Cedar Park Trail, near Sly Park, CA

Wheelchair and stroller accessible trail through the woods with a nice observation deck overlooking the Cosumnes River Canyon. 

At only one half to one mile, it is a perfect woodsy getaway for youngsters.

 

The trail forms a paved figure 8 set of loops with rest benches situated randomly along the way.  It is located in El Dorado National Forest, on the south side of Sly Park Road, Pollock Pines, CA.  We found a nice observation deck that overlooks the Cosumnes River Canyon.  Carry water and maybe mosquito spray.  There aren't any water sources along the way.  It is accessible year around but gets snow.  Dogs are welcome on a leash.  (For a restroom, I stopped at Lake Jenkinson campground, and parked before the gate. Located near the entrance gate you'll find bathrooms.)

The paved route is easy, has an elevation range of 3640-3700 feet. Ample parking is provided.


At Cedar park, there are two more trails, unpaved, not well marked, that head out beyond the ranger's cabin.  It turned into bushwhacking for us, which was fun, but also had some steepness and makes a great "Let's go get lost" sort of hike.  There wasn't much of an understory which made off trail hiking easier, and we had a small runoff creek crossing.  Down below all of this is a creek/river where there may be good fishing. 
 
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: 5561 Sly Park Road:
We drove from the Shingle Springs on Pleasant Valley Road to Sly Park Road, to the parking on our right, across the street from the Sly Park Education Center.  I call it the scenic route, but it is curvy and slower driving. The park is well marked with a standard forestry sign.
The other option is to take the Sly Park exit off of Highway 50 and follow signs toward Sly Park, Jenkinson Lake.  Pass the park entrance and at Mormon Emigrant road stay to the right to follow Sly Park Road less than two miles to the parking on your left for Cedar Park.

For more trails, visit Trails by Locations

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Happy Trails!



 

Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park

The park has seasonal camping and picnic areas on only a first come first serve basis, and along with trails for hikers, a museum for history buffs.  As a regional Indian museum, the collection at Chaw'se includes Northern, Central and Southern Miwok, Maidu, Konkow, Monache, Nisenan, Tubatulabal, Washo, and Foothill Yokuts. Examples of tools, basketry, featherwork, arrowheads and more.  It is located at 14881 Pine Grove-Volcano Road, Pine Grove, CA.

Kid Friendly Trail near Donner: Wheelchair and Stroller Welcome

 Waterfalls, meadows, wildflowers, and a shady hike.

Sierra Discovery Trail 

updated October 2012 for winter conditions, but other material is still posted below..

Families can enjoy taking small children,

even using a dirt friendly stroller!

Wheelchair accessible,

 (maybe with a little help through the winding dirt section).
Near Truckee, in Tahoe National Forest, close to Interstate 80, off of Highway 20 toward Nevada City.

 

SNOW!!!



You can see this little gem by crossing the small bridge
beside the Sierra Discovery Picnic Area. Taken October 2012. 



The parking lot was covered in snow and the trail unmarked at this time. 

A forestry road and a small turnout that takes off to the left of Bowman on your way in. 
It was also a pleasant stop with all of the autumn colors and
enough snow to play in without having to go too far off of the highway.

Farther down the road, in an attempt to get some photos of the South Yuba River, I had to turn back.  It was one lane scattered with snow.  Trucks passed me by, for hunting I assume.  Notably, it is bear and deer hunting season.  But if you are on a drive and need to get out with the kids, even play in the snow, Sierra Discovery was a nice stop.

In regular hiking season conditions:

The Sierra Discovery Trail is well marked with signs
and a large parking on Bowman Road

1/2 mile off of Highway 20. Directions and details below.

This 12 foot waterfall on Bear River

has a large viewing platform with benches for seating. 

This photo was taken late in a dry year,

but  water releases can effect the flow. A better year of rain or

earlier in the season would be best times to go.

 

 

At the start of the trail is a

large gazebo with informational posters about

the area, vegetation, wildlife, geology, and history

of the trail including how it was built.

Wheelchair accessible

bathrooms at the trail head. 

This is one of several sitting areas along the way

that is shady and inviting!  Kids will love the waterfall view!

 After crossing a boardwalk through a large meadow,
the trail comes to the river and this wonderful bridge leads to the loop. 

Kids will love it! 

Either direction takes you along the same loop, although the sign says to the right is easier.

Even in August, wildflowers can be found alongside the trail.

Throughout the trail there are informative signs and wonderful views. 

 

 

The instructional signs along the way give insight into the various aspects of these
ecosystems, and can provide teaching moments with the kids.

 



Pondersoa Pines

 

Near the parking and the restrooms is a large picnic area near the "river"

and is situated in an excellent shady area.

 

Distance and Difficulty:  .7 miles of easy trail

Driving Directions: 

• Take Highway 80. (East from the Sacramento area).

• Exit at 161 (to Nevada City via Highway 20)

• Head West on Highway 20, 4.3 miles (pass Lake Spaulding)  to Bowman Lake Road.  Turn right.

• The parking for the Sierra Discovery Trail is .5 mile up Bowman Lake Road on your left.  If you reach the bridge over South Yuba River, you have gone too far.

For more information: PG and E Recreation Area, (916) 386-5164

and the book:

California Waterfalls  by Ann Marie Brown

*** Pioneer Trail is closeby. Although not for strollers and wheelchairs, kids would enjoy it.

If you continue up Bowman Road, again, before you cross the South Yuba,

there is a dirt turnout on your left with a trail marker at 39°21’57.97″N,

120°21’57.21″W for Pioneer Trail.   

You can park there and hike through a thickly wooded moist area with water runoff creeks and even in summer is cool.  Head northeast on an easy to see single file trail. It will take you out to the bridge.  You may even find some ripe blackberries to snack on. If you choose to keep hiking cross the road, cross the bridge and at the northeastern end of parking you will find another trail marker heading into the woods again and uphill.  I will post on Pioneer Trail soon, but just in case you visit Sierra Discovery Trail and want a little more, this can get you started.

Other articles you may be interested in:

Trails by Locations
and
Tahoe National Forest

• Carr Lake Under Snow
• Crooked Lakes Trail (Survivor Night)
• Tahoe Rim Trail
• Grouse Lakes Basin Trails near Lake Tahoe
• Grouse Ridge Campground and Trail Head 7-2012
• Loch Leven Lakes, Salmon Lake
• Anticipating Mosquito Ridge with Friends
• Old Donner Pass to Azalea Lake Loop ~ Family Friendly
• Historic Mining Trail off Mosquito Road
• Sierra Discovery Trail
• Pioneer Trail to Spaulding Trail

 

 Happy Trails and thanks for stopping by!             

 11-2012