The El Dorado Trail stretches approximately 35 miles between Placerville and the Camino area, following the old Michigan/California Railroad right-of-way. It’s one of those trails where you can walk for hours without worrying about steep climbs—the grade maxes out at 2%, which means your dog won’t be exhausted after the first mile. The trail works well for casual strolls, serious hiking, biking, or even horseback riding, so you’ll see a real mix of people out there.

The Camelia Lane Entry is one of several access points scattered along the route, but the most convenient parking is on Missouri Flat Road, just past Walmart on the left side of Sierra Door & Supply. There’s a decent-sized lot there, which is helpful on weekends. If it fills up, Walmart’s parking area is your backup option. Some nearby businesses also allow parking in designated areas, though you’ll want to respect those boundaries.

Once you’re on the trail with your dog, keep them on a 6-foot leash or shorter. The good news is that dog waste bag dispensers are stationed along the route, so you can travel light. The trail itself is well-maintained and shaded in many sections, which matters when you’re hiking in the Sierra foothills heat. You’ll pass through different terrain as you move between Placerville and Camino—some sections feel more rural while others run closer to town.

The County is still actively developing portions of this trail, so conditions can change seasonally. Spring and fall tend to be ideal times to walk it, when temperatures are milder and the trail isn’t as crowded. If you’re just looking for a quick neighborhood walk, the section near Missouri Flat Road works fine. But if you’ve got time and your dog has the stamina, you can easily spend half a day exploring different stretches without repeating yourself.