Windy Point Trail

The trail is another year-round opportunity, with photogenic views of the canyon and North Fork along with four great rapids, including Chamberlain Falls.

No bikes or horses.

Iowa Hill lies another 6.4 miles south of the bridge after crossing the North Fork of the American River. The tiny community’s downtown services consist of the post office, a small store and fun little bar. All in one building; all reminiscent of the Gold Rush. There are no telephones, except cellular; no electricity, except generators. But they do have computers for the tiny school.

To Windy Point Trail

See point H on Auburn State Recreation Area Map.

Exit at Colfax (H) and turn immediately right (west) at stop sign onto Canyon Way frontage road. Turn left (south) in 0.4 mile onto Iowa Hill Road. Follow 3.1 miles into the canyon and bridge. Road is narrow for trailers or RVs, so watch for oncoming traffic. Trailers/RVs are not permitted to continue south towards Iowa Hill after the Mineral Bar Campground which lays just across the bridge.

After crossing the bridge, continue up road toward downtown Iowa Hill. Trailhead parking is on right side (west) 0.8-mile south from Campground. No signs; nothing marks the trail except four boulders blocking the old miner’s road/trail. Parking at the turnout will serve for a few cars.

Topographic map: Colfax.

Communities

• Colfax