Clyde Mountain
Campground
Campground · 0.8 mi from the trail
California · Hiking · Near Nevada City
Spaulding Lake Trail
Photo: waterarchives, CC BY-SA 2.0 (via Flickr)- 8.8 mi
- round trip
- 627 ft
- climb
- 5,434 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
- May–Oct
- best months
Is Spaulding Lake Trail open right now?
Alert in the area
The Forest Service lists an alert for Tahoe National Forest.
Camping and Campfire Restrictions-Truckee and Sierraville Districts
Agency alert covering Tahoe National Forest · Order 17-25-05 · USFS · Tahoe National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Tahoe National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Spaulding Lake Trail is an out-and-back hike of about 8.8 miles in the Yuba River Ranger District of Tahoe National Forest in California. The route rises from a low point of about 5,026 feet to a high of about 5,434 feet, with a total elevation gain of 627 feet. The trail is rated hard, and its natural surface makes it a challenge for hikers and riders alike, as bikes are allowed. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Lake Spaulding show July and August highs around 82°F with lows in the upper 40s, while winter highs sit in the low to mid 40s. The trail is open year-round, and the surrounding area offers plenty to pair with it. The Gorge and Upper Gorge climbing areas are both within a mile, Rucker Lake campground is about 1.1 miles away, and the Sierra Discovery Trail lies roughly 2.5 miles off.
Around this trail
Add any of these when you start a tripSleep close Eat after The Rustic Table
Restaurant
On your way back · 3 mi · Open after 6If it rains Golden Drift Museum
Museum
On your way back · 14 mi
Places © OpenStreetMap contributors
More in Nevada CityLocal outfitters
- Alpenglow Expeditions24 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
Best time to go · May–Oct
Best time to visit Spaulding Lake Trail
Best months: May–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.
Jan
44° / 25°
Feb
46° / 26°
Mar
51° / 27°
Apr
56° / 30°
May
64° / 37°
Jun
75° / 43°
Jul
82° / 48°
Aug
82° / 47°
Sep
76° / 44°
Oct
65° / 37°
Nov
51° / 30°
Dec
43° / 25°
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Lake Spaulding, CA, 1.7 mi away at 5,156 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.
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