Trail Overview

The Deer Lake and Gold Valley off-road route is a scenic, moderately challenging 25-mile point-to-point journey through Sierra County that is ideal for high-clearance stock 4x4 SUVs and intermediate drivers seeking a mix of spectacular alpine vistas and historic gold mining heritage. Starting at Packer Saddle, the route begins with an easy climb to a high ridge overlooking Deer Lake, offering incredible views of the Sierra Buttes and the surrounding high country. As the trail descends steeply into rugged Gold Valley, the terrain becomes more technical, with rocky creek crossings and narrow pathways that require careful tire placement and skid plates. Drivers will experience substantial elevation changes, starting at 4,354 feet and climbing up to a peak of 7,460 feet, with a total elevation gain of over 5,289 feet. Along the way, the route passes notable historic sites such as the Four Hills Mine, a prominent high-grade gold mine from the 1850s gold rush where nearly half a million dollars in gold was once extracted. The route offers several opportunities to customize the adventure, including a side trip north toward a scenic campground above Gold Lake, or a challenging turn onto the difficult Snake Lake Trail #9. Unlicensed off-road vehicles must note that they are restricted beyond the designated boundary near the northern end of the route before entering Plumas-Eureka State Park. The journey concludes near Johnsville, where travelers can visit the Plumas-Eureka State Park Museum to learn more about the region's rich mining history.

Photos of Deer Lake and Gold Valley

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Difficulty

Deer Lake trail is mostly easy except at the north end. After Waypoint 03, the trail drops steeply into Gold Valley and wanders back and forth across a narrow, rocky creek bed. Okay for stock 4x4 SUVs with high clearance and skid plates. Novice drivers use caution.

History

Sierra County was an extremely active gold mining region starting with the California gold rush of the 1850s. Located along the route, the Four Hills Mine stands out as a historic site where nearly half a million dollars in gold was extracted from a high-grade surface deposit. At the end of the route, visitors can explore the Plumas-Eureka State Park Museum in Johnsville to learn more about the historic mining operations of the area.

Technical Rating

Drew Thompson

Jul 05, 2026

1996 Toyota Land Cruiser

Open

Normal

As others have said, this is definitely not a 2/10. Much of the trial is easy but there were several sections more like a 4 or 5 where spotting by the wife was needed. Nothing extreme, but not for a novice driver, and 33" tires with clearance and/or skids is a must. Middle section through a stream is overgrown so expect pinstriping for sure. Didn't see anyone else on the main trail despite being 4th of July weekend. Took a little over 4 hours with a few shoet stops to stretch the legs and take in the scenery.

Cyrus Y

Jun 27, 2026

2024 Toyota Tacoma

Open

NormalDusty

I think this trail should be rated at level 4, easy trail if you run the right lines, fun trail if you run the hard line. Some rocky section near Deer Lake that requires some clearance.

Jesse Mann

Jun 27, 2026

1990 Jeep Cherokee

Open

Normal

Trail was great not too rough but I think it might be a little more difficult than 2/10 in some spot and im only saying that cause there are quite a few trails around here i take quite often are rated 2 and this one has some spots that are rougher than those trails. Not too bad

Russel Parker

Sep 19, 2025

Open

This is not a trail to take lightly. I would rank the trail to be something more like a 6 to 8. Drove it in a 2017 Toyota Tacoma lifted and running on 35” tires. Found some spots to be pretty tight and had to use at times my 4L and rear lockers.

Jake Tkach

Jul 31, 2025

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

This is NOT AN EAST TRAIL. The loop to avoid snake lake trail is definitely a 5-6. Rear locker and 33s recommended. I was by myself on my 3rd gen 4runner, fully locked. I had no problem, just had to get out and spot 6-7 times while my sister drove. I came down from bassets station so it was much easier than coming up from Graeagle.

Dean Eppley

Jul 12, 2025

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

We had a club group on this trail. The Gold Valley OHV trail was much more difficult than the 2 rating given by OnX between the lower Snake Lake intersection and the upper Snake Lake Intersection. We had a Renegade Jeep SUV unexpectedly join us and it ripped its front bumper off on a large exposed root. A stock Forerunner had a very difficult time. The lifted Jeeps had no problems.

Jake Tkach

Jun 12, 2025

Obstructed

Deep Snow

3rd gen 4runner 33s. Came from Sierra buttes, Made it about half way, a little past eagle lake and had to turn around because of deep snow which is spotty but I just didn’t want to winch. I ll give it another week or two and it will be good to go

Rick Fletcher

May 26, 2025

Obstructed

Deep SnowDowned Tree

From Johnsville, trail blocked just past USFS campground at intersection. Deep snow and downed trees.

Rob M

Sep 28, 2024

2020 Jeep Gladiator

Open

NormalDustyRough/Deteriorated

Ran trail end to end. Trail is a 2 up to Deer Lake and pretty easy. After that, it’s about a 3 u til you descend down into the valley, where it’s 4-5 the whole way through until you climb back out and up the other side of the canyon. I’m on 33’s with a Gladiator Rubicon and my skid plates took some hits. Might have been avoidable with a spotter, but I just had to scout and go for it. Short wheelbase vehicles would benefit probably. Also expect lots of pinstripes with the overgrowth. Very narrow. Overall a lot of fun. Took a little over 4 hours all the way through to Graegle. A bit more than usual traffic due to hunting activity.

Rob M

Sep 21, 2024

2020 Jeep Gladiator

Open

NormalDustyRough/Deteriorated

This trail is definitely a 4 after you pass Deer Lake, maybe a 3 to that point. There's a fairly steep descent between Deer Lake and the connector for Snake Lake that you'll need a spotter for if you're short on ground clearance as it's a blind drop and there's a couple of rocks you'll need to navigate. We steered into Snake Lake from there, so can't say how things were past that point. Amazing views! The view of Deer Lake is amazing and worth the trip down if you have the time to dip in the water.

Ty Adams

Sep 01, 2024

2019 Chevrolet Colorado

Open

DustyRough/DeterioratedWashboard

Large obstacles, and large side camber in spots. A few spots where 4 low was required

Matthew Mangus

Aug 26, 2024

2003 Toyota Land Cruiser

Open

Rough/Deteriorated

Trail rating no longer accurate. Most of the trail proper is a 3-4 with a 5 rated rocky climb at 39.654067, -120.704967. We encountered Sprinter vans who tried to enter this trail and had to turn back bc they were misled by the incorrect rating. Also, the trail submission from the Fun Treks info shows the trail stretching from withing Plumas Eureka SP all the way to Packer Saddle. This is misleading and should be broken up into at least three separate trail submissions. We encountered Sprinter vans who tried to enter this trail and had to turn back bc they were misled by the incorrect rating.

Andrew Connors

Sep 24, 2023

Open

DustyRough/Deteriorated

Roger Craig

Aug 09, 2023

2017 Toyota Tacoma

Open

Normal

Rick Fletcher

Jun 25, 2023

Obstructed

Deep Snow

Deer Lake and Gold Valley Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

Single Track
50 Inch
60 Inch
High Clearance
Full Width

Access Description

Unlicensed off-road vehicles are restricted from operating past the designated boundary at the northern portion of the trail before it enters Plumas-Eureka State Park.