Stevens Trail

Do you have a tendency to get into a rut on the routes you run? For me I have a staple run that I call "around the block". If I tell the Mrs I'm running around the block she knows I'll be gone for an hour and a half or so (more if I stop to socialize at the shop on the way home). For me running my standard routes isn't tedious, but comfortable. Be that as it may when I do branch out from my standard runs and do something less familiar I usually find myself thinking, "I should do this more often". That's certainly the case with the Stevens Trail in Colfax. Years ago when I lived within a few miles of it I discovered the trail and enjoyed it. My first couple times I turned around just a short way down the trail when I reached the waterfall area. I was amazed at how steep the trail was and couldn't imagine continuing the full 4 1/2 miles to the river as the sign at the top stated. When I did finally push past the upper section I found the lower 2/3 of the trail to be much more gradual and beautiful.

the lower Stevens trail gradually wends its way down hill

I've found myself driving down the hill from Truckee after working the last few weeks and have been stopping off once a week or so to run the Stevens Trail. It has seen a slide recently and the spring growth is crowding the trail in parts but is still easily passable and as beautiful as ever. Now that the days are growing longer I'm even getting back to the top before it gets dark. The wild flowers are blooming, everything is green and the trail is in great shape.

So, if you haven't run it lately or have never been, head to the Stevens Trail and run. There's a description and map here if you'd like to check it out before you go. Let us know what you think and what your other favorite trails are.

Matt