The Benches Rock Climbing

See the Emeralds Getting There section for driving directions.
For an overview map and walking directions to the climbing areas, with GPS coordinates, see page 1 of the 6 page guide in the "Photos of the Emeralds" Section on the Emeralds Main Page. Just before the Bowman Lake Road crosses the South Yuba River bridge you will find a gated dirt road heading up the river, follow the dirt road upstream on the south (right-hand) bank of the river. Keep on the unmistakable main trail (dirt road) for 750 Yards. Cairns change from time to time, so you may see them next to several minor use trails before reaching the true right hand turn to the Benches. The correct trail to the benches has an actual metal bench on it! Also You will know when to turn right off the road because ahead of you, 200 feet, on the road you will see a multi acre open area with many man made piles of gravel and rocks which the PG&E uses for construction. You can also pace the distances indicated on the 1 page guide. (They are accurate)