California · Hiking

Lafayette Ridge

2.6 mi
round trip
490 ft
climb
4,685 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Lafayette Ridge is an easy hike of about 2.6 miles on the Yuba River Ranger District of Tahoe National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is an out-and-back with a one-way climb of about 490 feet, starting at roughly 4,247 feet and reaching about 4,685 feet at the high point. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from the nearby Bowman Dam weather station, which sits about 700 feet higher than the trail, show July highs around 82°F with lows near 54°F, while winter highs stay in the mid-40s. The trail is on natural surface and bikes are allowed. Kanaka Creek, a canoeing spot, is about 1.4 miles away, and the High Grade Trail and Plum Valley Ditch are both about 2.5 miles off. Ramshorn Campground lies about 6.8 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Lafayette Ridge

    Best months: April–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      46° / 29°

    2. Feb

      47° / 28°

    3. Mar

      49° / 30°

    4. Apr

      55° / 33°

    5. May

      64° / 40°

    6. Jun

      73° / 47°

    7. Jul

      82° / 54°

    8. Aug

      81° / 54°

    9. Sep

      77° / 51°

    10. Oct

      66° / 42°

    11. Nov

      54° / 34°

    12. Dec

      45° / 29°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Bowman Dam, CA, 10.7 mi away at 5,385 ft. The station sits about 700 ft higher than this place, so expect it a little warmer here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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