School Tours

Guided School Tours

3rd-5th grade School Tours are offered at Bridgeport, located at South Yuba River State Park, on Wednesdays and Thursdays in late spring. 

Discover the rich history of the area, as well as the natural wonders of our park. The Bridgeport covered crossing is a unique highlight of the park, and students can learn about the integral part it played in the route between California Gold Country and the Nevada silver mines, over Henness Pass. Students can experience the significance and implications of gold mining's start in California first-hand, through interactive gold panning. This experience and memories will be impactful for years to come. 

 

Reservations

To schedule a reservation for a field trip at Bridgeport, click the link below: 

Schedule Appointment with Sierra District State Parks (squarespacescheduling.com) 

  

Itinerary

Below is the itinerary of field trips. If for some reason you need to make changes to it, please email SierraGold.Schools@parks.ca.gov. 

9:45 Arrive by 9:45 for snacks, bathrooms 
10:00 - 10:10 Meet Park Staff at Visitor Center for Introductions
10:10 - 10:40  Activity #1 
10:50 - 11:20  Activity #2 
11:30 - 12:00 Activity #3 
12:10 Wrap-up, bathrooms, and depart 

  

How to Prepare for your field trip? 

Before arriving in the park, please organize your students into 3 separate groups with a minimum ratio of 1 adult for every 10-15 children. We accept up to 60 students for a field trip. 

Review these optional Resources for Teachers about the park and Historical References. 

 

What to expect on arrival? 

Restrooms are located next to our visitor center, on your right as you walk in from the parking lot. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the start of your tour for students to use the restroom. A park aide will greet your group in front of the visitor center to welcome you and introduce the docents leading your tour. 

 

What about parking? 

There is no fee associated with parking for registered school groups at South Yuba River State Park. Your free parking permit(s) will be emailed to you a week before your trip in a reminder email and must be printed and displayed in the dash of the vehicle(s). For immediate questions or concerns regarding your in-person field trip, please contact SierraGold.Schools@parks.ca.gov.  

 

What do I bring? 

Make sure to wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes and pants, and bring sun protection and an extra warm layer. Please bring water bottles and snacks/lunch. There is no potable water available at South Yuba River State Park.   

  

Chaperones 

Chaperones are responsible for guiding participant behavior and keeping the group together and focused on the program. We ask that chaperones play an active role in managing student behavior during the course of the field trip. If teachers or chaperones need to take a phone call, please step away so that we can keep the children's attention. 

  

Miscellaneous 

In the event of injuries, we ask that the teacher be prepared to assume first aid responsibility. Please bring any injuries, accidents, or damage to the attention of the State Park staff. 

Extreme weather may cancel field trips if transportation to/from the park is unsafe. 

  

Questions? Please contact SierraGold.Schools@parks.ca.gov