Colfax CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Colfax, California.
1. Rollins Lake
SCENIC BOATING AND CAMPING
Rollins Lake is a scenic and calm body of water perfect for boating and camping activities. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while fishing or renting a boat to explore the lake. The area also offers tent camping opportunities for those looking to spend more time in nature.
2. Codfish Creek Trail
BEAUTIFUL WILDERNESS HIKING
Codfish Creek Trail offers a beautiful hiking experience with abundant flora and fauna and a scenic waterfall. Hikers can take a refreshing dip at the old-fashioned swimming hole located along the trail. The trail showcases the natural beauty of the Colfax wilderness area year-round.
3. Colfax Area Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Colfax Area Heritage Museum is housed in the restored 1908 Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, offering visitors a glimpse into the town's rich history. The museum displays vintage ephemera salvaged from Colfax's pioneering days, including farming tools, antique pharmacy bottles, and children's toys. Exhibits highlight the town's crucial role in building the Transcontinental Railroad and why the community was named after Schuyler Colfax, U.S. vice president from 1869 to 1873.
4. Stevens Trail
HISTORIC WILDFLOWER HIKE
Stevens Trail is a historic 3.5-mile path that descends to the North Fork American River from Colfax. The trail features stunning displays of spring wildflowers that attract nature enthusiasts and photographers. Hikers can enjoy the rigorous trek year-round as the trail sits just below the snow line.
5. Colfax Lions Children's Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION SPOT
Colfax Lions Children's Park provides a welcoming recreational space for families visiting the area. The park offers play equipment and open spaces for children to enjoy outdoor activities. It serves as a community gathering spot maintained by the local Lions Club organization.
6. Historic Downtown Colfax
PRESERVED RAILROAD TOWN
Historic Downtown Colfax features a series of 18 historic markers that highlight the enormous impact of gold discovery and railroad arrival on the area. The walkable district can be explored in an afternoon, making it an accessible attraction for visitors with limited time. Main Street showcases preserved buildings that reflect the town's 19th-century origins and development.
7. Murphy's Saloon
STORIED HISTORIC TAVERN
Murphy's Saloon occupies the historic Pastime Club building at 10 N. Main Street in downtown Colfax. The establishment carries a storied history that reflects the social development of this Gold Country town. Visitors can enjoy the authentic atmosphere while learning about the saloon's place in local lore.
8. Weimar Institute Trails
OAK-CLAD AUTUMN VIEWS
The trails surrounding Weimar Institute offer visitors a chance to wander through beautiful oak-clad hills near Colfax. During autumn, the forest transforms into a spectacle of burnished gold colors that attract photographers and nature lovers. The trail system provides accessible outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the year.
9. G&J Outdoors
EXPERT GUIDED ADVENTURES
G&J Outdoors offers expertly guided hunting and fishing trips throughout Nevada and California with over 20 years of experience. Their services are tailored to meet individual needs for an enjoyable and successful outdoor adventure. The guides provide local knowledge that enhances visitors' experiences in the natural surroundings of the Sierra foothills.
10. Massage Central
RELAXING SPA SERVICES
Massage Central provides rejuvenating spa treatments for visitors and residents of Colfax. The establishment offers a peaceful retreat after exploring the outdoor attractions in the area. Spa services help travelers recover from hiking adventures on the region's numerous trails.
11. Lucchesi Vineyards
SIERRA FOOTHILL WINES
Lucchesi Vineyards offers visitors the opportunity to taste distinctive Sierra foothill wines in the Colfax area. The vineyard showcases locally grown grapes that thrive in the unique microclimates of the region. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tastings while appreciating the scenic vineyard setting.
12. Sierra Star Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Sierra Star Winery invites visitors to sample wines produced from grapes grown in the Sierra foothills near Colfax. The winery offers a relaxed atmosphere for wine enthusiasts to enjoy local vintages. Guests can learn about the winemaking process specific to this region of California.
13. Empire Mine State Historic Park
GOLD MINING LEGACY
Empire Mine State Historic Park preserves one of California's oldest and most productive gold mines located near Colfax. Visitors can explore the mine's historic buildings and learn about the extraction processes that yielded millions in gold. The park combines historical education with beautiful gardens and hiking trails for a complete experience.
14. Colfax Schuyler Statue
HISTORIC BRONZE MONUMENT
The Colfax Schuyler Statue is a bronze monument standing on Railroad Street that honors the town's namesake, Schuyler Colfax, who served as U.S. Vice President from 1869 to 1873. The statue serves as a reminder of the town's historical connections to national politics during the post-Civil War era. Visitors often stop to take photographs with this prominent landmark while exploring downtown Colfax.
15. IOOF Hall
HISTORIC FRATERNAL BUILDING
The IOOF Hall in Colfax represents the architectural heritage of fraternal organizations in Gold Country towns. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows building stands as a testament to the social structures that helped build community in 19th century mining settlements. The preserved structure contributes to the historic character of downtown Colfax.