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The Grouse Lake Area functions primarily as a 4x4 trail system with approximately 5+ miles of main roads and various off-shoot routes that test rock crawling abilities rather than traditional dirt bike skills. The terrain consists mainly of old logging roads and fire roads, with the main Grouse Ridge Road providing easy access to the fire lookout, though upper elevation sections become very rocky and challenging. The area lacks motorcycle-specific trails or single-track options, making it more suitable for ATVs, UTVs, and 4x4 vehicles than standard dirt bikes. Access requires navigating increasingly technical terrain, with some sections demanding 4WD capability, particularly beyond the gate leading to higher elevations.
The area offers secluded primitive camping opportunities along the river and at Grouse Ridge Campground, which features approximately 9-15 dispersed sites that fill quickly during peak season. The system provides access to spectacular scenic views at higher elevations, with the fire lookout offering panoramic vistas of surrounding lakes and wilderness areas. Operating seasonally from summer through fall when gates remain open, the area connects to various lake campgrounds including Bowman Lake and provides multiple unmarked trails and old logging roads for exploration. While the terrain offers washouts, water crossings, and rocky obstacles, the technical difficulty remains moderate overall, making it accessible to capable 4x4 vehicles rather than requiring extreme off-road expertise.Dirt Bike Trail System
Grouse Lake Trail Area
AKA: Soda Springs, Grouse Lake Area, Eagle Lakes Road, Tahoe National Forest, South Yuba River, Caryle Road, Grouse Ridge Trail, Lake Spaulding, Brady Mountain, Fordyce Lake, Four Dice, Signal Peak, Nevada City Ranger District, Pierce OHV Trail, Fordyce Trail, Indian Springs Campground
Soda Springs, CA
Trail System Statistics
Braaply Rating
Awesome
Approximate Size
5,120 acres (8 sq mi)
Miles of Trail
15 miles
Elevation Range
5400 to 7750 ft.
Operating Season
May 21 - October 15
About Grouse Lake Trail Area
The Grouse Lake Area functions primarily as a 4x4 trail system with approximately 5+ miles of main roads and various off-shoot routes that test rock crawling abilities rather than traditional dirt bike skills. The terrain consists mainly of old logging roads and fire roads, with the main Grouse Ridge Road providing easy access to the fire lookout, though upper elevation sections become very rocky and challenging. The area lacks motorcycle-specific trails or single-track options, making it more suitable for ATVs, UTVs, and 4x4 vehicles than standard dirt bikes. Access requires navigating...
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Getting Here & Info
Parking
No parking fees reported.
Camping
Camping is allowed in developed sites only.
Permit Required
Yes
Permit Info
CA OHMVR stickers required
Operating Season
May 21 - October 15
Trailhead Coordinates
39.3305364, -120.5758946
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Events at Grouse Lake Trail Area
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Last updated 3 months ago