Dave Moore Nature Area, near Lotus, South Fork American River

Date:  Friday, June 12, 2026 at 9:30 am at the parking lot (described below).

Description:  Join us for a shaded walk in a beautiful area.  Most of the trail was built to access a mining camp near the South Fork American River.  We’ll make a loop passing a stately madrone (Arbutus menziesii) that sadly has lost 2 main branches a couple years ago.  This is a shaded walk on an old mining trail.

Leader:  Nancy Dagle, nancykayaker@att.net

What to bring:  Water, hat, snack, walking stick might be useful and warm or cold weather protection.  In some locations there is a risk of exposure to poison oak-be on the lookout!

Amenities on-site:  There is a rest facility available at the trailhead.

Waiver:  Sign upon arrival.

*We try to start walking promptly at start time.

Meet up spot:  Use the linked map.

Parking info:  Parking is free.  Parking is very limited, so carpooling is encouraged.

Directions from downtown Sacramento:

It’s about 32 miles and 40 minutes from Sunrise and Hwy 50 to Dave Moore Nature Area.  There is a cafe in Lotus some walkers might like to stop there afterwards.  Entrance link from Hwy 49 to the coffee shop and bakery.

Use the linked map or directions below.

Directions using Highway 50 from Sacramento:

• East of Hwy 50 to Ponderosa Road exit 37 for Shingle Springs.
• Turn left and cross over the freeway to the first stop sign.
• Turn right on North Shingle Road and proceed for 3 miles. The road will merge with Green Valley Rd.
• Turn left at the “Y” onto Lotus Road. Drive north on Lotus Road for 5 miles.
• Turn left at Highway 49 and cross the bridge at the river.
• Continue north on Hwy 49 for about 1 miles. The signed entrance is on the left at the cobblestone wall.
• Click here for a streetview of the Dave Moore entrance.

Directions using Interstate 80:

• East on I-80 to Auburn, exit 119C, Elm Street.
• Turn left at the cloverleaf traffic light onto Elm Street.
• Turn left after 2 blocks on Elm Street onto Hwy 49 which might be marked as High Street, El Dorado Street or Golden Chain Highway.
• After one block Hwy 49 forks to the right on El Dorado Street or Golden Chain Hwy.
• Continue south on Hwy 49 past the town of Cool After about 15 miles on Hwy 49.
• The signed entrance to Dave Moore will be on your right at the cobblestone wall.
• Click here for a streetview of the Dave Moore entrance.