Michigan Bluff-Last Chance Trail
Why it's listed
A switchback trail of dirt and rock connects the former mining towns of Michigan Bluff, Deadwood and Last Chance in Placer County, California. It descends about 1,900 feet into El Dorado Canyon, climbs 2,000 feet over Deadwood Ridge, then drops into the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the American River canyon before rising to Last Chance. Measured distances run about 6 miles from Michigan Bluff to Deadwood and roughly 4.5 miles from Devils Basin to Last Chance. Pack-trains of mules carried food, tools and other supplies along it as early as 1850, and by 1852-53 it was in full use, shortening travel to the camps. The Michigan Bluff to Deadwood section operated as a toll trail. Mining remains such as the Rainbow Land and Pacific mines lie along the route. The trail was recognized for its role in exploration, settlement, engineering, transportation and commerce between 1850 and 1939, and it forms part of the longer Western States Trail.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the trail was a vital supply route for remote mining camps, carrying mule pack-trains by 1850-53 and cutting travel time to Deadwood and Last Chance. It is significant under Criteria A and C for exploration and settlement, engineering, transportation and commerce, as an example of vernacular engineering. Part of it was a toll trail, indicating investment expected to pay off.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 92000854, listed June 26, 1992. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | From Michigan Bluff NE to Last Chance, Michigan Bluff |
|---|---|
| County | Placer County |
| Listed | June 26, 1992 |
| Reference number | 92000854 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1850 - 1939 |
| Architectural style | Vernacular Engineering |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Commerce, Engineering, Transportation, Exploration/Settlement |
| Level of significance | State, Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as an actively used trail; the current function is listed as transportation, pedestrian related. |
| Acreage | 37.7 |
| Coordinates | 39.06089, -120.70823 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 92000854.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.