Trail Overview
Accessed directly off Forest Service Road 21N01, Bonanza - FS 21N01Y is a quiet, gently meandering out-and-back spur that ventures into the scenic upland country. The route winds through an unbroken, lush conifer woodland dominated by towering Douglas firs, sugar pines, and fragrant incense cedars managed by the Plumas National Forest. The driving surface consists of a well-consolidated blend of native earth, fine gravel, and crushed stone aggregate layered beneath a consistent bed of golden pine needles, earning an easy difficulty rating of 1. Vehicle travel comes to an end at a natural clearing where a substantial fallen log rests across the roadway, offering a convenient turnaround pad. Visitors commonly seek out this secluded woodland track to establish private dispersed campsites, enjoy birdwatching and nature photography, or find a tranquil, shaded retreat away from the more heavily traveled forest thoroughfares.
Difficulty
Rated a 1, this forest spur offers an uncomplicated, low-stress drive with a predictable road surface from start to finish. The path maintains a smooth, level profile with minimal elevation change and remains free of embedded boulders, harsh ledges, or deep erosion gullies. Maintain a steady, relaxed speed to absorb occasional small dips and navigate shallow drainage contours without risking undercarriage contact. While roadside brush lightly flanks the track in a few tighter stretches, visibility remains clear ahead. Watch for the large downed tree crossing the route at the end, and utilize the broad, flat dirt clearing immediately preceding the obstruction to execute an easy multi-point turn
Offroad