Canyon Hike

Turkey Vultures
We were greeted by these turkey vultures at the start of Stagecoach Trail. Don't let the distance of this photo fool you. Their wing span is roughly 6ft wide.

I thought this was extremely funny
We are on a trail with NO vehicle access...unless you count bikes (which counts as a vehicle, I know) but this sign seems very out of place. Especially given the fact that this trail is Stagecoach Trail. Many years ago this trail was traveled upon by horse and coach. I wonder if they were going 15mph? How fast can they go? Now, can you see the little sign in the background? It is a picture of a bike with a line through it. No bikes allowed on that narrow trail that veers off. What a warning...You hikers better not break the speed limit!

View of the confluence from the bench
This is the view of the canyon from a bench on the trail. You are looking at the confluence...the place where the middle and the north forks of the American River converge. The trees are blocking the middle fork, which is on the right side. Pretty huh? If you look REALLY hard you can see my car parked to the left of the river, just before the furthest bridge.

I told you Gary, we're just friends! haha


MB down at the waters edge


Me in my big baggy jeans and 2 long sleeved shirts...hey, it was cold!


Quarry Trail
This is one of several spots on the Quarry Trail where a water is cascading down the side of the hill, flowing across the trail and continuing on down to the river below.

The fall below the trail
Man, these photos don't do it one ounce of justice.

Long waterfall that dumps into the middle fork of the American River.
This photo was taken towards the end of our hike. We covered a distance of 9 miles. We walked, jogged & lightly ran.