Explore California’s Sierra Nevada on a 600-Mile Trail Network
Get ready to experience California’s breathtaking Sierra Nevada like never before! A massive 600-mile multi-use trail network is steadily opening up, inviting hikers, bikers, equestrians, and moto-riders to explore some of the state’s most spectacular landscapes.
This ambitious project, known as the Lost Sierra Route, promises to unveil ancient redwoods, majestic mountain views, and the charm of 15 quaint mountain towns.
The Vision Behind the Lost Sierra Route
The Sierra Nevada is a treasure trove of natural beauty, boasting incredible forests, iconic monuments, and national parks. This expansive trail system aims to not only highlight these well-known sights but also to guide adventurers to hidden gems and less-traveled areas.
A collaborative effort between the US Forest Service, the non-profit Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, and various community partners, the project seeks to revitalize the “Lost Sierra”—a stunning alpine region where the Sierra Nevada meets the Cascades. The goal is to stimulate a recreation-based economy, bringing new life and opportunities to communities that have faced economic hardship.
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Trail Progress and Future Plans
While the dream is 600 miles, significant progress has already been made since the initial phase launched. The long-term vision is to connect a total of 15 Northern California towns over the next few years. These multi-use trails will offer diverse activities, from wildlife watching and fishing to sightseeing and simply enjoying the serene environment.
For those with limited time, the network is designed for flexibility. As Trinity Stirling, project coordinator for Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, explains, “It’s not necessarily an A-Z trail. You can hop between different communities and choose your own adventure. You could visit each mountain town and make a 600-mile loop.” This means hikers can enjoy shorter sections or embark on longer, more remote expeditions.
Building the Trails and Boosting Local Economies
Creating 600 miles of new and repurposed trails is a monumental undertaking. The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has actively engaged local communities, building professional and youth crews to help with construction. These efforts not only advance the project but also provide valuable jobs and foster a connection between young people and their local public lands.
This region of northeastern California has long grappled with economic challenges, particularly after the decline of the logging and mining industries. More recently, wildfires and pandemic-related disruptions have further compounded these difficulties. The Connected Communities Project, through the Lost Sierra Route, offers a compelling vision for a recreation-focused lifestyle, aiming to attract community investment, encourage shared stewardship, and create crucial local jobs, hopefully drawing families back to the area.
Currently, teams are busy expanding sections of the trail, converting old Gold Rush-era logging and mining routes into new pathways. The strategic placement of these trails will funnel visitors into nearby mountain towns, encouraging them to stop for a coffee, grab a post-hike meal, get bike repairs, or find accommodation, directly boosting local businesses.
Towns slated for connection along the route include Chester, Downieville, Graeagle, Greenville, Jonesville, Loyalton, Portola, Sierra City, Sierraville, Susanville, Truckee, and Westwood in the Plumas and Tahoe national forests, plus Verdi in Nevada.
To stay updated on the project’s exciting progress, including trail planning and environmental reviews, you can follow the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship’s website.