Perazzo Meadows

Trail Overview

The Perazzo Meadows trail offers a scenic and mostly moderate off-road adventure through stunning wetland meadows along the Little Truckee River. This route includes meadow crossings, loose rocks, small water crossings, and some steeper sections. It's particularly beautiful in summer and fall when wildflowers bloom, and wildlife is abundant, but be prepared for wet conditions in spring when snow can block the trail. The trail begins relatively easily, descending gently into the expansive lower meadows. You'll cross cattle guards at both ends of the first meadow section, providing a rustic reminder of the area's grazing history. Shortly after, the route intersects and briefly crosses Henness Pass Road before continuing over a paved bridge spanning the Little Truckee River. From there, the path skirts the edges of the meadows, delivering breathtaking views of this pristine habitat. The Little Truckee River meanders through the area, supporting a rich ecosystem. Depending on the season, you'll spot vibrant wildflowers carpeting the ground, trout in the clear waters, and a variety of birds, along with other wildlife like deer or even black bears in the distance. As you progress beyond the initial meadows, the road features several junctions and splits--strongly recommend downloading offline maps to navigate accurately and avoid dead-end spurs. The route then leads to additional meadows before tackling a steep incline up to the upper meadows. Here, the trail crosses the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), where there's a parking area for those wanting to hike to nearby cliffs for panoramic overlooks of Perazzo Meadows below. After crossing the PCT, the trail descends and connects to the Bear Valley Loop. For the easiest continuation around Bear Valley (a beautiful OHV-friendly area with open meadows and forest), turn right and follow the loop until it merges with White Rock Lake Road.

Photos of Perazzo Meadows

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Difficulty

There are a few good-sized water bars and small creek crossings, and some steeper loose rock areas to be aware of. The trail is fairly narrow in spots, so taking a truck with a camper is not recommended past the lower half of the trail.

Technical Rating

Perazzo Meadows can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike