Copyright: California Scenic Highway Program Weaving through Tahoe National Forest, Route 20 provides scenery and access to limitless recreations

Description - This U.S. Forest Service Scenic Byway and State Scenic Highway in the northern Gold Country Region near Nevada City, goes through pine forests and offers views of the dramatic results of hydraulic mining.

Attractions - This U.S. Forest Service Scenic Byway and State Scenic Highway, in the Tahoe National Forest, explores the top of Chalk Bluff Ridge offering far-reaching views of the Sierra peaks. This route is located near Nevada City between Skillman Flat Campground and half a mile east of Lowell Hill Road.

Nevada City area is a diverse outdoor playground known the world over for unsurpassed kayaking, mountain biking, backpacking, trout fishing, winter sports and a host of other opportunities. Hikers are particularly drawn to the area for the vast selection and challenging routes. There are incalculable steep hills and low angle mountaineering routes along with infinite cliffs waiting to be climbed. In addition to the National Forest lands, nearby are state park destinations, BLM destinations and access to the 2,200-mile Pacific Crest Trail. Trout anglers are keen on Deer Creek for steelheads, Rollins Reservoir for rainbows, and Scotts Flat Reservoir for rainbows, brookies and browns. Numerous streamlets and rivers east of the city are popular destinations as well. Nevada City is commonly called the gateway to Tahoe National Forest. Consequently, there are a host of local outfitters fulfilling all your recreation needs. Scores of other activities accessed along picturesque Route 20 include whitewater runs (Class I to Class 5), hundreds of OHV miles, groomed and ungroomed snowmobile routes, and alpine skiing on Donner Summit, less than an hour's drive.

Recreation - The Route 20--Part of the Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway is known for it's historical and recreational attractions.

Climate - Gold Country generally experiences warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Weather can change rapidly during all seasons of the year. Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation. This precipitation falls mainly from October through April. At higher elevations, it comes mostly in the form of snow. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce thunderstorm activity. It is wise to pack for any season with clothing that can be "layered," ready to peel off or add on as the thermometer dictates. Always include some kind of rain gear.

Location - This byway is located in the Gold Country Region of northern California, near Nevada City between Skillman Flat Campground and half a mile east of Lowell Hill Road.

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