WST-05, Robinsons Flat Campground to Foresthill
DESCRIPTION:
Elevations: 2740' (Last Chance townsite), 4340' (Middle Fork American River), 3940' (Deadwood townsite), 1780' (El Dorado Canyon), 3220' (Foresthill).
This is gorgeous canyon country, but you have to work for it. The trail is seldom used except by race participants who do these 32 miles in a few hours. However, take it easy and enjoy this rugged, remote country! The 14 miles connecting the historic townsites of Deadwood and Last Chance to the little community of Michigan Bluff follow a historic toll trail built in the 1850s. It is now a National Historic Trail.
The trail can be grueling; avoid hot, mid-summer periods.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | 6720’-4520’ | See Nearby Locations for other nearby segments of the WST. |
DIRECTIONS:
To WST-05, Robinsons Flat Campground to Foresthill
Topographic Maps: Duncan Peak, Greek Store, Michigan Bluff, Foresthill.
See Overview Map and Forest Recreation Map.
From the east -- From Robinsons Flat Campground (I) follow Western States Trail signs west (right).
From the west -- pick up the trail at Foresthill, 17 miles east of Auburn or continue driving to Michigan Bluff above Foresthill (follow Foresthill Divide to signed, paved road and turn right). Michigan Bluff provides no services.
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Best)
Most hikers will want to divide this stretch into shorter segments all of which are great but work best with a shuttle for the other end to save backtracking. Best intermediate stops are Last Chance, Deadwood and Michigan Bluff. Or hike all the way through for bragging rights.
Historic Sites (Rating: Good)
National Historic Trail -- Western States Trail from Michigan Bluff to Deadwood.
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Good)
See Nearby Locations for other nearby segments of the WST.
This is one of the best -- and most challenging -- segments of the WST.
