitely bring water for that trek back up!

Clean and maintained parking with toilet at trailhead. Excellent hike surrounded by Gold Rush and Railroad History. Beautiful views especially of the 2 bridges where Iowa Hill Rd cross American River. The trestle/wall built at great cost to Chinese Laboreres. Old mine and the beginning of the Gold Fields. Two things to remember. 1.) This is all downhill to the River and uphill back. 2.) Bring plenty of water as 90% of hike is open in the sun.

There are parts that have decent patches of poison oak...but don't let that take away from the beautiful scenery. Between the waterfalls, the wildflowers, and the gorgeous colors of the American River this is a fun hike. Maybe bring a headlamp or flashlight to check out the cave.

Lovely diverse trail with breathtaking views! Many wildflowers around April and May! Trail starts very smooth but becomes a bit more challenging as you get farther out so be prepared if doing the full hike. Bring plenty of water and watch for local reptiles!

Excellent trail for experienced hikers. Spotted an adult bear just in the valley below the cave on 7/26/2023. I was being stalked by either a bobcat or a mountain lion, can't differentiate between the two but it definitely came closer when it heard me and followed me parallel to the trail. The hike back is entirely uphill so beware if you aren't physically conditioned.

This trail was amazing. The views are breathtaking at times and everything is just so peaceful here. I went here with a friend early in the morning so there wasn't too much traffic, however on the way back it gets a bit packed so I'd go a little earlier rather than later. Another thing worth adding is the fact that theres a few steeper areas that are narrow and have a big drop off, I'd come prepared with good gear and just keep safety in mind. I'm definitely coming back!

Great trail we loved the views and never had problems before… but 🚨BEWARE & BE VIGILANT of surroundings always!! We kept left on the trail up until the last chance to go left or right by the water. We took right to get to the water quicker and there was bags of trash, some sketchy older men, who appeared very dirty and as if maybe they lived there? Also when we got down to the water there was another man trying to mine across from us… it was an unsettling feeling especially because when we were in the water, the guy we had passed earlier by his “camp” came by the water, he was watching us, and when I looked he left quick. Not sure what he was up too… he was fidgeting and doing stuff off the trail more in the woods. He did ask us for a cigarette, which we didn’t have. Not sure what there intentions are, could be good people, but you never know so just be aware :) and always travel in pairs or have a plan. 🚨Other than that, we love hiking this trail. If you keep left you’ll run into a little waterfall, that has a little “pool” you can stop about halfway and cool off and relax. We seen lots of different types of lizards, frogs, and deer. Lots of wildflowers since it’s May!! 🌼🦌🥾☀️🐸One of my favorite trails!