Lake Clementine Loop, map and directions by Rockalot!

Lake Clementine Loop

Clementine Loop, Auburn, CA. USA.

The Clementine Loop is a great local route that bobbs and winds through patches of oak woodlands and grassy hillsides. The majority of this ride is either a climb or a desent and will leave the more physically fit wanting more. If that's the case take the Clementine Trail back up and around again.

Trail Notes:
This loop has some beginner level riding but is mostly Intermediate with Advanced sections. The climb up Clementine Rd. is a rough one for beginners but doable, just hang in there, after all... it's only pavement!
Your only other climb is up Sagecoach and back to the car which after you get past the lower slightly technical section, it's just a long, gradual, scenic climb.
The second most technical trail is the Fire Break/Culvert Trail. If you like to "catch air" there are several fun jumps down this. Make sure you stay in the middle while riding thru the tunnel, it's dark in there but safe as long as you don't get to close to the sides.
Be cautious on the Confluence Trail, it's quite technical and there is not much room for mistakes. You'll be 30 feet below in the river if you mess up!

The Five Trails Of The Clementine Loop

Trail #1: Stagecoach
A 3 mile beginner-intermediate, down hill, fire road, running from Russell Rd. (off of Lincoln Way in Auburn) to the Old Foresthill Rd. Bridge on the North Fork of the American River. Cross the bridge to hook up with the Clemintine Trail on the left.

Trail #2: Old Lake Clementine Road Trail
Clementine trail begins where the Auburn-Foresthill road crosses the North Fork of the American River. It runs northeast, alongside the North Fork, for roughly 4 miles, until reaching Lake Clementine Rd. Photo!

Trail #3: Lake Clementine Road
At the end of the Clementine Trail you'll hit this 3 mile paved climb to the Culvert trail.

Trail #4: Fire Break Trail/Culvert Trail
Runs from Lake Clementine Road to the Auburn-Foresthill Road via the Culvert Trail and into Mammoth Bar.

Trail #5: Confluence Trail
For Advanced Riders! This trail begins off Old Foresthill Road, northeast of Auburn, out of the Mammoth Bar OHV Area and runs southwest, back towards the Old Foresthill Rd Bridge for 2.5 miles, following the northern side of the canyon formed by the Middle Fork of the American River. Photo!

Trail Facts
Location: East of Sacramento in Auburn, CA. USA.
Distance: 11 miles
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous, moderately technical
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Elevation: 1000' gain/loss
Ride Type: Loop
Trail Type: Single track & Fire Roads

Trail Description:
The trail starts as a 2 mile downhill into the Auburn Ravine. Nice wide fire road that is used by hiker's as well so have some respect because the posted speed limit is enforced at 15mph. Near the end of the trail is a hard right that'll take you down to Old Foresthill Rd. Head left over the bridge, immediately after crossing the bridge is the Clementine Trail on the left. Continue along the north fork of the American River with the "New" Foresthill bridge looming above. Stay on the trail as it parallels the river until you climb to a paved road. This is Lake Clementine Rd. and will take you up for roughly 4 miles to the Fire Break Trail/Culvert Trail. Look for the metal gate and large rocks to the right, this will be the trail head for Fire Break/Culvert trails. Go thru the opening in the rocks and proceed up the climb to the right. The trail will start decending, be sure you take the first defined trail to the left. Carefull this down hill get's technical in spots. Now you're heading down towards Old Foresthill Rd. which you will cross and ride into Mammoth Bar OHV Park. Follow the paved road downhill for 0.5 miles to the trail head on the right. This is the most technical section of the ride with many rocks, exposed cliff sides, trees and roots. Follow this trail along the Middle Fork of the American River back to Old Foresthill Rd. Take a left onto the road and cross the bridge you crossed at the start of the loop. To complete the loop just climb back up to your car at the top of Stagecoach.

How To Get There:
From I-80 take the Elm St. exit and head toward Hwy 49 South. Turn left onto Lincoln and then proceed north to Russell Rd. Make a right onto Russell and follow until the road turns hard right. Trailhead is on the left out of what looks to be a small dirt turnout when empty but most of the time there are cars parked there.

Click Here to pop-up a general map of the area.