Pioneer Trail-01, Harmony Ridge to White Cloud
Heading out for morning ride on the outstanding 25-mile long Pioneer Trail, mountain biking enthusiasts staying in motels or quaint, historic hotels customers in totally charming Nevada City can ride right out of their place. After a good night' sleep and...plus a comforting breakfast or cup of coffee or tea. Ah wilderness. County roads from Nevada City climb up to Harmony Ridge just below the formal trailhead behind the Harmony Ridge Market off Highway 20 across from the intersection of the Scotts Lake Road and Five Mile House. The rest of us will make the quick and easy five-mile drive up to the trailhead. Either way, if you are looking for an exhilarating trek, then mountain bike, ride your horse, hike or jog the comparatively easy trail that winds in and out of the forest along Highway 20 high above the South Yuba River Follow it for any distance and return to the trailhead, or spot a shuttle vehicle to the desired destination for the day.
...looking for an exhilarating trek, then mountain bike, ride your horse, hike or jog the comparatively easy trail
...first, closest, lowest elevation, easiest and most popular beginning of the trail.
DESCRIPTION:
6.3 miles, easy, elevations: 3700’-4380’, time varies by user
Few make a day’s trek of the entire 25 miles from Nevada City to the Grouse Ridge country and Lake Spaulding, but all of us enjoy day-sized segments—-many of us, time and time again.
We’ve divided the 25 mile trail into four major segments. This is the first, closest, lowest elevation, easiest and most popular beginning of the trail. Then as shown, there are numerous mid-point access locations.
…..Harmony Ridge Store………………… .0.0 mileage point
…..Lone Grave……………………………. 2.2 mileage point
…..Conservation Camp Road…………….. 2.5 mileage point
…..Missouri Bar Road…………………….. 4.0 mileage point
…..White Cloud Picnic/Camping Area……6.3 mileage point
This beginning segment of the Pioneer Trail is only a few minutes out of Nevada City. It is the easiest and most popular with mountain bike riders. Equestrian riders can park trailers at Lone Grave area or the new parking area off the Conservation Camp Road. Trail follows relatively close to Highway 20 and at times between the highway and country homes. Although the area has been logged in the past, the setting has been left clean of logging waste. In fact, pleasant.
Extreme enthusiasts can follow the trail towards the Sierra Nevada crest until it connects to trails in the Grouse Ridge area.
Hikers can do the same but to reach the lower beginning of the trail, a quick vehicle ride of a few minutes to trailhead parking is much easier. Equestrian users are much more likely to begin at the informal Lone Grave parking area or higher up the divide.
Trail somewhat tame; highway noises more common than the buzz of mosquitoes. Modern day trail parallels Highway 20, following at times the deeply rutted wagon road left by Gold Rush emigrants. A favorite of mountain bikers and horses, even joggers, this trail is more for exhilarating exercise than backcountry experiences. Parking and maps available at Harmony Ridge Market across from Five Mile House and Scotts Lake Road intersection. Equestrians prefer ample trailer parking available across from the Lone Grave, 7 miles east of Nevada City. Equestrian riders originally developed the trail and with volunteers continue maintaining it.
The Pioneer Trail has evolved through the efforts of many volunteers over the last 20 years. It was completed from Five Mile House and the Harmony Ridge Store to Lake Spaulding where it ties into the Spaulding Lake Trail. Most people use the trails in segments as listed below. Even shorter pieces are easy options as the Pioneer Trail parallels Highway 20 and offers many alternatives.
total distance for the 4 distinct segments 25.2 miles, easy to difficult, elevations by segment: 3700’- 4380’; 4380’-5140’; 5140’-4480’; 4480’-5100’; time varies; no motorized vehicles.
| Miles | Elevation Range | Options |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3700’- 4320’ | See all four trail segments listed under Description. See Lone Grave Trails Complex. |
DIRECTIONS:
To Pioneer Trail-01, Harmony Ridge to White Cloud
To lowest trailhead along the Pioneer Trail at Harmony Ridge: From Nevada City, follow Highway 20 east for 5 miles. Harmony Ridge Market is on left (north) side. Biking enthusiasts can leave their B&B in Nevada City via the Willow Valley County Road climbing until it intersects with the Pioneer Trail at Highway.
ACTIVITIES:
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Best)
From the Lone Grave and Washington Overlook areas the ride is popular and relatively easy. But, use is heavy by not only bikers but other equestrian riders and occasional hikers. Be alert.
Hiking: Dayhikes (Rating: Good)
Use this trail for the all-out exercise options not a chance to enjoy a quiet commune with Ma Nature. Yet, so close to Nevada City and Grass Valley summer evening strolls or early morning jaunts are feasible. Joggers enjoy it too, especially the lower segment. Pristine, it ain’t but still pleasant and handy. In short, it's close enough to town that it's a great place for a quickee.
Historic Sites (Rating: Good)
Lone Grave
Mountain Biking (Rating: Exceptional)
One of the best rides for full out exercise. All single-track relatively packed smooth but with enough rocks, roots, and twists and turns to start out easy but becoming more challenging as the trail heads east. Also, use is heavy by not only bikers but also equestrian riders and occasional hikers. Be alert. Harmony Ridge segment is easy. White Cloud segment is moderately challenging. Same with the Omega Rest segment. The last segment beginning at Langs Crossing starts a narrow-track, steady climb of 620’ elevation. Some short stretches cross open, steep hillsides and the side slope drops precariously off to the river and stream canyons.
