Nevada City, South Yuba River Mountain Bike Trail Map

Trail map and information on the best mountain biking rides
near Nevada City

South Yuba Trail Mountain Biking

Nevada City Area Summary

Location: South Yuba River area near Nevada City
Best For: Advanced riders
Suitable For: All levels
Ground Cover: Mostly mixed forest
Seasons: Year round, but higher elevations may have snowpack from November through April.

Description:
The hills and river canyons surrounding Nevada City, an area steeped in Gold Rush history, also contain a wealth of mountain biking opportunities. The area is blessed with trails suitable for riders of all levels, though advanced riders in particular will love the possibilities.

The South Yuba River is the region's centerpiece, with a narrow and often technical single-track trail, pieced together from old mining routes, hugging the walls of the steep canyon formed by the river. The South Yuba Trail offers numerous out-and-back and loop ride options suitable for intermediate and advanced riders.

The Pioneer Trail, a twenty-five mile trail connecting Nevada City to the high country near Grouse Ridge, gives beginners a perfect introduction to single-track. Built by local equestrian groups, the Pioneer Trail is a great example of the potential for cooperation between user groups. This single-track also connects to trails dropping down toward Scotts Flat Reservoir, making some great short loop possibilities.
The South Yuba Region is just one of the huge variety of mountain biking spots that the Northern Sierra has to offer. Discover more great rides.

The trail map below is a jpeg of the actual maps from our books and map-sets.

Nevada City Area Mountain Bike Trails

Round Mountain Trails - Trail system tucked in between a residential area and the South Yuba River. Mostly intermediate to advanced riding through mixed forest.
South Yuba Trail - Beautiful, often technical single-track through mixed forest. Great views. Some steep fall-offs. Use caution.
Missouri Bar Trail - Fun, fast single-track through dense forest.
Pioneer Trail - Well maintained single-track trail parallels Hwy. 20. Runs from five miles east of Nevada City all the way to the Grouse Ridge region.
Directions to trailhead(s):
Ride 1. From intersection of Hwys. 20 and 49, head toward Downieville on Hwy. 49 for 0.3 miles, then turn right on North Bloomfield Road. In 0.6 miles stay right at intersection to remain on N. Bloomfield Rd. In 5.6 miles, turn left on Rock Creek Road. The trailhead parking is up the road 0.7 miles on the right side, just past the intersection with Merrimas Way.

Ride 2. Follow instructions for Ride 1, but continue on North Bloomfield as it descends steeply to river. After crossing the river, the road turns to dirt and starts to climb. In 1.5 miles, turn right into the South Yuba campground and park in the day-use area.