Pioneer Trail-04 - Bear River to Lake Spaulding
This final segment of the Pioneer trail drops down along the Bowman Lake Road from the Bear River crossing to the South Yuba River at Lang Crossing. The trail then follows up the South Yuba and climbs above the dam at Lake Spaulding.
The trail follows up the South Yuba and climbs above the dam at Lake Spaulding.
...mid- way along the north shore of Lake Spaulding it connects with the Lake Spaulding Trail. From there are several options.
DESCRIPTION:
2.2 miles, difficult, elevations: 4480’-5100’, time varies by user.
…..Bear River to Lang Crossing…………………………21.8 mileage point
…..Lang Crossing of South Yuba River…………………23.0 mileage point
…..Spaulding Lake Trail…………………………………25.2 mileage pointAbout mid-way along the north shore of Lake Spaulding it connects with the Lake Spaulding Trail. This trail drops down from Fuller Lake.
As of spring 2003 there was no bridge crossing the outlet flow from Fuller to Spaulding. In high water seasons this can be a problem and travelers need to be aware and careful before attempting to wade across. Late in the summer and fall seasons you can just walk across on rocks. The bridge is scheduled to be built as soon as funds are available.
This segment of the Pioneer is the last of the volunteers’ 20 year effort to tie from just east of Nevada City to the Grouse Ridge network. Although relatively short, it is the most scenic.
Mid-way along the north shore of Lake Spaulding it connects with the Lake Spaulding Trail. From there are several options. See: Spaulding Lake Trail, Grouse Ridge Trail, and Baltimore Lake and Beyers Lakes Trail. To access the network from the east, see Destinations via Meadow Lake Road for the Grouse Ridge Area. Remember, no bikes are allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail itself. From Bear River to the Pacific Crest Trail is roughly 19 miles and challenging. Topographic maps crossed by the network are: Cisco Grove, English Mt, Webber Peak.
To access this area from the western segments of the Pioneer Trail see the individual segments within the South Yuba River Area. The Pioneer Trail, Harmony Ridge to White Cloud lists mileages and links to each of the other three segments.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4620’-7540’ | See Nearby Locations for links to other segments of the Pioneer Trail. |
DIRECTIONS:
To Pioneer Trail-04 - Bear River to Lake Spaulding
To fourth trailhead along the Pioneer Trail at either Bear River or Langs Crossing on the South Yuba: From Nevada City, follow Highway 20 for 23 miles east. Or 4.6 miles west on Highway 20 from the highway exit on I-80. Turn left onto Bowman Lake Road and follow it north for 0.6 mile to the PG&E Discovery Trail parking south of the interpretive area. Or follow the Bowman Lake Road for 1.0 mile to Langs Crossing of the South Yuba River. Small parking area on the right, immediately across the bridge.
ACTIVITIES:
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Best)
This segment has the only significant uphill climb of all four segments but from there are several options for longer rides.
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Best)
Hikers enjoy this last segment best. Certainly not pristine country but the views of the South Yuba River Canyon and the dam for Lake Spaulding are impressive. One you connect with the Spaulding Lake Trail there are several options for longer hikes.
This also makes a great, and easier, hike from Fuller Lake using the Spaulding Lake Trail and then turning right (downhill) onto the Pioneer Trail 04 and hike down to Langs Crossing. Just remember to leave a shuttle vehicle there by the river on the way up to Fuller Lake.
Mountain Biking (Rating: Good)
This segment has the only significant uphill climb of all four segments. The last segment beginning at Langs Crossing starts a narrow-track, steady climb of 620’ elevation. Some short stretches cross open, steep hillsides and the side slope drops precariously off to the river and stream canyons.
You have real braggin' rights if you started out near Nevada City and you made the 25 miles to here. Now all you have to do is turn around and head back. Unless, of course, you're just warmed up and want to tackle the Grouse Ridge and Sierra Crest trails next.
