Appropriately named by a group of running buddies from Auburn who call themselves the IDGAS running group—I’ll let you figure out what the acronym means.
This 5 mile loop starts and finishes from the Dam Overlook & Trailhead complete with parking, bathrooms, and drinking fountains. Indiana Jones Loop utilizes two main trails. It begins with a sharp drop down to the Pioneer Express Trail (PET), where it intersects with the Western States Trail (WST) for the return back to the Dam Overlook. Together they create a fun and scenic loop with continuous views of the North Fork American River and only a handful of obstacles to hop over and under just to keep this route interesting.
For the history buffs out there, you’ll get a kick out of the Pioneer Express Trail. It utilizes the original train route of the old Mountain Quarries Railroad. The trail weaves in and out of the original concrete foundations used to support bridges across the many ravines around Robey Point. The trail also still has the original scarring left behind by the railroad ties that used to support the rails during the early 1900s.
Miles
Vert. Ft.
Avg. Elev.
Route Details
Trail Type: single tracks and dirt roads. Dusty in the summer and muddy in the winter.
Trail Condition: very good and easy. Clearly marked and maintained. The last ¼ mile section of the Pioneer Express Trail just before it meets with the Western States can get really muddy, slippery, and even a little dangerous during wet conditions—and drops up to 50ft as you near the creek crossing.
Water Sources: multiple sources available along most of the route. But most usually dry up by June thru November.
Trail Traffic: moderate. Busiest times are typically between 10AM – 4PM, especially on the weekends. Mostly day-hikers and runners, but lots of Horseback riders during the busy times.
Trail Systems/Areas: Auburn State Recreational Area (SRA)
Trail Awesomeness: the views of the North Fork American River Canyon are endless. And since the opposite side of the canyon is still wild and undeveloped, it feels like you’re a lot farther away from civilization than you actually are.
Start Location: Dam Overlook Park & Trailhead
Finish Location: Dam Overlook Park & Trailhead
Fees/Permits: no fees required, except for Equestrian Staging Area.
Potable Water: yes, drinking fountains available at the Overlook
Bathrooms: yes, available at the Overlook
Cell Reception: yes
Historical Significance: the Pioneer Express trail utilizes the train route for the old Mountain Quarries Railroad and there are a number of concrete foundations along the way. Also a nice close-up view of the Auburn Dam construction area. And you finish along the same last 2 miles of the Western States Trail that the Tevis Cup Endurance Ride finishes on.
Natural Significance: it’s beautiful.
Attention!!: ¼ mi before and after where WS Trail and Pioneer Express Trails meet are very muddy and slippery during the wet season, and with little room to avoid the troublesome sections. Traverse with caution!
Route Guide
0.00 mi ⇒ Overlook Park (START) | Go straight down the spine to the Pioneer Express Trail
0.25 mi ⇒ Trail Junction & Overlook Trail
0.35 mi ⇒ Trail Junction & Pioneer Express Trail | Take left onto the Pioneer Express Trail. Go straight through ALL the trail junctions the intersect with the Western States Trail (WST) on the far north end of Robie Point. NO turns or major changes in elevation of 50ft for two miles. It’s a flat trail with a lot of great views of the North Fork American River.
1.50-2.50 mi ⇒ History: Mountain Quarries Railroad remnants for next 1 mile | This section is filled with the concrete foundations left behind the old Mountain Quarries Railroad. Scarring can still be seen along the trail where the RR ties used to lie.
2.00 mi ⇒ Sketchy-slippery section and creek crossing | CAUTION when passing through this section. Most times of the year, it is very muddy, slippery, and there’s a pretty steep drop—as high as 50ft— right off the trail.
2.25 mi ⇒ Trail Junction & Western States Trail (WST) | Take left onto the WST to immediately start climbing Robey Hill.
2.70 mi ⇒ Trail Junction & Murphy’s Gate/Robie Point Firebreak Trail | Brief merging with Murphy’s Gate Trail. Keep to the left. And for the next mile, stay to the left at ALL trail junctions. The trail stays mostly flat with some rolls but no major changes in elevation beyond 50ft. AKA: WST and Western states Terrace Trail
2.75 mi ⇒ Trail Junction & Murphy’s Gate/Robie Point Firebreak Trail | Brief merging with Murphy’s Gate Trail. Keep to the left. And for the next mile, stay to the left at ALL trail junctions. The trail stays mostly flat with some rolls but no major changes in elevation beyond 50ft.
3.25 mi ⇒ Vista & The Rock below Robie Point | Rock marks the overlook below Robie Point. Great views of both directions of the American River Canyon.
3.70 & 3.80 mi ⇒ Trail Junctions & WST single track | Take a right back onto the single track WS Trail.
4.00 mi ⇒ Multiple Trail Junctions for next 1 mile | stay straight through all trail junctions, just after 4 miles—there are 5 of them over the next 1/4mile. Stay on the WST trail.
4.25 mi ⇒ Multiple Trail Junctions for next 0.75 mile | stay straight through all trail junctions, just after 4 miles—there are 5 of them over the next 1/4mile. Stay on the WST trail.
4.75 mi ⇒ Last hill & Equestrian Staging Area (FINISH) | The last 1/4mi is all up hill and finishes at the Equestrian Staging area, which is adjacent to the Dam Overlook Park. Drinking fountains and bathrooms at both locations.
5.00 mi ⇒ Overlook Park (FINISH) | Go straight past the Equestrian Staging Area to arrive back at Overlook Park
Resources
- Closest Town: Auburn, CA (5mi/9mins) (Google Maps)
- Nearest Gas: 5 Stations (5mi/3mins) (Google Maps)
- Nearest Restaurants: Several Venues (5mi/3mins) (Google Maps)
- Nearest Ranger Station: Auburn State Recreation Area Ranger Station (9mi/10mins) (Google Maps)
Post-Adventure EATS & BREWS
STOPSTU’s choices for EATS & BREWS near Mount Langley, CA.
“Moonraker and Knee Deep are conveniently next door to each other. Crooked Lane has got a great indoor/outdoor vibe. All three usually arrange for food trucks on the weekends.” -Stu
PIZZA:
“Pizzeria Luba is very good wood fired pizza. For the traditional, Old Town Pizza is another popular Auburn staple and it’s delicious.” -Stu
SANDWICH:
“Best sandwiches anywhere! And Patrick, the owner, is a genius when it comes to making soups and stews.” -Stu
BURGER:
“Everyone knows Ikedas, but over the years, there are plenty of better options for the price. The Station for example, makes a fantastic hamburger full of fresh and hearty flavors. Burgers & Cream makes the best burger for the price.” -Stu
BBQ:
“Just your traditional Smoked BBQ Pit, but unlike other BBQ joints that have come and gone, this one was the first, and it’s still here more than ten years later. What does that tell you?” -Stu
CHINESE:
“Liu Mandarin has fantastic food and a niche vibe and the owners, Jerry and Sung Lee, are two really nice people!” -Stu
MEXICAN:
“El Portal has been around for years. They make great Mexican food with large portions. The quality of the ingredients are far better than any other Mexican Place in town. Las Cabanas makes an excellent fish taco!” -Stu
BREAKFAST:
“Best omelets in Auburn, no contest, are at Edelweiss 2—not to be confused with the other Edelweiss at the other end of town. Jessica, Ashley, and Destiny are three of the nicest, coolest, best morning waitresses you will ever meet! I love this place. Oh, and Awful Annie’s is good but ALWAYS has awfully long wait times.” -Stu
COFFEE:
“Depoe Bay is a staple coffee shop in Auburn. The owners, Mike and Nicole are very friendly people, and so is their staff. But VERY busy, order in advance to avoid long waits.” -Stu
HEALTHY:
“Garden of Eat’n has fantastic wraps and salads and a really friendly staff. But very busy–order in advance if you’re hungry. And the extra drive is worth it!” -Stu
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
“Taco Tree and Sums are Auburn staples. Royal Indian and Garden Thai are fresh new flavors to the dining scene in Auburn and are always busy!” -Stu
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