(Rubicon River)
Hike # 32
Directions to trailhead: From Auburn, take Hwy 49 south to Cool. Turn left at stoplight onto Hwy 193. At 12.3 miles, turn left at stop sign (Main St./Wentworth Springs) in Georgetown. Drive 23.1 miles to Forest Service Rd. 2 (signed to French Meadows Reservoir). At 2.1 miles from the turn, look for a large boulder on the left marked with a painted yellow arrow, and a letter ”L”. This is the trailhead. If you reach the bridge across the river, you have passed the trailhead.
Topographic Map: Devils Peak 7.5’
Trailhead UTM: 10 S 07 16 805 43 11 567
Elevation: 4316’ to 3075’ (1442’ total elevation gain)
Distance: 2.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous
Jurisdiction: El Dorado National Forest
Trail description: As you walk down this shaded trail, you will first pass through an area that is reminiscent of a rain forest, with a canopy of dogwoods. The blossoms are a delight in the late spring. Later, groves of incense cedars, Ponderosa pine, and Douglas fir will be seen. The trail is well designed, and switchbacks make the going pleasant for the most part. Look for evidence of old rockwork which was installed by the builders to support the trail over depressions, and to prevent erosion. The grade steepens near the trailhead and near the river. Bonus…this trail is almost free of poison oak!
Campsites: There are pleasant campsites near the trail end on the Rubicon River.
Click HERE to view the Georgetown Hiking Trails version of this hike.
Get Off Your Gass 