China Wall / Foresthill Divide
A groomed snowmobile trail leads to Robinson Flat along the south rim of the awesome and wild North Fork of the American River. Cross-country skiers or snowshoe fans can play on the broad ridge around the plowed parking at China Wall.
There are no marked trails other than the groomed snowmobile trails.
It is 15.4 miles to Robinson Flat...
DESCRIPTION:
There are no marked trails other than the groomed snowmobile trails. More ambitious skiers can use the groomed snowmobile trail to head east and then enjoy the adjacent areas along the ridge. It is 15.4 miles to Robinson Flat, which sits at an elevation of 6,700’. The Humbug Loop is an ungroomed snowmobile route that follows the Humbug Creek Road #66 to the north for a total distance of 4.3 miles where it returns to the Foresthill Divide Road about 1 mile northeast of the beginning point.
The paved parking lot has room for 20 vehicles; 12 will accommodate trailers. Restrooms available.
| Parking Elevation: | 5000 feet | Base Elevation: | 5000 feet | Summit Elevation: | 5320 feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowfall | 0 inches | Season | December-March | ||
| Parking: | Plowed with no fees | Skiable Area | 300 acres | Groomed | Yes | 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 China Wall / Foresthill Divide
Follow the Foresthill Divide Road east for 12 miles out downtown Foresthill, which lies 17 miles east of Auburn via the Foresthill Road.
Topographic Maps: North Fork of American River - West Map & U.S.G.S. Westville & Duncan Peak
ACTIVITIES:
Snowmobiling (Rating: Best)
This is a good place to lose the crowds. Snowmobile usage is considered relatively light. The groomed road is easy and the ridge top is gentle although it is cut with fledgling canyons to each side. The vegetation off of the roads is mostly heavily forested with logging roads and some logging openings offering the best options. Take a good topographic map and enjoy exploring the country.
Groomed trails follow the Foresthill Divide Road along the southern rim of the wild North Fork of the American River Canyon east for over 15 miles to Robinson Flat Campground. The groomed route then cuts south to tie in with the Mosquito Ridge Road. From there you can continue east into the Middle Fork of the American River Canyon and on to French Meadows Reservoir. You can return or for a real adventure follow the marked (but not groomed) road up the Middle Fork to the logging road that heads north and ties into the Foresthill Divide Road above Robinson Flat Campground.
Difficulty Levels: Easiest to More Difficult, your choice
Classification: Best
See Mosquito Ridge Road for an alternate parking and starting area.
Snowshoeing (Rating: Good)
This is a good place to lose the crowds. Snowmobile usage is considered relatively light; cross-country skiing even lighter. The groomed road is easy and the ridge top is gentle although it is cut with fledgling canyons to each side. The vegetation off of the roads is mostly heavily forested with logging roads and old water ditches offering the best skiing and snowshoeing options. Take a good topographic map and enjoy exploring the country.
Difficulty Levels: Easiest to More Difficult, your choice
Skiing - Cross-country (Rating: Good)
This is a good place to lose the crowds. Snowmobile usage is considered relatively light; cross-country skiing even lighter. The groomed road is easy and the ridge top is gentle although it is cut with fledgling canyons to each side. The vegetation off of the roads is mostly heavily forested with logging roads and old water ditches offering the best skiing and snowshoeing options. Take a good topographic map and enjoy exploring the country.
Difficulty Levels: Easiest to More Difficult, your choice
