(North Fork American River {N.Fk.Am.R.})
Hike # 8
Directions to trailhead: Follow I80 to Auburn and take the Foresthill Rd. exit. Drive 17 miles to the Mosquito Ridge Rd. junction (on the right). Set trip meter to 0.0 and continue straight on Foresthill Rd. At 26.0 miles, turn left onto road signed “Sailor Flat trail 1.5”. At 0.9 mile past the turnoff, take the left fork, signed “Sailor Flat trail”. High clearance vehicles only should continue beyond this point. At 0.6 mile beyond this fork is a bulletin board, a sign for Sailor Flat trail, and parking areas. Driving past this point is not recommended.
Trailhead UTM: 10 S 07 15 905 43 40 550
Topographic Map: Royal Gorge 7.5’
Elevation: 5667’ to 3303’ (2452’ total elevation gain)
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Very strenuous
Jurisdiction: Tahoe National Forest
Trail description: The trail is partially shaded and north facing but with some sun exposure. Outstanding features of this trail include enormous sugar pines and some old trail blazes. The Trinidad Mine buildings can be visited at about 1.5 miles from the trailhead just off the trail, on the right. Be aware of hazards such as loose boards and nails, and take only pictures! Notice the impressive 10 stamp mill still in its original operating position. Near the river, the trail leads downstream. There is a sign “N.Fk.Am.R. Trail, Mumford Bar Trail, 8 miles”. A short hike along this portion of the trail will give you access to pleasant pools in the river, to established campsites, and to a stream issuing from New York Canyon.
Campsites: Several campsites are available along the river.
Get Off Your Gass 