Swim at Edwards Crossing on the South Yuba River
Nevada City, California
Details
Distance
2.74 miles
Elevation Gain
1302 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Josiah Roe
Jump into crystal clear 20 feet deep pools in the South Yuba River canyon, then relax on sand beaches underneath the sugar pines.
There are endless swimming holes on the South Yuba River the feature crystal clear water, massive granite boulders and pristine pocket beaches, particularly those lower in the foothills. Many are separated by sections of rapids, but can be reached via the growing trail system of the South Yuba River State Park.
The Edwards Crossing swimming hole, just upstream from the single-lane arch-truss Edwards Crossing Bridge, is still known *mostly* to locals and is easily accessible with a short, half-mile hike.
The most straightforward way to get there is to take North Bloomfield Road off Highway 49, just past Nevada City. Cross over the bridge and park on the right-side of the poorly-maintained road. About a quarter mile up the hill there is an obvious trail (Spring Creek Trail, though may be unmarked) leading down towards the water.
The best swimming hole (and the one with the big rocks to jump off of) is a short scramble (or swim) upstream. You can't miss it.
Note that on weekends, especially during the busy summer months, it can be quite busy, and there are other excellent swimming holes farther upstream.
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Swim at Edwards Crossing on the South Yuba River Reviews
This entry describes the parking wrong. There is a lot at the end of North Bloomfield Rd with bathrooms. If you get there before 10:30 am or so, you can usually find a spot. Across the bridge is a fire road that’s narrow and the parking is regulated so I would not park there. The trail description is accurate tho, I included a photo of the trailhead. We like to walk a ways down the river until the trail seems to veer up and away. At that point you wind your way down to the water and climb over some rocks to this nice spot with two jumping rocks. You can also ride a riffle in the river there past the rocks. There are both deep spots for swimming and shallow for wading. The beach is in full sun so be prepared! A great summer day out.
5.0
good spot pick up your trash leave our rivers clean
5.0
This is the best chillin spot. That's all I have to say. BEST. CHILLIN.' SPOT. I go here all seasons.
5.0
The river was crystal clear with fresh running water flowing right through it. There were a lot of people there but If you get there early enough you should have no problem parking. My group and I headed to Yuba for an overnight camp trip in between Edwards and Purdon crossing. We were able to jump in the river and swim around about 3.5 miles into our hike. It wasn't the easiest way down to the river but it was well worth the effort.
5.0
My boys and I went out on our weekly outings and went to this wonderful spot to go swimming. You could also go hiking around this place and explore this beautiful area.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing
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Take a Family Ride
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Visit the Bridgeport Covered Bridge
Photograph a Sunset on Wolf Mountain
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