Historically, the Stevens Trail connected the town of Iowa Hill with the city of Colfax, both in Placer County, California. Today it remains one of the area’s best dog walks, a 4.5-mile route that hugs the northwestern slope of the North Fork of the American River Canyon. The trail starts at the trailhead in Colfax and ends at the confluence of Secret Ravine and the North Fork, offering steady elevation changes and plenty of shade from oak and pine trees along the way.

The terrain is mostly dirt and packed earth, manageable for dogs in decent shape though you’ll climb and descend throughout. Water access is available at various points along the canyon, which helps on warmer days. The views of the river canyon open up as you progress, and the quieter stretches make it feel remote even though you’re close to town.

Getting there is straightforward: take I-80 East toward Colfax and exit at North Canyon Way. Follow North Canyon Way for about a mile, passing the Colfax cemetery, and you’ll find the Stevens Trailhead with parking on your left. Fair warning though—weekends and peak season can get crowded, and parking fills up quickly. The road parking along North Canyon Way works, but you need to be careful about where you leave your car. Park legally and well away from the traffic, and never block any driveway. The locals take parking violations seriously, and cars parked illegally on private property or blocking driveways will be towed at the owner’s expense. If you’re planning a weekend visit during busy season, arriving early makes a real difference in finding a spot without hassle.