THE
EL DORADO
TRAIL

    This multi-use trail has become a great resource for Placerville and El Dorado County. Locals and visitors alike travel a mile or ten on its paved and unpaved surfaces. Families might be seen on foot, bikes, horses or roller blades. We welcome all!

Trail Rules Safety, Courtesy and Common Sense are the most important rules... GENERAL Obey all traffic and safety signs. Move to the side of the trail when stopping. Walkers and runners should stay on the left side of the trail. Horses have the right of way. If necessary, stop downhill of horses. Stay on the trail and off private property. Our trail neighbors are supportive of the trail and we want to respect their privacy. BICYCLISTS Bicyclists should approach horses slowly, and pass with good clearance. Travel only at speeds which are safe and appropriate for trail conditions. Bicyclists should stay to the right side of the trail except when passing. Give an audible warning ("On your left", "On your right") before passing. Bicyclists should ride single file. PET OWNERS Keep pets on a short leash and under control at all times. Keep pets on the shoulder of the trail. Please use doggie bags provided at trail entrances to clean up after your pet.

Click on a map for a larger view.
Trails Now gives a very special thanks to Charles Lee for the design of the El Dorado Trail Map.

Section One: Mosquito Road to Camino Heights

Section Two: Mosquito Road to Clay Street

Section Three: Missouri Flat Rd to Oriental St

PAST—In 1986, planning began for the future of the Michigan California Lumber Company railroad right-of-way. Katy Peek was the first to advocate for a rails to trails conversion. At that time the group that would become Trails Now, under the guidance of Mary Elliott, began working for the development of a trail. In 2989, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors approved purchase of the right of way for a multi-use trail.
    Construction of the El Dorado Trail was begun in the fall of 1992, with a grand opening held in December of 1992. In 1997, the trail was extended to Mosquito Road; it was about 2.5 miles long. In October 2000, the ribbon cutting was held for the Highway 50 over crossing and the eastward extension of the trail.

PRESENT—Today, trail users enjoy 3.1 miles of paved trail and 3.4 miles of unpaved trail.

FUTURE—The members of Trails Now continue to work with city, county and state officials to extend the trail to the east and to the west through Placerville. The El Dorado County Board of Supervisors have approved a plan to extend the trail to the Sacramento County line.

Trails Now is a group of local trail supporters who work cooperatively with the city and county on behalf of the El Dorado Trail. We advocate, publicize and strategize on behalf of the trail. In 1998, at the urging of a local trail supporter, who offered matching funds up to $10,000, Trails Now raised over $21,000 to be used for upkeep and maintenance of the El Dorado Trail. We welcome your support.