Trail Building

Colby Mountain Recreation Area

Along with federal, regional, and local partners, the Northern California Regional Land Trust is proud to be involved in the collaborative development of the Colby Mountain Recreation Area near Jonesville, California. What started as a concept for rebuilding rural economies devastated by the 2018 Camp Fire through recreational tourism has grown into a multi-faceted vision developed over months of stakeholder engagement. The conceptual design now incorporates forest health demonstration sites, environmental education facilities, day-use and emergency response amenities, and an extensive network of multi-use trails, including 40 miles of new singletrack. With the support of the U.S. Forest Service, the project will effectively open up an underappreciated corner of the Lassen National Forest to nature-lovers of all ages and abilities.

This project is part of the Connected Communities planning process led by our friends at Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship, with funding from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. As part of this regional vision, the Colby Mountain Recreation Area will eventually form the westernmost node of the 600-mile Lost Sierra Route. Establishing a trailhead in Jonesville creates a trans-Sierra trail connection sure to reward endurance athletes and adventurers of all stripes with spectacular views and unprecedented access through the Range of Light.

The Land Trust is excited to get behind this opportunity to increase public access to wild nature, outdoor education, and trail-based recreation in Butte and Tehama County for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.

Get Stoked!

On April 15, 2021, we unveiled a short film showcasing this collaborative project. Generously funded by the Friesen Foundation and brought to life by the incredible talent of Pusher, enjoy this 5-minute watch about building trails, rebuilding communities, and increasing access to wild places for everyone.