(Wilkinson Property)
15.2 miles from Georgetown. Steep 3 miles round trip. MAP
This trail offers access to the river from Highway 49 between Coloma and Placerville. Dropping steeply on an old road, it crosses an historic ditch, then leads to a quiet place to picnic or cool off.
The property is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the American River Conservancy (ARC) following a land grant from Richard and Arlene Wilkinson of 131 acres in 1991. The trailhead is also the location of the long-gone Luse Ditch Flume, which transported water to the Gold Hill area between 1900-1924. This flume was one of the largest ever built in El Dorado Co. at 153’ high and 750’ long.
Directions: Take Marshall Road 9 miles down to Highway 49. Turn L and go 6.2 miles. Park in the provided parking lot directly across from the “Red Shack” produce stand.
The trail follows the dirt road that heads down the canyon from the parking lot. Near the bottom you cross the historic Greenhorn or Coloma-Lotus Ranch Ditch which carried water from Chili Bar, 10 miles downstream to Lotus. This area is under consideration as a botanical preserve for its unique diversity of wildflowers.
Get Off Your Gass 