TAKE A HIKE

Stevens Trail

by RYAN MARTINEZ

LOCATED IN: Colfax. DISTANCE: 7.7 miles out-and-back.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: This is a long trail with little shade, so bring plenty of water. Expect rocky and wet conditions with a super steep finish; not recommended for kids. Make sure you don’t leave valuables in the car, as there have been some reports of break-ins. FUEL UP: Enjoy classic American comfort food (think burgers, scrambles, melts, and more), hot coffee, cocktails, mimosas, or all of the above

at Dine n Dash Pub & Grill (dinendashpubandgrill.com). With an inviting ambiance, superb service, and hearty grub, you’ll be ready for a day of adventure.

WHY WE LOVE IT: This trail has beautiful views, waterfalls, and a rich history. Long with a strenuous finish, it’s a perfect spring hike and will help prepare you for longer summer treks. TRAIL NOTES: Bring shoes with traction. Dog-friendly, but they must be leashed. Practice Leave No Trace ethics and enjoy the views!

BEST PRACTICES: BEFORE & AFTER

What you do both before and after your hike is the difference between a positive experience versus asking yourself,

“Why did I think this would be fun?”.

Here are a few considerations:

BEFORE YOUR HIKE

Nourish your body. Good nutrition is key; proper hydration is paramount. Hydrate early and often. Choose the right clothing. Bring enough layers, plan for weather, and choose the right shoes.

Let someone know where

you’re going. Being lost on a trail is never fun; being lost, cold, hungry, and scared because no one knows where you are is even worse.

AFTER YOUR HIKE

Stretch. Do some light yoga or some simple stretches to help you recover and improve mobility. Eat right. Eat protein soon after your hike to help rebuild muscles and speed up recovery.

Learn from your experience.

Things don’t always go according to plan; see where you can improve for next time.

For more information, visit alltrails.com/ explore/trail/us/california/ stevens-trail.

Main photo by Alexa Occhipinti; Right side photos top to bottom: Zev Minow, @zevtara_photography; Chrystie Raggio; Shannon Bedore, @shannonoutside; Chrystie Raggio; Dine n Dash Pub & Grill photo by Lizzie Stephens, @misslizzieizzie

Do you have a favorite trail in the region you’d like to see featured? Tell us all about it at info@stylemg.com.