Steephollow
This delightful area is the closest cross-country skiing area to Nevada City - a 20-minute drive. What it lacks in dramatic scenery it more than makes up in convenience and a pleasant selection of loop options loosely connected by an easy trail.
There are 8 miles of marked trails in an area closed to snowmobiles
...loops intertwine a short distance from Highway 20 with 4 different parking options along the road
DESCRIPTION:
The South Yuba River slices along the north side of the area with its usually snow-free canyon providing nice views. From the northern-most ridge-top trail, there are views of Lake Spaulding which lies to the northeast. The frosted Grouse Ridge shadows over the top of the lake and provides a wintry backdrop.
Snowmobiling: Prohibited
| Parking Elevation: | 5100 feet | Base Elevation: | 5100 feet | Summit Elevation: | 5760 feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Alpha Omega Rest Stop parking 5100’; 5760’ on upper end to the east. |
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| Snowfall | 0 inches | Season | Mid-December through mid-March | ||
| Parking: | Plowed with no fees | Skiable Area | 300 acres | Groomed | No | Terain Park | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snowmaking | |||||||
| Runs | Beginner | 0% | Intermediate | 0% | Expert | 0% | |
| Lifts | 0 | Types | |||||
| Contact(s) | Tahoe National Forest: 530-265-4531 |
|---|---|
| Website(s) |
DIRECTIONS:
To Steephollow
The Alpha Omega Rest Stop is 17 miles east of Nevada City on Highway 20.
See the South Yuba River - Washington Map
ACTIVITIES:
Nordic Cross-country Skiing (Rating: Good)
The area is heavily forested so skiing occurs mostly along roads or into openings created by timber harvest areas. There are 8 miles of marked trails in an area closed to snowmobiles. Approximately 3 loops intertwine a short distance from Highway 20 with 4 different parking options along the road. The best parking is at the Alpha Omega CalTrans Rest Stop which sits on the western end. Three parking opportunities are only wide spots next to the highway and are unsigned. Restrooms are available at the Rest Stop but no water. Most of the skiing occurs on the east end nearly 2 miles from the Rest Stop via an easily traversed connecting trail. From Alpha Omega The broad ridge climbs gently 660’ to the eastern end.
Difficulty levels: The connecting trail is rated Easiest, the loop trails More Difficult.
Mileage: 8 miles total. Shorter loops available.
Snowmobiling: Prohibited
Snowshoeing (Rating: Good)
The terrain on the broad, wide ridge is perfect for snowshoeing. The only limitation to the area is the short season due to the relatively low elevation.
The area is heavily forested so skiing and snowshoeing occurs mostly along roads or into openings created by timber harvest areas. There are 8 miles of marked trails in an area closed to snowmobiles. Approximately 3 loops intertwine a short distance from Highway 20 with 4 different parking options along the road. The best parking is at the Alpha Omega CalTrans Rest Stop which sits on the western end. Three parking opportunities are only wide spots next to the highway and are unsigned. Restrooms are available at the Rest Stop but no water. Most of the skiing and snowshoeing occur on the east end nearly 2 miles from the Rest Stop via an easily traversed connecting trail. From Alpha Omega The broad ridge climbs gently 660’ to the eastern end.
Difficulty levels: The connecting trail is rated Easiest, the loop trails More Difficult.
Mileage: 8 miles total. Shorter loops available.
Snowmobiling: Prohibited
