1bcalrr,
If you are refering to the cattle fence closer to the creek, yes there is an more defined trail to the left. It has been maybe a year since I was there too. But I have taken it more than 100 times. Taking that steep canyon to the right is called the Family canyon, as that is where Charles Manson and his family were known to have camped. There is also a spring in that canyon if you know where to dig. The more defined trail to the left is where I prefer to go, but have used the right trail just because I like diversity. The last time I was there a local from the Grass Valley area had a sign on those post that read Bradford ridge with an arrow pointing to the left. This local was seen by me many times taking care of this trail. He is a dchs regular who does not like to be known. I have also seen him planting native trees around the springs and leaving buckets with instructions on how to water them. He is what I call a trail angel :-) I have seen him raking and shoveling out the rough spots on this trail also. If you use google earth to look at the springs you can see this well defined trail where it meets up with the Pacific crest trail.
I hope that answers your question. Do not confuse that fence with the one near the parking lot/road.
Glad to help !