Briceburg Hiking Trail West

The Briceburg Hiking Trail West packs a big effort into a relatively short hike. It's popular for its varied terrain and huge quantities of natural beauty. This is something you and your pup can tackle in the morning, and still have time for naps in the afternoon!

Hikers: stay in the car until you reach the parking lot at the end of Briceburg Road, next to the Briceburg Bridge. Cyclists and equestrians often park by Highway 140 and ride in, but it adds five miles one way. This trail is steep and rocky, and adding ten miles (round trip) onto it is too much for all but the most dedicated hikers! When you reach the parking lot, go to the upriver side to pick up the trail. 

This hike's most notable feature is proximity to water. The Merced River is never out of sight on this trail. Seeing kayaks and rafts go by can serve as a reminder to keep yourself and your pup safe and dry. The water is cold and quick moving! The river is a centerpiece for the amazing wildlife you have a chance to see along the way. Birds nest along the shore, and everything from elk to rabbits come here for water. 

This is a narrow trail that goes up, up, and away! Though there are some switchbacks to ease the incline, at other points you'll have to power through it. Despite being a simple hard packed dirt path, it's easy to follow. You're never far from the riverbank, so you can always find your way. There is a concrete trail marker 2.5 miles into the trail. Turn around here, or leave Briceburg Hiking Trail West to continue your climb on other trails that branch off here. 

Briceburg Hiking Trail West's proximity to the Merced River creates a unique hiking pupportunity which will get your doggoes tail wagging!