Wendell T. Robie Trail

7.1 miles from Georgetown. 25 miles of easy to moderate options.            MAP

This trail is named after Wendell Robie, well known equestrian of Auburn who did much to promote horse trails and the Tevis Cup race. His foundation continues to promote and develop horse trails in the mountains and funded the construction of this trail to provide a way for horses to get from Cool to higher ground. The trail goes to the Dru Barner equestrian camp on Bottle Hill Road.

Directions: Go towards Auburn on highway 193 for 1 mile and turn R on Spanish Dry Diggins Rd. Follow this past the airport for 1.7 miles and turn R on Sliger Mine Rd. This road is paved for 1.7 miles then becomes rough and requiring high clearance vehicles. Down about ¾ miles look for a plastic trail sign on the right near an old green gate in the brush. These mark the crossing of the Robie.

The trail was built in 1990-91 to extend the WST from Sliger Mine Road to Canyon Creek and beyond to Bottle Hill area. The trail goes west from here 15 miles to Cool. Our trail goes east.

The trail climbs steeply from the road but soon levels out when it gains its main course on top of an abandoned gold rush era mining ditch. The view is grand looking north up the Middle Fork canyon from the our trail perch 600 feet above. The trail passes around a steep cliff protected by a beautiful hand-stacked rock wall then drops with switchbacks and back up to circumvent the “Grit Mine” property. This mine is known for the “Fricott” gold nugget, a 22 oz. nugget found here and taken to San Francisco where it remains on display at Golden Gate State Park.

The trail continues level as it winds in and out the crossing creeks canyons until it drops to cross Canyon Creek, then climbs up to meet the Powerhouse Road which by going Right, leads to the Bottle Hill Road and more trail options.

Special note: In 2007 the trail crossing the powerhouse property near Canyon Creek was closed due to vandalism problems. At this time the negotiations are ongoing for a legal detour. You can take the trail back up towards the G.T. airport trails instead.

Click HERE to view the Take A Hike version of this hike.