It's less than an hour from Sacramento by car. A regular stop for the Amtrak chugging up through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Reno. It's above the fog and usually below the snow line.

But Colfax, just off Interstate 80 and at 2500 feet elevation, is often bypassed by valley folks looking for an enjoyable weekend getaway higher up in the Sierra.

That may be changing. The Old West town of 1500 is mounting a new campaign to attract tourists to its charming downtown, its friendliness, and its rich history. Though it may take time, they appear to be making progress.

Today, the railroad plays an important role in Colfax's existence. Amtrak drops off passengers to enjoy a few days exploring the antique shops and restaurants along Main Street. The old rail depot is being restored, as is the stately Colfax Hotel. Some visitors stay in inexpensive motels in town, or choose the Rose Mountain Manor, a delightful bed-and-breakfast just up the hill. Rooms start at $80 a night.

Of the local restaurants, the best fine dining can be found at Giovanni's, a local institution since the 1940's. The Trackside Café, situated inside the old Fruit Exchange building, has some of the best hamburgers anywhere.

It's a slow paced getaway, made mostly for relaxing, but there are a couple of must-do's. One is hiking the Stevens Trail, built in the 1860's and maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. It's a gently sloping seven-mile roundtrip trek down to the banks of the North Fork of the American River and back - shaded, quiet, interspersed with waterfalls and great views of the foothills. Less adventurous types will enjoy just walking it for a mile or two.
Just outside Colfax, don't miss STL TIKN Restoration. About a dozen years ago, Don Doughtery was badly burned in an electrical accident. It caused him to re-assess his life and pursue his passion - restoring old trucks, cars and tractors. Today, his collection of rare, still-operating vehicles is nothing short of astonishing. Though he hasn't yet opened up a formal museum, call ahead and he's happy to give you a personal tour.
Colfax isn't the most active or attraction-filled old town in our Sierra foothills. It is, however, quiet, friendly, and very accessible…with enough history to satisfy any Old West advocate.

Contact Information:
Colfax Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 86
Colfax, CA. 95713
(530) 346-8888
E-Mail: info@colfaxarea.com

Colfax Area Historical Society
P.O. Box 185
Colfax, CA 95713-0185
(530) 389-2549
www.foothill.net/colfax/history

STL TIKN Restoration
Don Dougherty
(530) 346-8163

Rose Mountain Manor
233 Plutes Way
Colfax, CA 95713
1-866-444-ROSE
(530) 346-0067
www.rosemountainmanor.com

Giovanni's
(530) 346-7400

Trackside Café
(530) 346-2033

Little Red Hen
230 S. Auburn Street
Colfax, CA 95713
(530) 346-2404