1.5 hr
Overview
The New River Trail (7E05) is a historic trail into the heart of the gold mining hub of the western Trinity Alps Wilderness. The 3-mile trail travels above the New River through semi-burned areas that have largely recovered, and ends at the confluence of Virgin Creek and Slide Creek, the headwaters of the elusive New River. <br><br>The trail has multiple warnings posted on the trail about the dangers of hiking in a previously burned area, such as flash flooding, falling limbs/trees, etc. The trail is best for more advanced hikers and older children, as it has significant dangers including extensive poison oak covering the trail, prolific rattlesnakes, and thin rocky trails on steep terrain with sheer drop-offs. The first creek crossing at Barron Creek has a fallen tree downstream that serves as a safe crossing alternative during high water. To continue hiking past the New River Trail, the trail crosses Virgin Creek, which may be too dangerous to ford before June. There is a quality zip line with bags for moving gear across the creek, a sandy campsite by the crossing, and a large horse camp flat just up the trail. <br><br>The payoff includes scenic views of the mysterious New River and surrounding mountains, jumping back in time, and excellent swimming holes on sandy beaches with clear cold water that bring you back to life. Wildflowers abound, along with extensive berry picking opportunities in late summer, delicious creek water for filtered drinking, campsites located on old mining flats, and numerous mining flumes expertly sculpted into the steep hillsides. The trail is also used by horse riders and miners who pan for gold, however this area is extremely remote, sees few visitors, and solitude is nearly guaranteed. At the confluence of Virgin and Slide Creeks is beautiful rocky and sandy beach with a surreal swim hole, backed by the remains of the old Virgin Creek Guard Station that has become a mining camp occupied on occasion and a beautiful rock art garden. <br><br>Paths continue on from the New River Trail
Trail Stats
5.1 km
134 m
704 m
580 m
—
Photos
New River Trail in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
New River Trail in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
New River Trail in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
New River Trail in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
New River Trail
New River Trail
New River Trail
New River Trail
Start of the New River Trail in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
Start of the New River Trail in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
Sandy beach at remains of Virgin Creek Guard Station on New River
Sandy beach at remains of Virgin Creek Guard Station on New River
View of New River from high above on New River Trail in western Trinity Alps Wilderness.
View of New River from high above on New River Trail in western Trinity Alps Wilderness.
Virgin Creek above New River
Virgin Creek above New River
New River Trail near Barron Creek in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
New River Trail near Barron Creek in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
Rock art garden at the site of the Virgin Creek Guard Station.
Rock art garden at the site of the Virgin Creek Guard Station.
Virgin Creek sandy beach camp near confluence with Slide Creek and New River
Virgin Creek sandy beach camp near confluence with Slide Creek and New River
New River Trail in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
New River Trail in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
New River Trail in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
New River Trail in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
Swim hole at the confluence of Virgin Creek and Slide Creek, forming New River.
Swim hole at the confluence of Virgin Creek and Slide Creek, forming New River.
New River Trail in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
New River Trail in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
spring water spout on New River Trail
spring water spout on New River Trail
New River Trail near Barron creek in western Trinity Alps Wilderness
New River Trail near Barron creek in western Trinity Alps Wilderness