What is Trail Ranch?
Adventure on Foot, or Snowshoe, or Skate, or Ski...
Trail Ranch is a private 792 acre adventure and agriculture tourism destination in Plumas County, CA. Situated on the western edge of the largest alpine valley in the US, the property offers diverse ecosystems - from an ancient lake bed and shoreline to mature forests and volcanic mesas, all explored by over 8 miles of serene narrow-track hiking trails.
We will be offering multiple events in each season, allowing for unique exploration in all lights and weather conditions. Hiking, trail running, snow shoeing, nordic skating, XC skiing, laser biathlon, art installation walks, haunted hayrides...everything will be on the menu.
As stewards of this beautiful environment, we are exploring holistic concepts, such as permaculture, to integrate into care of this land. More to come...
Momma Bear and Cubby Trails
Customized Trail Bliss
The trails are named after the local residents whom we occasionally see and always know are there. This is their environment after all. Momma Bear trail is complete and covers a 3.5 mile loop in the north-facing woods and volcanic exposures. The vistas are not to be missed. Cubby trail will be completed in 2025, providing a 3+ mile loop exploring the eastern low fens and shoreline of ancient lake Lahonton. The two loops are joined via a connector trail, with its own unique elements as well. Trail surface is mostly packed dirt with minimal rocky areas and a treat to walk or run. Grades are tempered with numerous switchbacks, making for surprises at every turn.
8 Miles of Beartober
- Running Momma Bear and Cubby trails, 8:00am start, entry fee $60, +18yo
- Ranch gate opens at 6:30am and closes about 1:00pm, follow signs to parking
- Timed event, but no prizes this time around
- No cups event, bring a water bottle, water stations on course
- Snacks at the finish, dress for cold start and weather
No-Mind Trail, 12K
- We're going to start back in the woods for this one, follow signs, ranch gate open 6:30am to noon
- Double loop Momma Bear trail, likely run counter-clockwise for new views
- Starting 8am, racers meeting 7:45am
- $55 entry fee, +18yo, M/F first-place awards
- Aid station and post-race food (something warm)
- Bring a water bottle
About Trail Ranch
Our History
Trail Ranch was founded in 2024 by Scott Chadwick. The property was purchased in 2018 after sitting vacant and unloved for as long as I can remember - even the For Sale sign had faded from years of sun and weather. The street view from A23 on the east of clay and sand and scrub weeds is deceiving. Venture in and abundant wildlife, mature trees, volcanic plateaus, and endless vistas all reveal themselves. Decades of sheep grazing and logging campaigns have left scars, but nature is once again driving the change.
About Me
I am most firmly anchored in natural settings, places I go to let everything else fade away or come into better focus, whichever is needed. Trail Ranch is very much an emerging concept, one almost from stumbling forward, but that seems to work well for me. The ultimate goal is to share this space and leave a positive and lasting impact from everything I do - getting there is the good part.
Looking Forward
The Momma Bear trail is complete and Cubby trail will be finished in summer 2025, although we'll be planning as many events as possible to make use of existing trails till then. The Gatehouse project is underway and will be the central point for exploring the trails and overall site, a potential home or caretaker cottage is a year or two out, and everything will be influenced by permaculture design and other environmental stewardship practices.