Hunter Trail
10.0 miles one-way, moderately difficult, elevations: 5,000-3,500, hiking or mountain biking. Horses permitted. No motorized vehicles.
This is a popular trail and scenic overlook with many fishing and swimming holes.
The river waters are primarily diverted out of Hell Hole Reservoir and significant flows frequently don’t release into this stretch of river below the dam...
DESCRIPTION:
The trail parallels the river for ten miles and ends at Hell Hole Reservoir. From the upper end, the trail drops down from above-lake-level and hits the river level a little more than a mile west of the upper trailhead. This is a popular trail and scenic overlook with many fishing and swimming holes.
The best direction for following the trail for its entire 10 miles is to leave a shuttle vehicle at the bottom at the Ellicot Bridge over the river. You can stop by the lower trailhead on your way up the main access road. If you want to travel in and return the same way, then leave your vehicle at the Bridge and hike upriver; then return downhill.
The river waters are primarily diverted out of Hell Hole Reservoir and significant flows frequently don’t release into this stretch of river below the dam except in the spring in very water-abundant years.
Rattlesnakes are often found throughout this canyon.
DIRECTIONS:
To Hunter Trail
From Wentworth Springs Road, twenty-two miles east of Georgetown, turn north on Eleven Pines Road and continue four miles to the Rubicon River. To reach Hell Hole Lake and the upper trailhead, continue up this road for approximately another 24 miles to the reservoir. The upper trailhead lies to the right-side (west) of the dam and boat-launch access road less than a ½ mile before (north) reaching the dam.
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking - Backpacking (Rating: Best)
Several overnight camping spots lay along the trail and next to the river. This is a great way to fish the upper reaches of this stretch of river. Backpackers will probably want to park at the bottom of the trail at Ellicot Bridge and hike upriver until finding a good camping spot.
Watch for rattlesnakes.
Mountain Biking (Rating: Good)
Fair opportunity. Rocky.
Fishing (Rating: Good)
Rainbow trout are the most common resident fish, but some nice-sized Browns can be found although few, if any, trophy fish. Due to the lack of access and its rugged, rocky canyon, the Rubicon is a designated wild trout river from Hell Hole Dam to the confluence with the American River. Most of the fishing occurs near Ellicotts Bridge and along the trail upstream to Parsley Bar. There are no special regulations on the water. The river falls within the Department's Sierra District, so the fishing season is only open from the last Saturday in April through November 15.
Be sure to visit the Department of Fish and Game web site for fishing regulations.
Watch for rattlesnakes
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Good)
See trail description.
