Pioneer Hallelujah Trail
Thursday, May 16, 2024

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

HIKE DISTANCE: 5.5 mile loop

ELEVATION: Starts at 4, 400 ft.   757 ft. gain

TRIAL CONDITIONS: This is considered a Moderate hike, 5.5 miles in length, with a 757 ft elevation gain.  It is a loop trail.  According to All Trails, it takes 2hr and 21min average hiking time.  However, we will stop, and go slowly down the hill and across the stream.  The trail is a bit narrow with some roots/rocks/ruts on the downhill portion.  Otherwise, it is smooth and wide. Expect closer to 3 hours hike time from start to finish, plus trailside lunch stop.

GENERAL LOCATION: NE of Nevada City on Hwy. 20

DESCRIPTION: This route takes you from the Skillman Horsecamp through the North Fork of Deer Creek drainage.  You will start out on the level Hallelujah Trail, descending into the canyon (switchbacks) via the Hallelujah Tie Trail.  You’ll cross the creek and finish by traveling along the historic Pioneer Trail. 

The loop is mostly shaded, through a mixed conifer forest.  There can be numerous blooming dogwoods.  The route is a multi-use trail shared by hikers, bikers, horses and dogs.  However, on a Thursday morning, it should be fairly quiet.  Note, last spring, a black bear was sighted in the distance, about 300 yards away from the trail.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE/DONATION: The Skillman Horsecamp is about 52 miles from SCLH, and takes about 1 hr 9 min to drive via route 49 north.  Park at the trailhead on Skillman Road just before the horsecamp. Suggested donation to drivers $12. Expected return time to SCLH about 2:30 PM.

HIKE LEADERS/SWEEP: Cathy and Joe Hedges

SPECIAL NOTES: Rain day of hike will cancel hike

FACILITIES AVAILABLE: Pit toilets at the trailhead

PREPARATION FOR HIKE:
      1) Bring a copy of your ID (driver’s license), health insurance card, and emergency contact name and phone number with you on the hike. 
      2) Always bring a pair of shoes along with your hiking boots, with a bag to store your dirty hiking boots on the drive home. Please be considerate of the driver’s car and wear clean shoes on the way home.
      3) Bring hiking boots, poles, water, lunch, layered clothing.
      4) Be prepared for mud and water on the trail. The creek crossing is dry, but the recent snowmelt will add water to the trail. Bring plastic to sit on for our lunch stop.
 
QUESTIONS: Cathy Hedges, cathleenhedges@gmail.com

MEETING TIME: 7:45 AM. LEAVING TIME 8:00 AM

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

TRAIL MAP

PREHIKE PHOTOS