Swimming holes by town
Swimming Holes in Nevada City, California
7 natural swimming holes
Looking for water near Nevada City? The California directory holds 7 natural swimming holes in this area. Expect a spread: 5 rivers, and 2 lakes. Every one sits in Nevada County. Plan around June-September — that's the best season named in most local listings. Edwards Crossing (South Yuba) anchors the local list, and Emerald Pools rounds out the highlights.
Swimming holes in Nevada City
- Edwards Crossing (South Yuba)
Edwards Crossing sits on the South Yuba where the river spreads into wide, slow pools perfect for a long summer float.
- Emerald Pools
Emerald Pools is a series of vivid green-blue pools in a granite gorge on the South Fork Yuba River, just below Lake Spaulding.
- Highway 49 Crossing
Highway 49 Crossing is the classic South Yuba River swimming spot, where polished house-sized granite boulders frame emerald pools beneath the old Highway 49 bridge.
- Hoyt's Crossing
Hoyt's Crossing is a former Gold Rush river ford on the South Yuba River where a wide swimming hole meets an expansive sandy beach.
- Purdon Crossing (South Yuba)
Purdon Crossing is the South Yuba's most storied swimming hole, where a historic 1895 bridge spans deep, emerald pools in the river canyon.
- Bowman Lake
A high-country reservoir in Tahoe National Forest strung with granite coves and small sandy beaches.
- Scotts Flat Lake
A Nevada Irrigation District reservoir with a designated swim beach at the Cascade Shores day-use area and quiet boat-in coves.
Frequently asked questions
How many swimming holes are in Nevada City, CA?
Our directory lists 7 natural swimming holes in and around Nevada City, California, across Nevada County. New spots are added as they're verified.
What kinds of swimming holes are in Nevada City?
The 7 listings cover 5 rivers, 2 lakes. See each listing for details on access and conditions.
Which swimming hole near Nevada City should I try first?
Edwards Crossing (South Yuba) is a well-documented local listing. Edwards Crossing sits on the South Yuba where the river spreads into wide, slow pools perfect for a long summer float. Full details, maps, and safety notes are on its page.
When is the best time to swim near Nevada City?
Local listings most often name June-September as the best season. Spring runoff can make rivers and creeks dangerously high — check local conditions before you go.