Big Bend
This area is open to all users for snow play and cross-country skiing. There are no marked trails. Due to easy accessibility off I-80, sledding and family snow play are the most popular uses, but others also enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the area.
The topography is predominantly a north slope broken by benches and even cliffs in the rocky terrain.
Above the road are several broken benches and patches of timber that give way to increasing slopes and tree cover; snowshoeing and skiing are more common here.
DESCRIPTION:
However, terrain suitable for snowmobiles is very limited, and trailer parking is poor.
The topography is predominantly a north slope broken by benches and even cliffs in the rocky terrain. From the plowed road down to the South Yuba River are gentle slopes and granite outcrops not always covered with sufficient snow. Above the road are several broken benches and patches of timber that give way to increasing slopes and tree cover; snowshoeing and skiing are more common here.
A tract of private property with several summer homes lies to the southwest and across the road from the Big Bend Visitor Center. To the east is the Royal Gorge Cross-country Skiing Resort area and the Rainbow Lodge. Please, consult maps for identification of areas for recreation that are administered by the Tahoe National Forest.
The adjacent and totally charming Rainbow Lodge offers accommodations as well as outstanding fine dining and a fun drinking parlor.
Plowed railroad tracks near the top of the useable area are dangerous and skiers have died, trapped in the narrow channel when trains came through. Avoid the tracks unless crossing directly to proceed uphill to the Loch Leven Lakes basin.
| Parking Elevation: | 5800 feet | Base Elevation: | 5800 feet | Summit Elevation: | 7000 feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Vault toilet restroom. Parking is too small for trailers and it can be crowded during weekends and holidays. |
||||
| Snowfall | 400 inches | Season | December - mid-March | ||
| Parking: | Plowed with no fees | Skiable Area | 0 acres | Groomed | No | Terain Park | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowmaking | |||||||
| Runs | Beginner | 0% | Intermediate | 0% | Expert | 0% | |
| Lifts | 0 | Types | |||||
| Contact(s) | Tahoe National Forest: 530-265-4531 |
|---|---|
| Website(s) |
DIRECTIONS:
To Big Bend
Parking is available at the Loch Leven trailhead parking area. From the east: Drive I-80 to the Big Bend right-hand exit. Then turn left on the Hampshire Rocks Road, which is also referred to as the Lincoln Highway or Old Highway 40. Follow the road east and continue past the Big Bend Visitors Center (open summers only) for 0.25 mile to the parking area on the left.
From the west: Drive I-80 west and exit right at the Hampshire Rocks Road that is signed Big Bend and Rainbow exit. Turn right onto the old highway and continue west past the Rainbow Lodge 0.25 mile to the parking area on the right.
See: North Fork American River -- East Map
ACTIVITIES:
Snow Play (Rating: Best)
The ease of access from I-80 and the broken terrain offer a variety of tubing and sledding opportunities. Make sure kids stay away from the South Yuba River at the bottom of the slope from the parking area.
Snowshoeing (Rating: Good)
The area above the road and parking area offers the best opportunity. The broken terrain offers a variety of choices for difficulty. Use is often high on weekends.
Nordic Cross-country Skiing (Rating: Good)
The area above the road and parking area offers the best opportunity. The broken terrain offers a variety of choices for difficulty. Use is often high on weekends.
