Area Summary
Location: Hwy. 49 between Nevada City and Downieville
Best For: Advanced/intermediate riders
Suitable For: Strong beginners and better
Ground Cover: Mixed forest on North Yuba Trail, dense evergreen forest at Bullards Bar
Seasons: Year round

Description:
If you're itching for some Downieville-like mountain biking, but don't want to wait until the snow melts, head downstream to the North Yuba Trail and Bullards Bar Reservoir. Here you'll find the tight, technical single-track and awesome river views that you'll find in Downieville, but at 2,000-3,000 feet, these trails are generally rideable year-round. OK, there are no 4,000- foot descents here, and you'll actually have to ride uphill, but the biking is nevertheless spectacular.

Bullards Bar is a network of trails tucked next to a large reservoir, located 20 miles northeast of Nevada City, off Hwy. 49. The trails here are well maintained, thanks to the hard work of B.O.N.C., a local trail access organization. There's riding here for all levels, though experienced single-track riders will enjoy the super-tight sections of the Bullards Bar Trail more than beginners.

Further east on Hwy. 49, the North Yuba Trail runs from Rocky Rest Campground to Goodyears Bar (there are plans to extend it five more miles to Downieville), offering some wonderful technical riding with gorgeous river views. The North Yuba Trail is definitely not for beginners, and all riders should be prepared to carry their bikes in a few sections.