Take a Hike to Red Shack Trail
Located In: Coloma.
Distance: 2.1 miles, out and back.
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Know Before You Go: The trail is steep, so be prepared for a good climb on the way back. Dog-friendly (must be leashed).
Red Shack Trail
Fuel Up: Stop by Hog Wild Bar-B-Que (hogwildbarbque.com) in Placerville for properly prepared, succulently smoked BBQ, including melt-in-your-mouth brisket, garlic pork sausage, and sweet cornbread with honey butter—all served with a side of Southern hospitality.
Why We Love It: Short, sweet, and you'll work up a sweat. Lesser known with picture-perfect river views, it’s a quiet, close-to-home escape. Sited between Coloma and Placerville, it’s also an ideal outing to add into a full day of Gold Country exploration.
Take a moment to enjoy the stream
The New Norm: Hiking in the Pandemic
A lot has changed when it comes to hiking. Here are a few things to consider.Mask up
Some people are very concerned about this, as it’s not always possible to maintain six feet of distance on a trail. A neck gaiter is our favorite, since it’s easy to put on as you pass others and take off as you hike.
Let others pass
If you’re in a spot where you can easily move over to maintain distance, step aside and allow others to pass.
Know it’s not always possible to socially distance
If you’re hitting the trails, some people won’t be wearing masks and it won’t always be possible to socially distance. If these things concern you, stay home or look for less popular trails.
Hog Wild Bar-B-Que meal
by RYAN MARTINEZ
For more information, visit alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/red-shack-trail.
Do you have a favorite trail in the region you’d like to see featured? Tell us all about it at [email protected].
Main photo by Kelly Jean, @kellyjeansings; Top photo by Brian Ramsey,
@br_ramsey; second photo by Robert Ewing; Hog Wild Bar-B-Que photo courtesy of Hog Wild Bar-B-Que