University Falls - One More Slide Before Summer Ends

Let's try this venue one more time before summer ends. Bring swimming gear just in case we can squeeze in some swimming.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/d/0/4/600_273743812.jpeg University Falls, aka Pilot Creek Falls, is a wonderful little swimming hole at the small town of Quintete, near Georgetown. The waterfall is a long slide of about 70 ft. in total height, dropping into a number of small pools. The final (and largest) cascade is about 30 ft. high. The swimming holes and water slides are very popular during the summer months with the locals. Be careful though when sliding down these falls: people have been injured before.

To reach University Falls, walk down the dirt road, beginning at the gate off Wentworth Springs Rd. At 0.6 miles, turn left at the fork (onto Forest Road 12N67B). At 1.5 miles, at the end of a clear cut area, continue following the road to the right (don't continue straight here). The road continues downhill until you reach a flume. Go right, keeping the flume on your right. At about 2.4 miles, you will see an unsigned but very obvious spur trail on the left heading down to the creek. This little trail goes down to an old campsite, go right here and continue following the trail all the way down to the creek. Then head downstream until you reach the top of the falls.

Part of this trail crosses private property, so please be respectful and always "leave no trace". The land is partly owned by UC Berkeley (hence the name, University Falls).

Location: Quintette, El Dorado County
Difficulty: 5.6 round trip. Intermediate with a couple of very steep parts and lots of rocks. Elevation 4100 ft. (-650 ft.)

Duration: About 1.5 hours to hike down and about 2 hours to hike out, plus swimming and lunch (2-3 hours). Estimated return time to park and ride: 6pm

Dogs: okay
Contact: Del Marie (916) 243-5644 (google number). If you want my cell phone, contact me. Or I will email to those who will RSVP

Arrange your own carpool and pay the driver $4/hour and share parking fee if any. Try to share ride with those who have the same schedule or hiking ability. RSVP.

Directions:
From Hwy 49 turn east onto Hwy 193 at Cool.
Drive 14.4 miles to Georgetown.
Turn left on Main St. (Wentworth Springs Rd.) and drive 11.8 miles to Quintette.
Park on left side of road at yellow gate, just past Harmony Lane.
It takes about 1.5 hours to get there from Roseville.
Parking is limited, but if you'd like to meet us at the trailhead, we should get there about 10:30 am. No cell service.