Mosquito Ridge Road
From Foresthill it is about 21 miles to the normal winter trailhead on the Mosquito Ridge Road in the area of Deller Springs.
Adventurous snowmobilers can continue following the marked, but un- groomed trail, up the Middle Fork of the American River.
...drive is noted for its narrow and windy drive with an awesome drop into the river canyons...
DESCRIPTION:
The first part of the drive is noted for its narrow and windy drive with an awesome drop into the river canyons along the route. Drive slowly. Watch for icy spots in shadowed areas under the big trees and cliffs.
| Parking Elevation: | 4600 feet | Base Elevation: | 4600 feet | Summit Elevation: | 6000 feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | 5000’ at Placer Big Trees, Mosquito Ridge tops out at 6000’, and French Meadows Reservoir is 5263’. |
||||
| Snowfall | 0 inches | Season | Early December through March | ||
| Parking: | Not plowed | Skiable Area | 300 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 Mosquito Ridge Road
The Mosquito Ridge Road begins on the eastern edge of downtown Foresthill. Turn right off of the Foresthill Divide Road at the signed intersection. Drive very carefully up the canyon until you reach the snowline, usually about 21 miles.
See North Fork of American River-East Map, but the area actually lies within the Middle Fork American River basin.
Topographic map: U.S.G. S. Greek Store
ACTIVITIES:
Snowmobiling (Rating: Best)
Most of the Mosquito Ridge Road is not groomed – until it joins the groomed route from the China Wall parking area at the #43 Road. Via Mosquito Ridge Road and the normal snowline and parking, the snowmobile route to French Meadows Reservoir is about 15 miles, the last half of which is groomed as part of the trail from China Flat.
Adventurous snowmobilers can continue following the marked, but un-groomed trail, up the Middle Fork of the American River. A designated logging road then ties the marked trail to the end of the groomed trail on Foresthill Divide above Robinson Flat. From there follow the groomed trial down and past Robinson Flat where the trail branches to the left and follows the #43 Road back to the Mosquito Ridge Road. Whew. From the parking location and back this is a 47-mile loop. Snowmobile use is rather light. Take a good map and the proper safety gear. See Map.
Difficulty level: Easiest to French Meadows Reservoir; Most Difficult rating for the un-groomed route that loops to the Soda Springs Road.
Mileage: 15 miles to French Meadows Reservoir; 47 miles to loop around the reservoir, and return via Robinson Flat.
Snowshoeing (Rating: Good)
For the adventurous soul, the drive is worth it -- unless the road is slick that day. A marked snowmobile trail follows the Mosquito Ridge Road east until it ties in with the groomed snowmobile trail coming down the #43 road from Robinsons Flat and the China Wall parking area. Once you hit the groomed snowmobile trail, it is another 7.4 miles to French Meadows Reservoir. From the parking location to French Meadows and back that’s nearly 29 miles. Cross-country ski use is even lighter than the snowmobile use.
But fun play areas abound on Mosquito Ridge and Peavine Ridge lying to the north for both cross-country skiers as well as snowmobiles near the parking location. The Placer Big Trees grove of Giant Sequoia is less than 3 miles from the trailhead. It is closed to over-the-snow vehicles.
This is country where a topographic map is invaluable for the more adventurous skiers and snowshoers who like to explore. Logged areas make great winter playgrounds. Other than the marked snowmobile route along the Mosquito Ridge Road, there are no marked trails. There are no limitations except your ability and snow conditions on any given day.
Snowshoeing at the Trailhead is along logging roads. The three mile trip (oneway) to the Giant Sequoia in the Placer Big Trees grove makes an easy trek in and out. Snowhoes can manuever in and around the grove of big trees.
Difficulty level: Easiest, More Difficult, or Most Difficult in locations off the roads. Your choice.
Mileage: Three miles to the Placer Big Trees; 15 miles to French Meadows Reservoir. Unlimited combinations on logging roads in between.
Skiing - Cross-country (Rating: Good)
For the adventurous soul, the drive is worth it -- unless the road is slick that day. A marked snowmobile trail follows the Mosquito Ridge Road east until it ties in with the groomed snowmobile trail coming down the #43 road from Robinsons Flat and the China Wall parking area. Once you hit the groomed snowmobile trail, it is another 7.4 miles to French Meadows Reservoir. From the parking location to French Meadows and back that’s nearly 29 miles. Cross-country ski use is even lighter than the snowmobile use.
But fun play areas abound on Mosquito Ridge and Peavine Ridge lying to the north for both cross-country skiers as well as snowmobiles near the parking location. The Placer Big Trees grove of Giant Sequoia is less than 3 miles from the trailhead. It is closed to over-the-snow vehicles.
This is country where a topographic map is invaluable for the more adventurous skiers. Logged areas make great winter playgrounds. Other than the marked snowmobile route along the Mosquito Ridge Road, there are no marked trails. There are no limitations except your ability and snow conditions on any given day.
Difficulty level: Easiest, More Difficult, or Most Difficult in locations off the roads. Your choice.
Mileage: Three miles to the Placer Big Trees; 15 miles to French Meadows Reservoir. Unlimited combinations on logging roads in between.
