NorCal TTORA
California Trail Info

The Barney Riley Trail
Rating: 4

The Barney Riley Trail is a scenic cruise through high Sierra meadows ending at a natural hot spring on the banks of the Carson River. There are a few challenging hill climbs, but nothing a stock truck would have trouble with. If you enjoy scenery, this trail has some of the best the Sierra has to offer.

Requirements: To run the Barney Riley trail you must have 4WD.

Directions: From highway 50, take highway 89 east for approximately 30 miles and turn left on Loope Canyon road.

Gas Up: If you are coming from highway 50, get gas in Pollock Pines or South Lake Tahoe.

GPS Coordinates:
Loope Canyon Road at Highway 89: N38° 39.961 W119° 41.895
Hot Spring at the Carson River: N38° 46.176 W119° 42.853

Click for Wide Area Map

The trail starts at Loope Canyon road at Highway 89 a few miles east of Markleeville.

The trail gains altitude quickly.

Still heading up....

Before long you find yourself in the middle of a high Sierra meadow with an awesome view of the Carson Valley.

There are several side trails to explore, some with steep climbs.

Once over the top, the trail descends toward the Carson River.

On the other side of the river is a natural hot spring that has been turned into a hot tub. This is a popular stopping point for rafters and four-wheelers.

Heading back out the views are just as spectacular.

Links to more Barney Riley pictures:
http://www.norcalttora.com/gallery/album38