Stevenson Falls Trailhead - Auberry, CA
Stevenson Falls Trailhead: Dog-Friendly Hiking in Auberry, California
Looking for a scenic dog-friendly hike in Auberry, California? Stevenson Falls Trailhead offers a well-maintained, paved trail perfect for both hikers and their furry friends. This trail stretches approximately 3.5 miles from the parking area to the dramatic Stevenson Falls, offering easy to moderate hiking suitable for all skill levels. With plenty of open parking and beautiful views of the river and waterfalls, it’s a popular destination for dog owners seeking a pet-friendly trail near Fresno County.
The trail is almost entirely paved and generally accessible for most walkers and runners. While there is no designated off-leash area, dogs are welcome on the trail as long as you follow standard leash etiquette. Be sure to bring ample water for both you and your pet since there is very little shade along the route, and the area can get quite hot—especially midday. Stevenson Falls Trailhead stands out for its dog-friendliness and year-round accessibility, making it a must-visit spot for outdoor enthusiasts in Central California.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the main Stevenson Falls Trail is a paved walking/hiking trail leading to the waterfall.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There is virtually no shade along the trail, so be prepared for sun exposure.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the trail is well-maintained and kept in good condition.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The trail can become crowded with hikers, cyclists, and service vehicles, especially on weekends.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a large open parking area at the trailhead; just avoid blocking gates or access points.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? No, there are no water fountains available, so bring your own water.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? There are very few, if any, places to sit or rest along the trail.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, Stevenson Falls Trailhead is accessible throughout the year.
Reviews
5/17/25
I’ll break down my review into quasi categories to hopefully help others planning a trip here.
First: the two roads leading to the trailhead, Jose Basin and Italian Bar are rough and have some narrow sections. Any vehicle will pass through fine, but be aware if there’s larger trucks, it’ll be a tight pass.
Next, when you get to the trailhead, at the crossroads of Italian Bar and Million Dollar Rd, there’s quite a bit of open parking. There’s signage indicating not to block the gate access. You’ll see in my photos the scenarios I’m referring to.
Onto the hike. Accessing the trail is simple – it’s literally Million Dollar Rd. Just walk around the gate and you’re on the path. Speaking of which: the entire trail is pavement. I don’t see a need to bring special hiking boots/shoes; you might be fine with walking or running shoes.
The trail can get crowded with cyclists, dogs, service vehicles and other hikers so head up, eyes and ears open.
From the trailhead to the falls is about 3.5 miles. The first couple hundred yards has a slight incline but is very manageable; it loosely levels off after that.
There is virtually no shade. If you’re on the trail when the sun crests, you might get a little warm. A hat and small sunblock would help.
Bring a couple of water bottles, you might go through one on the way up, leaving you one for the return trip.
The hike itself isn’t scenery like Pincushion or San Joaquin trail, but there are a couple of wonderful spots to see the river.
I won’t get into how long the out-and-back will take because there are too many variables. Just remember it’s about 3.5 miles from the gate to the falls.
5/17/25
I’ll break down my review into quasi categories to hopefully help others planning a trip here.
First: the two roads leading to the trailhead, Jose Basin and Italian Bar are rough and have some narrow sections. Any vehicle will pass through fine, but be aware if there’s larger trucks, it’ll be a tight pass.
Next, when you get to the trailhead, at the crossroads of Italian Bar and Million Dollar Rd, there’s quite a bit of open parking. There’s signage indicating not to block the gate access. You’ll see in my photos the scenarios I’m referring to.
Onto the hike. Accessing the trail is simple – it’s literally Million Dollar Rd. Just walk around the gate and you’re on the path. Speaking of which: the entire trail is pavement. I don’t see a need to bring special hiking boots/shoes; you might be fine with walking or running shoes.
The trail can get crowded with cyclists, dogs, service vehicles and other hikers so head up, eyes and ears open.
From the trailhead to the falls is about 3.5 miles. The first couple hundred yards has a slight incline but is very manageable; it loosely levels off after that.
There is virtually no shade. If you’re on the trail when the sun crests, you might get a little warm. A hat and small sunblock would help.
Bring a couple of water bottles, you might go through one on the way up, leaving you one for the return trip.
The hike itself isn’t scenery like Pincushion or San Joaquin trail, but there are a couple of wonderful spots to see the river.
I won’t get into how long the out-and-back will take because there are too many variables. Just remember it’s about 3.5 miles from the gate to the falls.
5/17/25
I’ll break down my review into quasi categories to hopefully help others planning a trip here.
First: the two roads leading to the trailhead, Jose Basin and Italian Bar are rough and have some narrow sections. Any vehicle will pass through fine, but be aware if there’s larger trucks, it’ll be a tight pass.
Next, when you get to the trailhead, at the crossroads of Italian Bar and Million Dollar Rd, there’s quite a bit of open parking. There’s signage indicating not to block the gate access. You’ll see in my photos the scenarios I’m referring to.
Onto the hike. Accessing the trail is simple – it’s literally Million Dollar Rd. Just walk around the gate and you’re on the path. Speaking of which: the entire trail is pavement. I don’t see a need to bring special hiking boots/shoes; you might be fine with walking or running shoes.
The trail can get crowded with cyclists, dogs, service vehicles and other hikers so head up, eyes and ears open.
From the trailhead to the falls is about 3.5 miles. The first couple hundred yards has a slight incline but is very manageable; it loosely levels off after that.
There is virtually no shade. If you’re on the trail when the sun crests, you might get a little warm. A hat and small sunblock would help.
Bring a couple of water bottles, you might go through one on the way up, leaving you one for the return trip.
The hike itself isn’t scenery like Pincushion or San Joaquin trail, but there are a couple of wonderful spots to see the river.
I won’t get into how long the out-and-back will take because there are too many variables. Just remember it’s about 3.5 miles from the gate to the falls.
5/17/25
I’ll break down my review into quasi categories to hopefully help others planning a trip here.
First: the two roads leading to the trailhead, Jose Basin and Italian Bar are rough and have some narrow sections. Any vehicle will pass through fine, but be aware if there’s larger trucks, it’ll be a tight pass.
Next, when you get to the trailhead, at the crossroads of Italian Bar and Million Dollar Rd, there’s quite a bit of open parking. There’s signage indicating not to block the gate access. You’ll see in my photos the scenarios I’m referring to.
Onto the hike. Accessing the trail is simple – it’s literally Million Dollar Rd. Just walk around the gate and you’re on the path. Speaking of which: the entire trail is pavement. I don’t see a need to bring special hiking boots/shoes; you might be fine with walking or running shoes.
The trail can get crowded with cyclists, dogs, service vehicles and other hikers so head up, eyes and ears open.
From the trailhead to the falls is about 3.5 miles. The first couple hundred yards has a slight incline but is very manageable; it loosely levels off after that.
There is virtually no shade. If you’re on the trail when the sun crests, you might get a little warm. A hat and small sunblock would help.
Bring a couple of water bottles, you might go through one on the way up, leaving you one for the return trip.
The hike itself isn’t scenery like Pincushion or San Joaquin trail, but there are a couple of wonderful spots to see the river.
I won’t get into how long the out-and-back will take because there are too many variables. Just remember it’s about 3.5 miles from the gate to the falls.
It is a beautiful place, with a huge waterfall, you can hike and see the two mines there as well, apart from having a great time.
It is a beautiful place, with a huge waterfall, you can hike and see the two mines there as well, apart from having a great time.
It is a beautiful place, with a huge waterfall, you can hike and see the two mines there as well, apart from having a great time.
It is a beautiful place, with a huge waterfall, you can hike and see the two mines there as well, apart from having a great time.
very hot & well-maintained!! rarely any shade, and the road is active with other hikers, bikers, and workers. pretty dog friendly—just watch the weather since it is paved road! be ready to step to the side for cars coming up and down. there are two man-made tunnels, one to the left of the falls and one on the way. from the perspective of an experienced hiker, the trail is moderate and not a lot of steep incline. the length & lack of shade/areas to sit are what make it jump from easy to moderate imo. plenty of parking at the trailhead too! the whole trail is basically paved road so i think you can do it with regular athletic shoes, don’t necessarily need hiking boots/shoes. definitely don’t forget water—stay hydrated, no matter the season!!
very hot & well-maintained!! rarely any shade, and the road is active with other hikers, bikers, and workers. pretty dog friendly—just watch the weather since it is paved road! be ready to step to the side for cars coming up and down. there are two man-made tunnels, one to the left of the falls and one on the way. from the perspective of an experienced hiker, the trail is moderate and not a lot of steep incline. the length & lack of shade/areas to sit are what make it jump from easy to moderate imo. plenty of parking at the trailhead too! the whole trail is basically paved road so i think you can do it with regular athletic shoes, don’t necessarily need hiking boots/shoes. definitely don’t forget water—stay hydrated, no matter the season!!