Closing any site for any reason is not an action we take lightly, but protecting our visitors and employees remains our highest priority. We are working with our state and local partners to determine the best path forward to safely reopen closed sites.
Outdoor recreation can be beneficial to mental and physical health but must be practiced safely. In light of the statewide shelter-in-place order issued by the Governor of California, we continue to ask visitors to recreate locally.
If you do plan on visiting the Tahoe National Forest please be aware that:
• No trash removal is currently offered – please pack out all trash and waste
• All toilet facilities are currently closed – please plan accordingly
• Avoid high-risk activities – law enforcement and search and rescue operations may be limited
• If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location.
Background: The Tahoe National Forest is part of the Pacific Southwest Region of the US Forest Service which includes most National Forests within California. On March 25, 2020, Pacific Southwest Regional Forester Randy Moore issued a Closure Order for all developed recreation sites, excluding trailheads, across all National Forests within the Pacific Southwest Region including the Tahoe National Forest. This Order has been extended through May 15, 2020.
Non-motorized Trails
Generally non-motorized trails are open, but may be inaccessible due to late season snow and other factors. Snow has now melted out below 6,000’.
The Tahoe National Forest has received reports of beautiful wildflower blooms on the South Yuba Trail!
Below 5000’: Trails have not been cleared. Expect down trees and muddy conditions on trails below in this elevation. This applies to:
• Pioneer Trail
• Bullards Bar Trail Complex
• Joshua M. Hardt Memorial Trail
• North and South Yuba Trail
• Dascombe Trail Complex
• Western States Trail
5,000’ -6,000’: Trails have not been cleared. Expect down trees and muddy conditions on trails below in this elevation. This applies to:
• The Lone Grave area trail system has been cleared.
• Blue Lake Trail
• Spaulding Lake Trail
• Forest City Trail Complex
6,000’ to 7,000’: Trails have not been cleared. Expect down trees, muddy conditions, and patches of moderate to heavy snow on trails in this elevation. This applies to:
• Hole in the Ground Trail
• Loch Leven Trail
• Castle Valley Loop Trail
• Commemorative Overland Emigrant Trail
• Loyalton/Boca Railroad Trail
• Deer Creek Trail
Above 7,000’: Trails have not been cleared. Expect down trees and heavy snow in this elevation. This applies to:
• Mt. Lola Trail
• Mount Judah Loop
• Granite Chief Trail
• Pacific Crest Trail
• French Lake Trail
For updates, visit the TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST FACEBOOK PAGE HERE.