South Yuba River State Park

South Yuba River State Park is a protected area spanning more than 11,000 acres where a river flows through granite canyons lined with forest in the Sierra Nevada. The park includes several historic bridges and various trails for different activity levels.

The area saw intense use during the Gold Rush when miners established settlements and built infrastructure. The bridges that remain date from that era and reflect the engineering solutions miners needed to cross the river.

Indigenous peoples lived along this river for thousands of years, relying on its waters and forests for survival. Their presence shaped how people today understand and value this place.

The Independence Trail offers wheelchair-accessible pathways through the park, making it accessible for visitors with varying abilities. Wear proper shoes for hiking and prepare for changing weather depending on the season.

The park holds four different stone bridges from the 1800s, each built using different techniques. This collection shows how builders experimented with various methods to solve the same problem of crossing the river.

Location: Nevada County

Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=496

GPS coordinates: 39.29270,-121.19500

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:03