Think of epic American landscapes and California often springs to mind along with its stunning coastal stretches, ancient redwoods, deserts, and picturesque towns. Recently, a revolutionary trail system has emerged to unveil some of the state’s finest vistas along a 600-mile network of multiuse trails in the northeastern part of the state.
While debates may arise about the most scenic spots in California, the Sierra Nevada mountain range stands as a robust contender boasting national parks, forests, and monuments. The Lost Sierra Route aims to showcase these hidden gems and provide access to parts of the Sierras and surrounding areas that are generally overlooked by tourists.
The project is called Connected Communities, formed through a partnership between the nonprofit organization Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, the US Forest Service, and various community partners. The aim is to revitalize the Sierra Buttes—an alpine region where the Sierra Nevada meets the Cascades—through a recreation-based industry.
Phase one is set for launch in 2023 with the establishment of 20 miles of single-track multiuse trails connecting the mountain towns of Quincy and Taylorsville. This initial phase will offer breathtaking viewpoints of the mountain ranges and down into the Indian Valley. The overarching plan envisions gradually connecting 15 towns in Northern California and a section of Nevada over seven years through 600 miles of trails, providing adventurers with ample opportunities for hiking, biking, moto-riding, horse-riding, fishing, wildlife watching, and sightseeing.
If you prefer section hiking, you can segment the trail into manageable portions. According to Trinity Stirling, project coordinator for Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, “It’s not necessarily an A-Z trail. You can hop between different communities and select your own adventure. You could visit each mountain town and create a 600-mile loop.”
Establishing a 600-mile trail network demands substantial effort and resources. The Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship has engaged local communities to form volunteer teams to ensure trail development.
“In 2021, we operated two professional crews and six youth crews, which was significant following the restrictions of 2020 and COVID-19 when we were unable to run any youth crews,” Stirling states. “It was thrilling to witness young people back on the trail and foster their connection with public land. They’re all from the region, working on trails they can enjoy throughout their lives.”
In recent decades, this section of northeastern California has faced economic challenges with the decline of the logging and mining industries, compounded by wildfires and the impacts of pandemic-related restrictions. The goal of the Connected Communities Project is to foster a recreation-focused lifestyle through community investment, shared stewardship, economic opportunities, and the creation of new local jobs, ultimately encouraging families to return to the area.
This initiative involves expanding smaller sections of the trail stemming from the historical mining and logging routes of the Gold Rush-era mail delivery network while developing new trails to welcome visitors into the quaint mountain towns. These towns may offer a quick coffee stop, bike repairs, satisfying meals, or comfortable accommodations for the night.
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Other towns linked through this route consist of Truckee, Loyalton, Sierraville, Sierra City, Downieville, Graeagle, Portola, Greenville, Jonesville, Chester, Westwood, and Susanville in the Plumas and Tahoe national forests, as well as Verdi in Nevada.
To stay updated on the project’s progress, visit the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship’s website for the latest environmental reviews and trail planning developments.
