The Great Outdoors
Grass Valley area is blessed with four distinct seasons. Each season allows for different out of doors activities. Hiking in the spring through fall or snow shoeing in the snowy winter.
While this is not a complete listing, it is a good place to start in your exploration.
From the simple walking trails to more challenging hikes, the area has gorgeous landscapes to travail.
Leave No Trace
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly: vPack it in, pack it out
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
These principles were established by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, and built on work by the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management in the mid 1980s. This relationship continues today.
Reference: https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm
Grass Valley
- Best Walking Trails in Grass Valley:
Check Out All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/us/california/grass-valley/walking
Explore the most popular walking trails near Grass Valley with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. It will tell the ease of use, the mileage and how long it should take you. Note: you may need to sign up to gather more information. In most cases, its free. - Top Hiking Spots in and near Grass Valley:
Check out Outbound: https://www.theoutbound.com/united-states/california/grass-valley/hiking
Looking for the best hiking in Grass Valley? We’ve got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Grass Valley. Nevada City and Auburn areas. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community. - Hiking and Local Trails:
Check out the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce: https://www.nevadacitychamber.com/nevada-city-things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/hiking-trails/
Nevada City Trails: Take a long walk on the trails in and around the historic Gold Rush town of Nevada City. Here is a list of some of our favorite Nevada City Trails, either walkable from downtown or located just a short drive away. - Grass Valley Trails:
Check out The City of Grass Valley: https://www.cityofgrassvalley.com/trails
Grass Valley is home to a series of scenic trail systems throughout the forested areas of Grass Valley and the surrounding Sierra Foothills. - Bear Yuba Land Trust:
https://www.bylt.org/trails/
Explore more trail options. - Go Nevada County: Hiking
https://gonevadacounty.com/hiking/
There’s no better way to explore Nevada County than by foot.
Disclaimer: Please confirm all provided information with the trail’s managing agency before use. Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the web links, and data provided; nevertheless, some information may not be accurate. Please do your own research.
Events to exploration, there’s plenty to do in Grass Valley and the surrounding area.
Grass Valley Places to Explore
- Grass Valley Community Calendar:
Check Out Downtown Grass Valley:
https://downtowngrassvalley.com/community-calendar/
Events and activities throughout the Grass Valley area. - Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum:5 Kidder Ct, Nevada City, CA
https://ncngrrmuseum.org/
The Museum exhibits a collection of railroad and aviation artifacts, photographs, and documents for visitors and historians alike. - Bridgeport Covered Bridge:
17660 Pleasant Valley Rd, Penn Valley
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29821
Constructed in 1862 by the Virginia Turnpike Company,the Bridgeport covered bridge located at the South Yuba River State Park in western Nevada County is the only remaining single-span covered wooden bridge of this size in the nation. - North Star Mining Museum & Pelton Wheel Exhibit:
933 Allison Ranch Road, Grass Valley
https://nevadacountyhistory.org/north-star-mining-museum/
The North Star Mining Museum, a part of the Nevada County Historical Society, is one of the ‘gems’ of Nevada County and exists not only to preserve and protect our area’s mining heritage but also educates and informs people not only about the mining process, but also about the impact the industry had upon the humanity of the people who built the mines and those who toiled there during their operation. - Empire Mine State Historic Park: 10791 East Empire Street, Grass Valley
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=499
Empire Mine State Historic Park is the site of one of the oldest, deepest, and richest gold mines in California. The park is in Grass Valley and has been in operation for more than 100 years, the mine extracted 5.8 million ounces of gold before it closed in 1956. - Grass Valley Golf:
https://www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/course-directory/493-grass-valley/ - Grass Valley Pickleball Club:
https://grassvalleypickleballclub.org/
We are located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, just off Highway 49, in the heart of the Gold Country. We have players of all levels and are always happy to introduce prospective new players to this fast growing sport. You are invited to come join in the fun.
On the water, in the water, under the water… the local lakes and rivers have a lot to offer in activities to wet your whistle! And then when the water turns to ice and snow…cross country skiing and downhill.
Safety First
Use caution around moving water when the river is high and the water is cold. Never jump into water if you can’t see what is underneath. Never dive into a river. Life vests are highly recommended. It’s also a good idea to never swim alone.
Fishing
- Go Nevada County:
https://gonevadacounty.com/fishing/
Year Round Fishing in Lakes, Rivers and Streams – An Angler’s Paradise! - Fishing License:
https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Online-Sales
Kayak and Canoeing/Skiing
- Mountain Recreation:
Check Out rent kayaks and canoes/ski equipment:
https://www.mtnrec.com/rentals-services/
Rentals and information
Boating and Rafting
- Go Nevada County:
https://gonevadacounty.com/boating/
There’s nothing like launching out on calm, glassy water on a crisp morning with your fishing gear, picnic setup, and a thermos full of hot coffee.
Swimming
- Beat the Heat With Pristine Swimming in Nevada County:
https://gonevadacounty.com/swimming/
Goodbye heat and hello alpine lakes and snowmelt rivers! Nothing sheds the summer heat like a dip in one of Nevada County’s many swimming areas that include lakes, reservoirs and rivers.
Gold Panning
- Go Nevada County-Gold Panning:
https://gonevadacounty.com/gold-panning/
Don’t be a claim-jumper! Learn about public areas where you can pan for gold and keep what you find. - Gold Panning Locations and Services:
https://www.nevadacountygold.com/play/gold-panning
Disclaimer: We try very hard to keep our listings valid and current so that they are helpful. If you find a bad link or if you know of something that might be of use to someone else, please let us know. Contact us.
