Henness Pass Road Trailhead

The Henness Pass Road follows an 1850s wagon route that once carried freight between Nevada City and the Truckee River. Today it’s a scenic 4WD route through mixed pine and oak forests, crossing several creeks and offering glimpses of emigrant-era stone work and graded roadway. The trail spans about 30 miles total, with multiple access points for shorter segments.

The western trailhead starts near Nevada City off Pleasant Valley Road, while eastern access points connect near Truckee. Road conditions vary from maintained gravel to rutted dirt requiring high clearance. Summer and fall offer the best conditions – winter closures affect higher elevations. This route provides excellent insight into 19th-century transportation challenges across the Sierra.

Historic wagon road now 4WD trail to Truckee