Sailor Flat Trail
DESCRIPTION:
No motorized vehicles. Popular because of access to American River Trail, but it is also the longest and has the greatest elevation change. The route offers overwhelming views into the heart of the Royal Gorge with massive Snow Mountain stalwartly guarding the entrance.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6060’-3320’ | A spectacular water fall that is over 600 feet high during spring through early summer, is hidden in New York Canyon to the west of the Sailor Flat Trail. These falls are only seen by the adventurous. Getting to the top is a relatively easy scramble but the small, yet, inspiring cathedral-canyon view from the bottom is extremely challenging -- and not for the faint of heart. Directions: Take a Topographic Map and a friend. No trails, nothing. Another option: About 1 mile to the east across Sailor Canyon, Sailor Meadow rests quietly 1100' below the rim. Many consider the Meadow surroundings contain some of the best old growth forest stands outside of Wildernesses anywhere in the Central Sierra Nevada. Directions: An unmarked users trail dives very rapidly down from the Foresthill Divide Road a couple miles above (east) of the Robinsons Flat Campground. The trail configuration shown on the North Fork American River-East Map is approximate but indicates the right location east of (I) and Robinson Flat. |
DIRECTIONS:
To Sailor Flat Trail
Topographic Maps: Duncan Peak, Royal Gorge. Travel 25 miles east on Foresthill Divide Road and turn left (south) onto signed Sailor Flat Road (H). Drive down 1 mile and park 2WD vehicles. Next 1½ miles follows primitive, mining 4WD road and ends at Oak Flat. The trail plunges from there on.
ACTIVITIES:
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Good)
A good tie into the American River Trail but best link is the Mumford Bar Trail as Sailor Bar is steep.
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Good)
Combined with the American River Trail, the combination is one of the best.
