Sierra Discovery Trail

Foothills and Sierra Nevada

Located at 5,000 feet near Emigrant Pass, Sierra Discovery Trail is a one mile partially paved loop trail meandering through an old growth conifer forest. Bear River also runs adjacent to the trail providing an opportunity to see an American Dipper. The trail surface can be covered with forest debris and several sections are fairly steep. Strong power wheelchairs are fine but this is not a good location for manual wheelchairs or individuals using walking assistance devices, such as walkers or canes. This location provides an opportunity to see birds not readily present in the valley like Brown Creepers and White-headed Woodpeckers. Parking is free and there is one van accessible handicapped spot. Restrooms are also accessible.

Directions: From Nevada City, travel approximately 20 miles east on Highway 20 to the Bowman Road turnoff. Turn left and travel approximately one-half mile (north) up this road. The parking lot is on the left.

This is a Partially Accessible birding location. Learn more about this and other accessible birding locations.

Paul Miller