Nisenan Loop - Deer Creek Environs Trail

The Nisenan Loop - Deer Creek Environs Trail is a winding loop path through the forest and culturally significant area just outside of downtown Nevada City.

With the recent addition of the Angkula Seo suspension bridge crossing Deer Creek, the Bear Yuba Land Trust has made better accessible a network of trails offering hikers access to cultural sites and several looping and winding forest trails tracing the hillside. There are several trails in the area, though this loop follows what feels like a natural circular path encompassing several of the significant sites in the area.

Start by descending the switchbacks from the parking area toward the bridge - though the trailhead lies close enough that you can walk here from downtown Nevada City or even complete a longer looping walk that eventually winds back to the downtown area via these trails and some residential roads. If you look closely, you might be able to spot indigenous rock art on some of the boulders along the trail. 

The narrow bridge passes over Deer Creek, beyond which several small tracks lead down to the water which is usually calm enough to wade in some of the pools.

Hikers can choose amongst several of the trails, and amend their route based on their desired distance. The Deer Creek Environs Trail makes up the upper portion of this loop hike, and passes the former village site of the Nisenan people, with a small sign marking the hardships endured due to having lost their federal recognition as a tribe. This landscape contains the site of the gardens and gathering grounds.

Additionally, views over the hilly landscape open up. The trail eventually hits an end at a different trailhead, where hikers can retrace their route to the cutoff paths that lead back toward the bridge and original trailhead.

Trails are open from sunup to sundown. There are no amenities of any kind located at trailheads or along the hike. All amenities are available in nearby Nevada City.