South Yuba River – Donner Ski Ranch loop from Royal Gorge

South Yuba River – Donner Ski Ranch loop from Royal Gorge

Moderate

4.9

(9006)

12,187

riders

South Yuba River – Donner Ski Ranch loop from Royal Gorge

01:01

20.4km

300m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 17, 2026

Tips

The surface along some of this route may not be suitable

Some segments of your route comprise a surface that may not be suitable for your chosen sport.

After 0 m for 172 m

After 20.2 km for 172 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.48 km

South Yuba River

Highlight • River

The South Yuba River is a 65-mile-long tributary of the Yuba River. Fish species that can be found in this river include striped bass, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and more. …

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8.40 km

Donner Ski Ranch

Highlight • Rest Area

Donner Ski Ranch is a great, smaller resort in the winter, but in the summer, it's a hot spot for adventurers. Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers often stop in here for …

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8.84 km

Historic Donner Pass Summit ⛰️ Pacific Crest Trail crossing

Highlight • Mountain Pass

The old Hwy 40 passed through this summmit at 7135 ft elevation, still today the Donner Pass Road. Fast and heavy traffic of course goes over the I-80 interstate freeway …

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9.65 km

View of Donner Lake

Highlight • Viewpoint

From this point on Donner Pass Road, you get a panoramic view of Donner Lake, surrounded by pine forest, this is a spot well worth stopping at during your ride.

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17.6 km

Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort

Highlight • Trail

The Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort is the biggest cross-country ski area in North America. The eight trail systems here have great views of the Northern Sierra. There are also eight warming huts among the trails.

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20.1 km

Serene Lakes

Highlight • Lake

Serene Lakes are more off-the-beaten-path, so they tend to not be crowded with tourists. Historically, these were Native American fishing spots around trading routes. Obsidian arrowheads and petroglyphs have been …

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20.4 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types