American River Confluence Trails

Great flow. Really dry and dusty in the summer but definitely worth riding.

First of all I had to laugh at Juan Gear's review. I would not want this to be one of the first trails I rode if I was a newbie! While the downhill section (approximately 4 miles) is not that crazy, there are some small technical rocky sections on the side of a cliff that I would not recommend riding if you're just starting out. The downhill IS an absolute blast to bomb down though. Again, if I was just starting to ride, I wouldn't want to ride the 2 - 2 1/2 mile climb to get to the top either. While a mile or so is not that steep and on pavement, if you're out of shape at all it would be tough. I know this because I did just that when I started riding 4 years ago. I would climb for a 1/4 mile and stop thinking I was going to die! Looking back now I laugh at that. All said this is a really fun ride with great views on the downhill section and even on some of the climbs. Combine with Culvert and Connector and if you're really feeling it, Foresthill for a longer kick ass day of riding.

Holly switchbacks batman! They've done some great work on this trail with the berms on the switchbacks. The tunnel is a unique section to run through. Definitely dark through there. Really fun downhill !

Take hwy 49 from Auburn Down toward the American river. Arriving at the confluence hwy 49 turns right toward the town of Cool. Do not turn. Continue straight for another 200 yards. Ther will be parking along the left side of the road. The trailhead is just before the bridge on the left. It starts out as double and singletrack. After a moderate climb on pavement you come to a dirt road on the right which is blocked by rocks. Take this trail and follow it across a couple of roads and down to the descent of the opposite river canyon from the one you started on. The descent is fairly simple but for a few technical sections requiring some manuvering through tight rock sections. The trail ends back at the opposite side of the bridge where you started. It's about 8 miles long.* Review edited 3/4/2008

Nt sure how many have reviewed this trail but on trail stats it indicates that the average time is 45 minutes. I can do this trail in sub-40 but that is cookin. I suppose this trail is suitable for beginners but if I were beginning I would not want my first ride to be a 3 mile, 1,000 foot climb. Also the backside of the trail while fun and fast contains a number of marginally technical spots which would be antimidating for beginners. Track is fun but I would take in Connector Trail to Foresthill Divide Loop (about 25 miles). The Clementime, Confluenc Loop is a bit short for me.

Good for newbys to get started on.