South Yuba Trail From Edwards or Purdon Crossing
This inviting trail skirting the canyon well above the South Yuba River is long enough to get the ol’ heart pumping. Yet, trail gradient is easy to moderate. Perfect. Nice rocky bluffs and some knurly oaks mix within the rich green pine and fir forest, but the beauty of this stretch of the South Yuba National Trail is that it offers year-round hiking. However, summers get hot in the canyon so the other three seasons are best. The northern aspect receives no direct sunshine and can be coolish during a wet period in winter. Since it’s less than a half hour from Nevada City and Grass Valley, enjoy it during any season, several times.
Scenic views of the canyon and river are blocked by the forest, but the trailside setting through the forest is its own attraction.
A hardy roundtrip of 9 miles...
DESCRIPTION:
4.5 miles, moderate, elevations: 1680’-2200’-2000’, 2½ hours, no motorized vehicles.
Scenic views of the canyon and river are blocked by the forest, but the trailside setting through the forest is its own attraction. Both Purdon Crossing and Edwards Crossing Bridges are photogenic, historic structures. Going either direction is roughly, equally moderately difficult. A hardy roundtrip of 9 miles saves having to leave a shuttle vehicle on the other end but it is pretty easily done. Shuttle would take about 30-45 minutes either direction.
Swimmers have broken in their own access trails to reach favorite swimming places. The smooth, colorful, water-worn rocks are as photogenic as inviting for swimming and sun bathing. Upriver from Purdon Bridge, a lower trail scrambles east along the river to access swimming holes; while the signed upper trail veers right and follows an old ditch referred to as Old Flume Trail. Follow this upper trail to Edwards Crossing.
Shortly after leaving both bridges behind, there are few decent access points to the river. Except where the Round Mountain Trail intersects with the river trail, a fairly good stub drops down to the river. No sign for the trail downhill. There are remains of mining equipment and campsites.
Both crossings have limited parking and are crowded on summer weekends, but provide easy access up and down the canyon. Purdon Crossing parking has no developments; whereas at Edwards Crossing the parking is blacktopped on the south side of the river. Vault toilet provided.
Options: Taking a side trip up Round Mountain Trail is best for the exercise not the scenery. Mountain bikers enjoy the challenge though.
On the north side of the Purdon Crossing Bridge, “users’ trails” work their way both up and down river. Upriver after about 1/3 mile, the swimming and sun bathing stretch of rocky shoreline is known locally as “Mother’s Beach.” Nudity is not sanctioned by BLM or State Parks, but still not unusual.
On the south side of the Purdon Crossing Bridge, another “users’ trail” follows an old ditch line for about a mile downriver. Pleasant stroll, but it peters out as it approaches a rocky stretch and crosses private land at the mouth of Rock Creek.
Spring Creek Falls sits across the river a short quarter mile below Edwards Bridge, but it’s not readily seen from this trail. An undeveloped trail scrambling through the rocks on the opposite (north) side of the river will take hikers to the falls, which is a favorite of swimmers. The stroll to the falls can be readily combined as a side trip before or after this longer trek.
DIRECTIONS:
To South Yuba Trail From Edwards or Purdon Crossing
From Purdon’s Crossing Bridge:
From Edward’s Crossing Bridge: Follow the paved North Bloomfield Road north from the Highway 49 intersection (at its only stoplight) which lies on the north side of Nevada City. Travel for about 0.5 mile to a major intersection with the road to Purdons Crossing. Stay to right at this intersection and continue down the North Bloomfield Road to the river. The road is black topped to the Edward’s Crossing, but the last drop is steep, narrow, and not recommended for RVs or trailers.
ACTIVITIES:
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Best)
Day hike: Year-round, pleasant stretch of trail for getting the ol’ heart pumping – especially as a roundtrip of 9 miles. Good trail gradient in a peaceful forested setting but provides few views of the river.
Mountain Biking (Rating: Good)
Locals refer to the loop that follows the western segment of this trail as simply the “South Yuba Trail.” Use the Round Mountain Trail down to the main river trail. Turn left (downriver) to the Purdon Bridge. Climb up the dirt road until reaching Rector Road. Veer left and then turn left again onto the Rock Creek Road east. Finally turn left onto the Round Mountain Road and follow it to dirt parking area and the Round Mountain Trailhead. With the 20-miles loop and a steady, rather steep drop plus climb of 1300 feet elevation strong intermediate and better riders will enjoy this ride. Winters and wet periods are not good times to drop down the Round Mountain Trail.
