Independence Trail - Nevada City, Ca

May 26, 2012 - Independence Trail - Nevada City, Ca 

Week one starts with an easily accessible down and back hike on Independence Trail in Nevada County, just outside of Nevada City, Ca. The directions are easy. Once you find your way to Nevada City, typically via highway 49, head west on 49 toward Downieville. The guide book says it's 6.4 miles from the 49/20 split.

The trail head is rather well signed and is on the right hand side of the road. Parking is on either side of the highway on the shoulders, and is plentiful, however you may have to head down the road a few bends to find a spot. I recommend parking at an angle to help fit more cars on the shoulder. We found a nice parking space 2 bends from the trailhead and in the process found a secondary trail access via a wooden staircase.

At the top of the stairs we headed left. Right would have taken us to the trailhead. The trail is rather unusual as there is a high and a low path. The lower path is wider and easier to traverse, however it is also a horse, bike and running path, so having an alternate trail is handy. On the day we went, in spite of the many parked cars, there were very few hikers, or otherwise, on the trail.

This is an up and back trail. In fact the end of the trail is rather disappointing. About one hour in is what looks like a fire break. The trail, which appears to have at one point continued beyond, now just ends. We decided to explore the seemingly overgrown path, but to no avail as it just becomes more and more overgrown. In short, turn back at the fire break.

The trail is easily marked and easy walking with no significant elevation changes. The flora is beautiful, offering plenty of shade, added with the altitude, approximately 3000 feet, and it's a great easy summer hike. However be wary of the poison oak growing on the edges of the trail.

The Pros: easy hike, clearly marked, ample parking, shady, short drive from Nevada City.

The Cons: anticlimactic ending, poison oak, potential crowds.

The rating: 1/5 for difficulty, 3/5 for overall pleasantness.