Stagecoach Trail

What a way to make it back out of the canyon! The breathtakingly (both in view and exertion) beautiful Stagecoach Trail begins at the American River confluence on Old Foresthill Road; about 1/4 of a mile from Highway 49. Although you climb 800 feet in two miles, this trail is easier to run than others that take you out of the canyon. Be warned, however. The first quarter-mile you climb about 200 feet before leveling off somewhat for the remainder of your ascent. But the views more than make up for the pain and lack of breath.

Distance: 2.1 miles
Type: Moderate
Surface: Trail
Images: Stagecoach Trail

One way to extend this run:

1. Start at Placer High School.  Run down to Robie Point, then down the Western States Trail across No Hands Bridge. Cross Highway 49 to Old Foresthill Road to access the lower entrance to the Stagecoach Trail. Once you reach Russell Road, turn left and… ah, take a look at the Placer High/Stagecoach map that someone else placed on Runnersworld.com. Total distance: 7.2 miles.