Bullards Bar Trails
DESCRIPTION:
This is a complex of trails consisting of five shorter segments and loop combinations. Topographic Maps: Camptonville, Challenge. The scenic Bullards Bar Trail is a special treat during spring and summer months when the reservoir is full. But even with drawdown, the bath tub ring effect cannot totally offset the pleasure of the trail winding along the lake and through cool, shaded trees that are sprinkled with large old-growth giants. The trails can be accessed year-around and are true gems during winters when there’s snow in the high country. There are five trails in this group that can be enjoyed individually or in combinations. Mountain bike riders especially enjoy the trail combinations to give them miles of satisfying single track and loop options. Bullards Bar Trail (BBT): the most scenic and the main trail. Directions: This trail can be accessed at several points. The east end is reached via Old Camptonville Road, which intersects Hwy 49 about 2 miles northeast of the Marysville Road/Hwy 49 intersection as you approach the turn-off to Camptonville along Hwy 49. Turn left (west) and follow Camptonville Road 0.7 mile. The mid-point is accessed from Dark Day Picnic area. In 2002 there was no trail sign except for a brown plastic marker at a large clearing that serves as a parking area. The west end starts at Sunset Vista Point, 0.75 miles before (east) of dam. Schoolhouse Trail: a 0.7 mile connection from the Schoolhouse Campground and then rapidly descending 250' to BBT. Directions: 3.6 miles west on Marysville Road from the intersection with Hwy 49, turn right at sign into Schoolhouse Campground. Trailhead near campsite 13. 7-Ball Trail: a 1.0 mile connection descending easterly from Dark Day Campground 400' to BBT. Directions: 1.9 miles west on Marysville Road (trailhead on right) or from Dark Day Campground that is reached by turning right onto signed access road 2.9 miles west on Marysville Road from Hwy 49. Rebel Ridge Trail: a 1.6 miles connection descending 17 switchbacks and 500' to BBT. Directions: Turn right onto a signed road 0.6 miles west on Marysville Road from Hwy 49 and follow for a short distance to the trailhead. Or it can be reached via BBT (right) east from Dark Day Campground. 8-Ball Trail: 3.8 miles, single track following along the Marysville Road. This connector trail allows several loop routes connecting Rebel Ridge, 7-Ball, and Schoolhouse trails. Directions: reach via any of those three trails.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | 2820’-1950' | Options of combining any of the 5 trails are numerous. Loop combinations are the favorite. |
DIRECTIONS:
To Bullards Bar Trails
See Bullards Bar Reservoir
ACTIVITIES:
Mountain Biking (Rating: Best)
Single with some double track (d/t) along old roads. The individual trails rate easy to more difficult, so on the average they combine to a moderate challenge. Longer loop combinations can be made and this becomes a totally fun, full day. Many of the trails were built with mountain bikes and loop options in mind. Some technical expertise is required to keep from diving into lake along the favorite Bullards Bar Trail -- unintentionally. Riders can also utilize the Marysville Road but the 8-Ball Trail single track paralleling that road is more fun -- and safer.
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Best)
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Good)
Part of the beauty is the ease of year-around access and the loop combinations that are possible to make longer rides. But it's also popular with mountainbikes.
Fishing (Rating: Good)
The Bullards Bar Trail follows close to the shore line of the south side of the reservoir and leads to numerous bank fishing opportunities.
