Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
295.00 ft (89.92 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
2.40 mi (3.86 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Rough And Ready Ditch Trail via Wild Flower Ridge makes use of a couple different adjacent trails in order to create a 2.4 mile peaceful and varied loop through the forest a short distance from the towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City.

Beginning near the Twin Cities Church along the highway, the trail follows a clearly defined path paralleling the road before reaching the end of the property and heading into a section enclosed by trees. Upon reaching Mountaineer Trail, the hiking route descends on the gravel road for a short distance until a sign marks the intersection of the Rough And Ready Ditch with the road. A wide berm follows the winding course of the ditch, making for an easy walk with minimal elevation change. The trail here is shady and cool, with a few views of the wider forest.

Upon reaching the point where the water flows into the ditch, the trail begins to climb up toward Wild Flower Ridge. Reaching the top of the ridge, the trail is clear as it heads into the oak trees and winds around different educational areas of the trail. A few interpretive signs are stationed along the path as well. Eventually, this Wild Flower Ridge Trail meets back up with the dirt path paralleling Rough And Ready Highway, leading back to the starting point.

While the trail can be hiked in either direction, we suggest hiking in a clockwise orientation as navigation is much easily going this way.

There are no bathrooms or water located along the hike.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Peaceful hike

Cons

Poison Oak

Trailhead Elevation

2,570.00 ft (783.34 m)

Highest point

2,605.00 ft (794.00 m)

Features

Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Comments

Have updates, photos, alerts, or just want to leave a comment?
Sign In and share them.

You May Also Enjoy