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South Yuba River State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,443 Google reviews · Running trail in Penn Valley, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from South Yuba River State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Riverside park spanning 20 miles, with 4 historic bridges & a wheelchair-accessible nature trail.
What runners say about South Yuba River State Park
“such a rad spot, beautiful covered bridge, nice swimmable beaches and trails that can lead you to wildflowers and animals galore.”
“I have PD and it was nice to see that it has easy trails that I could use and enjoy the beauty of this park.”
Great spot to hike next to the river. Beautiful this time of year, in January--of course it was an unusual 70deg. The water is so clear. Loved the hike towards the main river. Rocky terrain and not boring at all. Due to COVID, the parking is even more limited. Expect to park along the road (we went on a Sunday).
Great spot to take the family, we paid $10 for parking, then it was about a ten minute walk across the historic bridge and down the bank to the water. Easy to find a park & an easy walk.
The longest covered bridge in CA! Historic destination on the South Yuba. Fee...enforced. Bathrooms. In the summer there is a life jacket loan program for children since the current can be swift. Nice pools on the south banks for families. Deeper on the north Bank. Shade and picnic tables available.
Wonderful park and dog friendly!!! Has a visitor center and the staff is very helpful and friendly. I have PD and it was nice to see that it has easy trails that I could use and enjoy the beauty of this park.
Trail conditions & character
“such a rad spot, beautiful covered bridge, nice swimmable beaches and trails that can lead you to wildflowers and animals galore.”
“Great spot to take the family, we paid $10 for parking, then it was about a ten minute walk across the historic bridge and down the bank to the water.”
“Please don’t bring your dogs if you’re not going to pick up after them.”
Plan your run at South Yuba River State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesouthyubariverstatepark.org
- Phone(530) 432-2546
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
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