Pointed Rocks (aka Training Hill) 5 Mile Loop - Intermediate

This steep trail offers great, bird’s eye views of the confluence and American River canyons. On clear days, it offers sweeping views of the Sacramento Valley to the west and the Sierras to the east. Its steep gradient offers a good aerobic workout, climbing 1000 ft in 1.2 miles. It follows a buried telephone cable on its ascent from the confluence area to the ridge and the Olmstead Loop. After reaching the ridge, the trail passes through open, rolling hills and meadows dominated by several species of oaks, and wildflowers in the spring. Limestone out-croppings at the top give the trail its name.

The Pointed Rocks Trail is sometimes referred to as “The Training Hill” on trail markers since it offers a great workout for endurance runners and equestrians. It provides one of the steepest gradients of any trail in the area. (Trail markers are posted at some, but not all intersections.) Walk downstream on the trail behind the green gate on Highway 49 on the south side of the bridge over the American River. This wide road parallels the river down-stream for about 0.1 mile towards the Mountain Quarries RR Bridge (see sidebar). You may wish to cross this graceful arched bridge spanning the American River to read the plaque on the far side that describes its history. Just before reaching the Mt. Quarries RR Bridge, a narrow trail goes up the hillside on the left (look for a sign to Cool - N38-53-935; W121-01-996). This is the start of both the Pointed Rocks Trail and the Western States Trail (WST).

The trail immediately switchbacks and begins climbing, offering some nice over-head views of the Mt. Quarries RR Bridge. In less than 0.2 miles, the trail splits. The Pointed Rocks Trail veers up to the right while the WST continues around the ridge. Take the unsigned Pointed Rocks Trail to the right. The trail soon widens and starts to climb sharply. In less than ½ mile, nice views of the American River and Hwy 49 as it wends its way up to Auburn, can be seen through openings in the ponderosa, oak, manzanita, buck brush and various other foothill trees that line the trail. Near the top of the ridge, look back and east for views of the Sierras and the Middle Fork American River. After reaching the ridge, the terrain flattens out and meanders through a picturesque rolling oak woodland. Watch for limestone outcroppings of pointed rocks for which the trail is named.

After reaching an oak meadow, a small footpath splits off to the left. The main, wider trail continues around this meadow, offering a panoramic view on clear days of Folsom Lake and Sacramento. Both paths soon rejoin. A little further along, the Pointed Rocks Trail ends at the Olmstead Loop Trail. There are several options at this point: a) turn around and return to the confluence the same way, or b) make a loop using the WST for a gentler but longer return trip (this is what we will be doing). The WST branches off the Olmstead Loop a short distance ahead on the left. It is labeled Wendell T. Robie Trail on some trail markers. From here we'll return back to gate #150.

What to bring: Water, sturdy walking shoes, walking sticks if you have them, snacks, layered clothing and a sense of humor. It sounds like we might need one to make it up this hill.

Rain cancels....

A note: I have to confess I haven't yet done this trail myself, but I've heard about it and am anxious to try it. Judging by the distance and elevation gain, this trail would appear to be steeper than Cardiac Hill. Therefore, if you're deciding on whether to join or not, that might give you some idea of the difficulty involved in the uphill part of the hike.

Directions to trailhead: Trailhead is on Hwy 49, 1¾ miles south of ASRA Park Headquarters.

I-80 east to Auburn Exit Elm

Left on Elm

Left on 49 (High Street)

Cross Lincoln Way down into canyon

Follow 49 right over bridge towards Cool

Park immediately after bridge on right side of road.

Shoulder parking in front of green gate # 150.