Yuba River Ride; Hallelujah Junction to Emigrant Gap

Motorcycle Route Author

By Guest (0 McR Points) on Feb 28, 2005

Rider Reviews

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Guest

October 5, 2010

This is a great ride. Take it to or from Reno.…

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MonstrousMia

2 McR Points

July 19, 2016

One of my favorite rides ever. Go in the morning…

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Written Directions

You can either take this route by starting in Hallelujah Junction or by starting in Emigrant Gap. Since the easiest way for most of you to get to it will be by way of an Interstate, my directions below describe the route from Emigrant Gap since I-80 passes right through that town. The easiest way to find the starting point is by clicking on this online MapQuest link to see where Emigrant Gap is. From Emigrant Gap, take California Route 20 west by traveling northeast on Emigrant Gap Rd, left onto Bear Valley Rd. to the town of Nevada City (California). From there find California Route 49 and take that west & eventually north through the Tahoe National Forest and Downieville, CA. Continue on 49 now heading east through Sierra City, Sierraville, and Loyalton. Stay on 49 (which turns north after Loyalton) until it intersects/dead-ends into California Route 70. Take Route 70 east through Chilcoot and right into the end point of Hallelujah Junction. From here if you wanted to get back to the Interstate, you would have to take US 395 down into Reno, NV where you could join up with I-80 again (this time in Nevada).

Scenery

Your cruising along the north fork of the Yuba River on a windy road often times through the bottom of a canyon that is extremely beautiful. Overall the scenery is excellent with lots of trees and beautiful views all along the way. From Nevada City you head north on another twisty CA-49. You'll follow the Yuba River to Downieville. Another great stop with bikes in every parking lot. From there it is a twisty climb up to Bassetts.

Drive Enjoyment

The road is in good shape, with lots of turns. Some hills and straight-aways to break up the ridegive you a little bit of everything

Tourism Opportunities

There are lots of places to pull over along the river. You'll be traveling through the Tahoe National Forest and if you're into outdoor recreation, there is plenty to offer here. Downieville is a great little town to stophave lunch in. Also, you will come to Nevada city, which has that great old town atmosphere to walk around in and motorcycle riders meet up a lot in this area.