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    Emerald Pools

    4.8 (22 reviews)

    Emerald Pools Photos

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    Sheryl M.

    This spot had been on my list to check out for a couple of years and I am happy to finally experience this easy adventure. Basically, it a short hike (5 minutes) to a sweet swimming hole from a small river coming from Lake Spaulding. It's about a 15 minute drive from highway 80. I passed the trailhead with a potty structure but noticed several pull outs in case the trailhead parking is full. The spot has many rocks and uneven spots so be careful if your stability and mobility is easily compromised. While this spot is frequented, it looked to be litter free. I am sure if someone wanted to make the effort they could set up a nice picnic spot and carry in gear, coolers, etc.

    One of the Emerald pool
    Kenya D.

    Beautiful place! easy drive from reno. Get there early for front parking super easy walk, only 5 minutes from parking!

    Merry K.

    I was bracing for tons of hooman visiting this place on July 5th. It was busy, however, everybody were Comfortably spread out. We walked about 5min upstreams and there were less people. It was 90degree, so the water felt cold. We brave it and after a while we were happily frolicking. I would not want to be here over the weekends or holidays though. I could only imagine crowded it would be. Many kids and brave souls jumping from the cliff around the main pool. I was tempted, but I worry I may start a Tsunami.

    Sonya E.

    Arrived on Labor Day and this hidden gem was packed with lots and lots of visitors. Parking is very limited so I would suggest arriving early. The "hike" from the parking area to the actual pools is probably about 5 minutes. There is minimal shade once you get to the back so wear a hat, put on the good ol' sunscreen or just arrive early so you can snag a good spot. The water appears to be clean on one side and not so clean on another -- just use your best judgement if you're going for a dive. I saw many people of all ages cliff diving at the end of the pool but I didn't get to personally make it out there because I didn't bring swim wear (this adventure was impromptu). I would want to visit again on a weekday so it's less crowded. If you plan on visiting, consider bringing the following: * cooler with drinks and food so you can picnic * towels and mats to sit on (lots of uneven rocks in the area) * sunscreen and bug spray * trash bags to clean up after yourself * water shoes so you can walk in the water * Bluetooth speaker to listen to relaxing music (keep it low and be respectful of neighbors and animals) All in all, it's a beautiful place to check out. P.S. please keep Tahoe clean. It's horrible to see how visitors leave their trash all over the place. Basic etiquette: leave the place as you found it!

    Emerald green
    Lester F.

    Emerald pools is a well visited spot located on along the south Yuba River in Nevada County. The term "Pools" suggest there are more than one and yes there are several pockets of pools through. I visited this unique location on a Tuesday and it was fairly busy. These natural pools were surrounded by boulders, interplaying rocks, and unique canyon formations. The water source itself is feed by Lake Spaulding. The overall weather when we went was 89 degrees but the water felt like it was a brisk 40 degrees. It definitely brightened my day, as I dove into the water. There are shallow and deep parts of the pool, but parents should be mindful when bringing their children since there are no life guards on duty. This place is another reason why nature is great and why everyone should visit. So if you are near this area, take off your shoes and go for a dip.

    I love this tranquil place.. But the terrain is a little rough but nice place.

    Beautiful tranquil place for all age groups loved the scenery and the water can't wait to get back there it was cool during these summer hot days

    Be ready to hike! The views are amazing and the swimming is worth it! Not very much shade. Some sharp rocks along the way. Breathtaking!

    Emerald pools on the right, Goliath cliff jumping on the left.
    Korrie S.

    This is another lovely swim hole in out spectacular region of the Sierra Nevada. Takes about an hour to get to, but very easy to find. There is a massive cliff jump spot just west of the pools called Goliath. Took us some bushwhacking and tapping into our primitive navigation senses to find, so I've attached a photo of an apple map showing where in the river it is. Good luck!

    Janene K.

    It's beautiful! The short hike in is an easy trek for those that can walk but not a place for those having any difficulty with their legs and not wheel chair accessible. It was clean this past few weekends when we've gone up, I hope we can keep it that way, one of Our hidden gems, let's take care of it! These pictures are of the main pool and some of a hike we took. I think this spot has become one of our go too mini adventures.

    Indira A.

    Beautiful place for a hot summer day. It is very confusing to get to the pool. You have to hike. I was lost I had to follow someone. That's how I got there. The water was very cold. But the view was so worth it.

    Vic C.

    This place is beautiful. But the humans make it so trashed. You maybe in the forest but it feels and smells like a sani hut. Tons of waste. Tons of human waste. Many poop bags whips on the trail leading up to the water. Saw tampons and pasa. It's so sad. Breaks my heart. No respect for the environment and nature. This will be my first and last time i visit this swimming hole. This review is only based on the part i saw and visited. I'm sure there is a more pleasant area to be had.

    Emerald pool
    Chunyan L.

    The walk to the pools is like 5 mins. Make sure to bring sunscreen!!! Pool floats are recommended! Enjoy!

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    4 years ago

    Great Place to Cool Down From The Heat Of Summer. Clear and Cold Water, Lots Of Rocks and Lots Of Fun :)

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    6 years ago

    Amazing place to get lost and explore!!! Going back next week for more adventures!!!!

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    Ask the Community - Emerald Pools

    Are dogs allowed?

    Dogs are welcomed, but must be on a leash! And my personal recommendation, if you decide to take a pup near the water, put a doggy life vest on them since the waters can plunge deep by the edges of the rocks.

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    Review Highlights - Emerald Pools

    Basically, it a short hike (5 minutes) to a sweet swimming hole from a small river coming from Lake Spaulding.

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    South Yuba River Trail and Campground

    South Yuba River Trail and Campground

    4.7
    (9 reviews)
    19.6 mi

    Some places never leave you. For me, that's the South Yuba River Trail and what I've always…read moreaffectionately called the Old Bridge. I remember coming here as a kid with my dad. Crossing that old bridge felt like the scariest thing in the world. My dad would make us walk on the inside, away from the edge, while my imagination convinced me one wrong step meant certain doom. Funny how a place that once terrified me would become one of my favorite places on Earth. Over the years, I've returned time and time again. I've swum here with friends, spent long summer afternoons jumping off the rocks into those deep emerald pools, and just recently brought my son here so he could experience the same magic. Seeing it through his eyes reminded me why I fell in love with this place in the first place. On a warm summer day, this canyon is nothing short of a postcard. Crystal-clear water winds between massive granite boulders. The iconic canyon walls rise on both sides, and the sunshine pours in, lighting the river until it almost glows. Families spread out on the rocks, friends laugh from every swimming hole, and adventurous souls leap from cliffs into the refreshing water below. I've been to plenty of rivers, but few compare to this one. The deep swimming holes, the towering stone cliffs, the endless places to explore, and the unmistakable beauty of the canyon make it feel like one of California's true treasures. Some places are simply beautiful. Others become part of your story. The South Yuba River is both. It's a place that has followed me from childhood into adulthood, and now into fatherhood. Every visit reminds me that while life changes, some places never lose their magic.

    We have been coming her for over 20 years, the water is always beautiful and we have meet some…read morereally great people here. We usually visit 2-3 times a year for 3-4 day weekends. We'll usually get down to purdon crossing around 11am and spend the entire afternoon enjoying the sun, shade where we can find it or make it and swimming. We have meet some really great single guys and couples there to share our picnic with, so if you ever see us on the river don't be shy and say Hi.

    Photos
    South Yuba River Trail and Campground
    South Yuba River Trail and Campground
    South Yuba River Trail and Campground

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    Pioneer Park

    Pioneer Park

    4.3
    (11 reviews)
    19.4 mi

    Pioneer Park is in the foothill town of Nevada City, CA. It's a beautiful 16 acre park with…read moregorgeous mature trees. There's a baseball field, basketball courts, tennis courts, bocce ball court, horseshoe pits, little league field, playground, green lawn space, picnic area, and bandshell. The walkways are paved and ADA. In addition, the public swimming pool and Lodge are located here. The park hosts summer concerts and special events. The Lodge is a hop skip n jump next door to the pool, playground, and basketball courts. It's an event building available for rent. It has a kitchen, restrooms, tables, chairs, projector, and seating for 120 for dining. There are picnic area throughout the park as well. The areas have tables, BBQs, and some have electrical hookups. These can be reserved via the parks and recreation website. There is a creek that runs through the park that's makes a beautiful trickling sound when the water flow is high. Peaceful vibes. But as in all public spaces, please be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

    Save your time & money instead of wasting it attending the water aerobics class. There's nothing…read moreaerobic about standing around in the pool waving your arms around like it's ballet class. Each year the quality of the class gets worse. I'm out for 2025's morning class until they get a real instructor. It's too bad since the pool is lovely. The evening class might be the saving grace by virtue of the young lifeguards who teach at 6pm.

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    Pioneer Park
    Horseshoe pits
    Horseshoe pits
    Pioneer Park

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    Emerald Pools - hiking - Updated June 2026

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