01
Best overall pick
Yuba Rim Trail
East Of Camptonville Above New Bullards Bar Reservoir • Ridgetop Out-And-Back With Sweeping Canyon Views • Scenic Close-To-Town Favorite
A close-to-town ridge hike with big Yuba River and reservoir vistas right from the start.
This trail climbs quickly onto an open ridge, where long stretches of trail look straight out over the North Yuba River canyon and New Bullards Bar Reservoir. The grade is moderate but steady, with a mix of forest shade and exposed sections that can feel hot on summer afternoons. Spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and wildflowers, and many locals time this one for golden-hour light on the canyon walls.
02
Best summer cool-down
Bullards Bar Lakeshore Trail
New Bullards Bar Reservoir South Shore • Shady Lakeside Trail With Coves And Inlets • Relaxed Family-Friendly Option
Wind along the forested shoreline with easy access to quiet coves for swimming and paddling.
Following the contour of the reservoir, this trail offers gentle ups and downs and plenty of shade from pines and oaks. Short side paths drop to small inlets where you can dip your feet, launch a kayak, or spread out a picnic. It is a good choice for mixed groups and kids, though you will want to watch for poison oak along the edges and plan for midday heat in high summer.
03
Best for experienced hikers
North Yuba Trail – Rocky Rest Section
North Of Camptonville Along Highway 49 Near Rocky Rest Campground • Remote River Canyon Singletrack • Long, Committing Day Hike
A longer, narrower path that contours high above the North Yuba River through quiet forest and rocky slopes.
This section of the North Yuba Trail feels far from the highway as it winds in and out of side draws, often perched above a steep drop to the river. The tread is generally good but narrow, with some exposure and a sense of real backcountry even though you are not far from the road. It is best tackled by hikers comfortable with longer mileage, limited cell service, and carrying their own water and essentials.
04
Best for history buffs
Malakoff Diggins – Diggins Loop Trail
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park Near North Bloomfield • Historic Loop Through Mining Scarps And Pine Forest • Gold Rush History Highlight
Combine a mellow forest walk with dramatic views into the scarred, colorful mining pits of a Gold Rush-era site.
The Diggins Loop circles the heart of Malakoff Diggins, where hydraulic mining carved bizarre cliffs and amphitheaters in shades of white, gold, and rust. Portions of the trail dip into the old workings while others wander through quiet forest, with interpretive signs explaining how the landscape was transformed. Pair the hike with a stroll through the preserved town of North Bloomfield for a fuller sense of the area’s past.
05
Best river day
South Yuba River – Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing
Downstream Along The South Yuba River Near Nevada City • Classic Sierra River Gorge Trail • All-Day Swim-And-Hike Outing
Follow the river between two historic bridges, with frequent access to granite slabs, pools, and shaded banks.
This popular segment of trail traces the South Yuba’s granite gorge, rolling above the water and then dropping toward sandy pockets and polished boulders. You can hike the full point-to-point or turn around at any swimming hole that catches your eye, making it easy to tailor the distance. Expect crowds and tight parking on hot weekends, and always respect changing river conditions and any posted closures.