11.3 miles
Distance
1,975 ft
Climb
-1,982 ft
Descent
3,220 ft
High Point
-7 ft
Altitude change
1,754 ft
Altitude min
1,761 ft
Altitude start
1,755 ft
Altitude end
-56.3%
Grade max
89.4%
Grade min
5 miles
Distance climb
5 miles
Distance down
2,749 ft
Distance flat

This gets you all of the Purdon-Edwards South Yuba Trail section. There is some extreme exposure towards Edwards Crossing so be sure of your ability before attempting to ride it and do so at your own risk. The worst of the climb out is on a narrow paved road which cuts down the workload.

Detailed Description
South Yuba Loop is a 11 mile moderately popular expert route located near Nevada City California. This mountain bike only route and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 5 trails. This route climbs 1,975 ft with a max elevation of 3,220 ft then descends -1,982 ft.

Trail Issues on Route

  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 3 trails (newest: Jan 17, 2026)
Route Supporters
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Bicyclists of Nevada County (www.bonc.org)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.
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Stats

  • Distance
    11 miles
  • Avg time
    1 hr 56 min
  • Altitude min
    1,754 ft
  • Altitude start
    1,761 ft
  • Altitude end
    1,755 ft
  • Climb
    1,975 ft
  • Descent
    -1,982 ft
  • Grade max
    -56.3%
  • Grade min
    89.4%
  • Distance climb
    5 miles
  • Distance down
    5 miles
  • Distance flat
    2,749 ft

3 Reviews & Comments


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Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Round Mountain
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Black Diamond
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM, XC
  • Physical rating
    Hard
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    Photos

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    Videos

    more videos »
    South Yuba Trail (Nevada City, CA) Mountain Biking
    South Yuba Trail (Nevada City, CA) Mountain Biking
    16:36 | 722 | comments: 0 | favs:
    Feb 14, 2018

    Recent Trail Reports Along Route

    statustraildateconditiondescription
    Upper Hudson Way Trail
    Apr 11, 2026 @ 12:30pm (America/Los_Angeles)
    Apr 11, 2026
    		In great condition (just before several days of rain and wind)
    Coyote Ledge Trail
    Jan 17, 2026 @ 9:44am (America/Los_Angeles)
    Jan 17, 2026
    		Right next to parking lot, small trunk across trail. Walk over. Trail surface blanket of dead leaves
    South Yuba Trail--Purdon to Edwards
    Feb 20, 2022 @ 5:59pm
    Feb 20, 2022
    		Purdon to Round Mtn switchbacks is the only part I rode. Closer to Purdon: It still has a giant rootball that has pushed half the trail width down the hill. Mandatory walk or carry the bike here, but only for 6 ft or so. Two wet, shallow stream crossings. Otherwise dry.
    Old Flume Trail
    Oct 21, 2017 @ 10:55am
    Oct 21, 2017
    more reports »
    • By RedhawkTF Pro BONC & contributors
    • #4610 - 1,587 views

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