Sayles Canyon Trail
Miles 4.5; Moderate; Elevations: 6840’—with a long stretch gently following the stream climbing, gently from 7300’-8000’—then a more brisk climb to 8660’ at the PCT junction; closed to motorized vehicles.
...delightful trail climbing moderately to photogenic Round Meadows...
...numerous Aspen dot much of the trail to provide excellent fall colors.
DESCRIPTION:
Another delightful trail climbing moderately to photogenic Round Meadows and then steepening somewhat to climb a long mile up to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The trail receives light use—in fact much of the trail’s tread is faint after being narrowed by the grass and brushy trail-sides. Wear leggings if it’s wet and watch for ticks in season. Yet, Sayles Canyon offers great wildflowers, especially in the meadows, and numerous Aspen dot much of the trail to provide excellent fall colors. Open pine groves, massive boulders, and vertical cliffs above the trail make the trail especially photogenic.
Access from Highway 50 is quick and easy. The Sayles Canyon Trailhead has been a primitive camping spot for both equestrian riders and hikers. Although there are no developments, the fairly level area offers a huge fire ring plus several, smaller nearby sites. Water is available from Sayles Creek. Parking is suitable for several vehicles and horse trailers.
The trailhead for this one trail first accesses the Bryan Meadows Trail and then ends after connecting to the PCT. This permits several options. The PCT can be followed either north back to Highway 50 and Echo Summit or south to Highway 88 and Carson Pass. Several side options branch off this main system throughway.
The best option does a loop by using the PCT to connect with the Bryans Meadows Trail. In fact, Sayles Canyon is my favorite link. The loop which begins at the Sayles Creek Trailhead totals about 9 miles, and even with the climb to the Sierra Crest, it still ranks as moderately difficult and a great outing for experienced hikers or equestrian riders. Mountain bikers can not use the PCT connecting link; so riders can only deadhead on either the Bryan Meadows or Sayles Canyon Trails.
DIRECTIONS:
To Sayles Canyon Trail
From Highway 50 turn (south) onto the Sierra-At-Tahoe Road (approximately 48 miles east of Placerville) and continue for 1.5 miles along the paved road. Then veer right onto gravel-surfaced Bryan Road (17E13) just before reaching the gate and entrance to the ski area. This road intersection is not signed, but a green, metal gate marks its beginning. Follow the gravel road though several cleared ski runs. The road deteriorates slightly as it rounds the ridge above Sayles Creek. The road ends at a turn-around loop that is marked with a FS trailhead sign. From the highway it is about 3.5 miles to the parking area located at the Sayles Canyon/Bryan Meadows trailhead.
ACTIVITIES:
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Best)
This is a top opportunity that receives light traffic. Trail riders, especially, will want to make a day’s ride of the trek by continuing on one of the connecting trails. Once reaching the PCT riders can head north to or towards Highway 50 and Echo Summit or south to Highway 88 and Carson Pass. The southerly ride to Showers Lake below Little Roundtop Mountain is exceptionally nice.
The loop, using a short segment of the PCT and then the Bryans Meadows Trail, makes a nice 9-mile ride with a good equestrian parking and primitive base camp opportunity at the trailhead. Spring flowers and fall colors highlighted by numerous Aspen are attractive, and cooler summer temperatures benefit from the relatively high elevation.
Mountain Biking (Rating: Good)
This trail is available to mountain bikes but the quarter mile, or so, long stretch within the first mile above the trailhead will require carrying or pushing the bike over that portion. The rest of the trail, especially to Round Meadows, is pleasant, gentle single-track but very few bikes bother. Then riders have to turnaround at the Sierra Crest and the PCT; so it’s a return trip back down the trail. The hill climb to the crest from the meadows is taxing but the trail is in good shape with wide tread and relatively few rocks and roots. So in short, the trek is rather short with more noted rides nearby
Both the Bryan Meadows and Sayles Canyon Trails could be done together by deadheading back each time the trails react the PCT. The total in and out ride would be about 15 miles—less that part you have to carry or push the bike. It appears few bicyclists chose to do this. For me that is a choice I agree with. Then again, there are the spring flowers in the meadows and the fall colors…
Hiking - Backpacking (Rating: Good)
The area is not dramatic or challenging enough to rate in the Top 10, yet it makes a warm, quiet, moderately easy retreat when you camp along the edge of photogenic Round Meadows. Spring and fall colors are the real icing on the cake.
Mosquitoes can be bad along the creek in the meadows, and ticks lying in the tall grass will be hungry; so go prepared.
Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Exceptional)
This quiet, little, hidden gem is a gentle, pleasant surprise hidden in the center of several other opportunities that are better known but not always better.
The roundtrip using the Bryan Meadows Trail is what nudges this from a good opportunity to a quiet best.
