We know here at Yuba Trails Stewardship that snow never stopped people from going on a good hike during this cold season! However, we would like to remind everyone to stay safe out on the trails. This post is being dedicated to hiking, mountain biking, or horse back riding for this winter season.
Our vision at Yuba Trails Stewardship is to ensure members of the community are well informed about trails and the safest hikes to take in different conditions, and ensure access to all kinds of trails and ways we can all care for them. As a way we would like to pursue the vision just stated is by giving some friendly advise on how to be prepared to hike in these coming winter months. We also wanted to recommend some trails you can hike as well!
Nevada County has been lucky to have a community who want to care and maintain for trails within the area! Many organizations have to come together to build and create trails for the community and have some of the trails able to help the community get from one location to another. For those looking for a trail to hike this winter, some suggestions the current members of YTS would recommend include:
- Snow Mountain Ditch
- Deer Creek Tribute Trail
- Deer Creek Environs Trail
- Hirschman Trail
- Sugarloaf Trail
- Independence Trail
- Empire Mine Trail
Once you have decided on a trail, YTS would like ensure everyone on the trails remember to stay safe. Some recommendations YTS members would suggest to fellow trail users would include:
- Checking the weather before heading out
- Bringing lots of water and snacks!
- Dress like an onion, meaning wear lots of layers to keep warm
- If you’re on planning on a short hike (0.5 - 8 mile), then its highly recommended to go while the sun is out
- Bring a buddy! Not only can it be for safety reasons, but for a fun day also!
- Choose a trail with some uphill, hiking up hill will get your blood flowing (which can warm you up)
- If theres already snow on the ground when you’re planning your hike, then bring gaiters!
- Gaiters can prevent snow from getting inside your boots.
- Bring an extra pair of socks and cocoa in a thermos to leave in the car. When you get beck to the car after the hike you will have a warm pair of socks to change into and some hot cocoa for the ride home!
P.S. This will be the first post of a four part series for seasonal hiking trails! More are to come about Spring, Summer, and Fall.