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A steady descent through tough terrain that is hardily earned back on the return.


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Map Key

9.2

Miles

14.8

KM

Point to Point

6,783' 2,067 m

High

4,471' 1,363 m

Low

2,232' 680 m

Up

2,395' 730 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (5°)

37%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Much of this trail crosses on private land. Visitors are requested to observe the rights of the landowners.

Open from June through October.

Description

The Palisades Creek Trail starts out with a mellow grade for the first two miles as it passes beneath Devils Peak and heads past several lakes and ponds. These granite surrounded pools provide lovely scenery and are popular places to cool down and swim - especially Long Lake.

The trail then begins to descend gradually for two miles, before steepening as it heads toward the North Fork American River in the valley below. A series of winding switchbacks brings hikers down the final mile to the Palisade Creek Bridge. Immediately downstream from the bridge is a charming waterfall that is best enjoyed when the snow is still melting off.

Although the trail continues across the bridge, for most this will serve as the ideal spot to turn around. If proceeding, the trail on the other side is a physically demanding three-and-a-half miles of steep and unmaintained switchbacks that end on a dirt road above Royal Gorge.

The trip in and out can be accomplished during a long day of steady hiking. But the presence of several choice camping spots along the way encourages an overnight excursion.

Flora & Fauna

The rare, and highly delicate, Kellogg's Lewisia can be found in the area around Palisades Creek Trail. The plant grows very low to the ground in decomposed granite in ridges or flats.

For more information, click here.

Contacts

Shared By:

Eric Ashley

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 5 votes

#3

in Soda Springs

#14873

Overall
  3.8 from 5 votes
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Trail Rankings

#3

in Soda Springs

#1,522

in California

#14,873

Overall
4 Views Last Month
4,861 Since Aug 19, 2016
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Photos

Long Lake sitting below the Palisades Creek Trail. with permission from George Lamson
Aug 19, 2016 near Truckee, CA
Low waters of Cascade Lakes as seen from the earthen dam. with permission from George Lamson
Aug 19, 2016 near Truckee, CA

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Sep 2, 2019
Garrett Sessions
Good 2mi
Sep 8, 2018
Tamara Bailey
Aug 31, 2018
Daniel Rodriguez
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