South Yuba Trail: South Yuba Cmpg. to Humbug Cr.
This segment of the South Yuba National Trail is arguably one of the top two stretches of the trail. Although it stays above river gorge until it reaches Humbug Creek, there are a few good views of the river. The trail crosses several, open, sunny slopes dotted by wildflowers in the spring. Most likely April. A number of rocky ribs are eye catching and the moss covered oak trunks peaceful. Even the gradient changes of elevations rolling up and down are reasonable.
And less than an hour from Nevada City / Grass Valley.
As the trail approaches North Canyon there are good views upriver and down into the v- notched gorge...
...doable for average hikers and a breeze for mountain bikers and equestrian riders.
DESCRIPTION:
4 miles, moderate or better, elevations: 2600’-2100’-2440’-2150’, 2-3 hours each way.
At Overlook Point Picnic Site, about 1.5 miles in from the campground, a set of four tables sit on a prominent ridge below the trail. Signed. However, brush and tree undergrowth have blocked any easy views of the canyon. As the trail approaches North Canyon there are good views upriver and down into the v-notched gorge where the creek dumps into the river. A sign shortly before crossing the creek provides a stub trail down to river’s edge above the burnt orange rocks in the gorge
Miners frequently camp here as they prospect, but there is usually room for recreation tent camping too. Please respect their equipment.
There are tables sitting on a shady bench above the river at the point Humbug Creek dumps into the South Yuba. Nice! Upriver another 1/3 mile of mostly level trail is BLM’s South Yuba River Primitive Camping Area. With four sites and tables plus a toilet, this is a favored destination for backpackers hiking the South Yuba River. No treated water provided, but plenty of river water to be purified. No campfires permitted but campstoves unless the fire danger is very high. Summers can get hot in the canyon, but the river remains cool. Protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks in the spring and an occasional rattlesnake.
Even with an hour or so drive to the trailhead, the in-and-out trip to Humbug Creek of about 8 miles of good gradient and wide tread with little rock is doable for average hikers and a breeze for mountain bikers and equestrian riders.
Options, options, and options:
Or shuttle a second vehicle to top of the Humbug Trail in the Malakoff Diggins State Historical Park. Then climb out that trail instead of returning. Better yet, the Humbug Trail is steep and longish. Reverse the trip and drop down Humbug and climb out at South Yuba Campground. No bikes on the Humbug Trail.
Or if you are really an enthusiast, continue east upriver all the way to Missouri Bar Trail: total distance to this point of the river about 7.5 miles. Then climb up that access trail for 1.4 miles to the Trailhead. This stretch is rather steep and narrow; mountain bikers are not very fond of it. Experienced riders only. In summary: from South Yuba Campground to Primitive Camp is 4.5 miles; returning totals 9.0 miles. From South Yuba Campground, continuing by Primitive Camp—or spending the night or few camping— to the top of the Missouri Bar Trail and the total distance is closer to 8.9 miles. Just remember to spot a shuttle vehicle at wherever you climb out. In my opinion, this little jaunt bags the two best stretches of the South Yuba National Trail.
You’ll want to remind yourself that although distances are about the same, the full extension to Missouri Bar Trail adds another 1100’ feet climb vs. returning the way to South Yuba River Campground.
Given that, you can reverse the trip by dropping down the 1100’ elevation Missouri Bar Trail from 3300’ to 2300’ and then climb out of the river up to a lower 2600’ elevation at the South Yuba River Campground.
Life is full of choices, and we have some of the best here in our backyard
DIRECTIONS:
To South Yuba Trail: South Yuba Cmpg. to Humbug Cr.
Follow the paved North Bloomfield Road north from the Highway 49 intersection (at its only stoplight) which lies on the north side of Nevada City. Travel for about 0.5 mile to a major intersection with the road to Purdons Crossing. Stay to right at this intersection and continue down North Bloomfield Road to river. Drive across Edwards Crossing Bridge continuing north up the gravel road for 1.0 mile to the signed access to the right (east). Road is paved to the Edwards Crossing, but the last drop is steep, narrow, and not recommended for RVs or trailers.
RVs and trailers should approach from the north side of the canyon: travel 11 miles north of Nevada City via Highway 49 to Tyler Foote Crossing Road and turn right (east). Proceed to “downtown” North Columbia and turn right onto Grizzly Hill Road and proceed to North Bloomfield Road. Turn left and follow it for a short distance to Campground entrance on right.
ACTIVITIES:
Equestrian Trail Riding (Rating: Best)
A great opportunity as an in-and-back ride or taking the trouble to spot another vehicle at either Humbug or Missouri Bar Trails trailheads. Remember to pull trailers in from the north and North Columbia.
Hiking: Dayhikes (Rating: Best)
This segment of the South Yuba River National Trail is one of the top two stretches of the full trail length. The other one is the next segment on to Missouri Bar.
Reasonable gradients and wide, packed trail with few rocks or root. Several views of the river. Wildflowers in season. Skip the hot summers unless swimming is the goal.
Hiking: Backpacking (Rating: Good)
The best opportunity for overnighting on this segment is at North Canyon. But, few spots suitable and miners often get there first. It’s essentially all rock. Lumpy hard ones near the river. It’s roughly 1½ further upriver from North Canyon to Primitive Camp or only another 1/3 mile after crossing Humbug Creek.
Mountain Biking (Rating: Exceptional)
Exceptional opportunity along the river. Low intermediates will be comfortable, but watch for that first drop to the river on the side hill that tumbles to the river. Usually, trees will catch you, but that hurts. Using the steep, narrow Missouri Bar Trail to drop down or climb out is more of a challenge. Many riders prefer to return back to the Campground. No bikes allowed on Humbug Trail.
