Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
June to September
About Hoyt's Crossing
Hoyt's Crossing is a historic river crossing on the South Yuba River about seven miles north of Nevada City in the Sierra Nevada foothills, upstream of the Highway 49 bridge in the South Yuba River State Park corridor. The river here runs clear and cold between large granite boulders, and at the crossing it widens into a good-sized swimming hole with a broad sandy beach, opposite the old Miner's Tunnel. The clothing-optional area, usually called Hoyt's Beach, sits at the end of a short right-hand spur off the Hoyt Trail roughly two-thirds of a mile from the trailhead; signs on the approach warn that visitors may encounter nudity. The setting is mixed sand and smooth granite slabs rather than a long strand, with little shade beyond the oaks and pines on the banks. Nude sunbathing and swimming along the South Yuba has a long local tradition, and Hoyt's is one of its best-known spots, but plenty of visitors stay clothed. Summer weekends can be very busy across the whole river corridor, with parking at the bridge filling early. The land around the crossing is partly BLM public land, where camping, fires, alcohol and glass are banned.
Getting there
Take Highway 49 north from Nevada City to the bottom of the canyon and turn into the parking area on the south side of the river just before the Highway 49 bridge, next to the old concrete arch bridge; restrooms are at the south end of the footbridge. Cross and pick up the Hoyt Trail at the north end of the bridge. The trail follows the river with some stair steps and a few steep pitches; take the right fork at about 0.65 miles down to the beach. Allow 20-30 minutes. No public transport; not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Hikers and swimmers describe Hoyt's as a beautiful stretch of river with clear, cold water, granite slabs and a sandy beach, and say the clothing-optional status is well known and signposted. Many visitors keep their suits on, so the crowd is mixed rather than strictly nude. The most common complaints concern summer crowds and parking at the Highway 49 bridge, which fills early on hot weekends; locals advise arriving early or visiting outside peak season for solitude. The trail is short but has steps and uneven sections, and people warn about strong currents early in the season.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Public nudity is not formally permitted in California state parks; the South Yuba River State Park management plan says nudity rules will be enforced at river crossings, developed sites and where complaints are received, so enforcement is complaint-driven. Separate BLM supplementary rules (1998) at Hoyt's Crossing ban camping, campfires, alcohol and glass but do not address nudity. Informal signs on the trail warn of possible nudity (reported 2025).
Naturism at Hoyt's Crossing sits under United States's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 39.3031, -121.0806
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Hoyt's Crossing a legal nude beach?
No. Nudity is tolerated by long custom but not formally permitted; state park rangers act mainly on complaints.
How far is the walk?
About 0.65 miles along the Hoyt Trail from the Highway 49 bridge, taking the signed right fork down to the river.
Where do I park?
In the lot on the south side of the river beside the Highway 49 bridge, which has restrooms. It fills early on summer weekends.
Can I camp or have a fire there?
No. BLM rules at Hoyt's Crossing ban camping, campfires, alcohol and glass containers.
When is the best time to go?
Mid-summer, once spring runoff has dropped and the river is safer; weekdays or early mornings are quieter.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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