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Grass Valley, California

Grass Valley, California is a top destination for outdoor adventures, boasting some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The Cascade Canal Trail is a must-visit, offering a scenic 4.5-mile hike with views of lush forests, a historic canal, and unique rock formations. This trail is easy to moderate, making it accessible for most hikers. Close to Grass Valley, you'll find the South Yuba River State Park. Here, you can enjoy river swimming, bird watching, and wildflower viewing. The park also features the Independence Trail, California's first wheelchair-accessible wilderness trail. For a more challenging hike, head to the nearby Round Mountain, a 5-mile loop with steep climbs and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada. Whether you're a hiker or a nature observer, Grass Valley offers a range of outdoor activities to suit all interests.

Top Spots in and near Grass Valley

  • Nevada City, California

    Take a Family Ride

    4.5
    Well if you start at Banner Lava Cap and Gracie Roads then you will see the canal at the top of Gracie Rd. Hop onto the berm of the canal and head north {upstream}. The trail is dirt and about 4 ft wide in the beginning and widens to 6 to 8 ft for most the way . Continue upstream on the canal and...
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  • Nevada City, California

    Hike the Independence Trail

    4.5
    Starting from the free easy access parking lot right off highway 49 you head left up the trail. You will notice two trails side by side, one wider path for wheelchair access and another slightly narrower path for hikers on foot.The trail is set on the cliff side overlooking the South Fork of the ...
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  • Grass Valley, California

    Photograph a Sunset on Wolf Mountain

    5.0
    While all of the hiking trails to the Wolf Mountain summit cross private land, Wolf Mountain Road provides public access to several excellent viewpoints overlooking the Central Valley and the nearby ruins of old radio towers.To get there take McCourtney Road west from CA Highway 49/20 and go 3.2 ...
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  • Nevada City, California

    Swim at Edwards Crossing on the South Yuba River

    5.0
    2.74 mi / 1302 ft gain
    There are endless swimming holes on the South Yuba River the feature crystal clear water, massive granite boulders and pristine pocket beaches, particularly those lower in the foothills. Many are separated by sections of rapids, but can be reached via the growing trail system of the South Yuba Ri...
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  • Nevada City, California

    South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing

    5.0
    4.2 mi / 639 ft gain
    South Yuba River: Edwards Crossing to Purdon Crossing is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near North San Juan, California.
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  • Penn Valley, California

    Visit the Bridgeport Covered Bridge

    4.0
    The famed and picturesque Bridgeport Covered Bridge, spanning the width of the Yuba River, was originally built in 1862. It was an integral passage for a freight hauling route from San Fransisco to Nevada. This historic site is now protected and is no longer able to be walked or driven through as...
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  • Colfax, California

    Hike The Historical Stevens Trail

    5.0
    8 mi / 3376 ft gain
    Best known as one of the most popular hiking and biking trails to the North Fork American River, in part because of the easy access from Colfax. However, this is a remote trail, and hikers are advised to bring plenty of fluids as well as carry a whistle. The entire trail is primarily shaded, pa...
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  • Colfax, California

    Hike to the Jumping Rock on the Bear River

    2 mi / 150 ft gain
    Though lesser known than its neighbors the Yuba and the American, the Bear River still features fantastic hiking, swimming, river-raft, tubing, and rock-jumping but without the crowds.A local favorite spot, the "Jumping Rock" near the Dog Bar Crossing, provides an excellent hike with several swim...
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  • Nevada City, California

    Hike the Diggins Loop Trail

    5.0
    2.7 mi
    Check in and pay for your parking or present California State Parks Pass at the museum building in North Bloomfield.  After paying for parking there are several different options to get onto the Diggins Loop trail.  Access to the Diggins Loop trail can be found by the Park Headcounters by jumping...
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  • Penn Valley, California

    Fairy Falls Trail to Shingle/Beale Falls

    4.1
    4.87 mi / 535 ft gain
    Start at the Fairy Falls trailhead in Spenceville Wildlife Area Field Trial Grounds in Penn Valley (careful on the bumpy roads in). From the parking lot, cross a small bridge and make a right onto a dirt road. After about a mile you will follow the road to the right and continue through the gate....
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  • Foresthill, California

    Explore Sugar Pine Reservoir

    4.3
    Just a few miles north of Foresthill, Sugar Pine is a lesser known reservoir found in Placer County that is surprisingly unpopulated for how much the park provides. A swim suit, some friends, and some good music can be all it takes to have a good time.There is a boat-launching station that is eas...
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  • Auburn, California

    Hike around Coon Creek to Hidden Falls

    4.5
    8.4 mi / 968 ft gain
    --Important: 7-day a week parking reservations required until further notice during the COVID-19 crisis. Follow park social distancing measures. Learn more online, https://www.placer.ca.gov/6106/Hidden-Falls-Regional-Park -- Not far from California's capital is Hidden Falls Regional Park. The na...
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  • Auburn, California

    Hike the Seven Pools Loop & Vista

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 450 ft gain
    Hidden Falls Regional Park is tucked way in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, about an hour from Sacramento and a 20 minute drive off Interstate 80 and nearby the town of Auburn. Most visitors simply make a be-line for Hidden Falls and miss one of the more breathtaking trail loops that the park...
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  • Auburn, California

    Hike to the North Fork Dam of Lake Clementine

    5.0
    4 mi
    Located only roughly 40 minutes from Sacramento. This trail will allow you to view and walk under the 5th largest bridge in the US as well as enjoy the waterfall spectacle of a top releasing Dam. Once reaching Old Foresthill Road from the town of Auburn, drive over the smaller bridge spanning the...
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  • Auburn, California

    Hike Training Hill

    4.5
    4.5 mi / 1126 ft gain
    Training Hill is a 4.5 mile loop trail that features beautiful meadows and wildflowers, with limited views to Folsom Lake and the Auburn canyon.  The trail to Training Hill branches off from the Calcutta Falls trail right before the first cement bridge over the American River.  Training Hill is r...
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  • Auburn, California

    Hike the Quarry Trail in the Auburn SRA

    4.0
    11 mi
    Parking in the Auburn State Recreation Area parking lot has a cost of $10.00.  Free parking is allowed on the right side of the road located on the right after driving over the bridge.  From here the Quarry Trail parking lot and Trail head are a short walking distance ahead on the left side of th...
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Camping and Lodging in Grass Valley

Faucherie
Nevada County, California

Faucherie

White Cloud
Nevada City, California

White Cloud

Giant Gap
Foresthill, California

Giant Gap

Skillman
Horse Camp Road

Skillman

Shirttail Creek
Foresthill, California

Shirttail Creek

Indian Valley
Camptonville, California

Indian Valley

Guides, Insights and Stories from Grass Valley

The Most Relaxing Backpacking Trip I've Ever Taken with My Dog, Jack

The Most Relaxing Backpacking Trip I've Ever Taken with My Dog, Jack

Benjamin Canevari

Marmot Men's Featherless Jacket Reviewed

Marmot Men's Featherless Jacket Reviewed

Mike Fennell

Outbound Reviewed: Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20F Sleeping Bag and ProLite Sleeping Pad

Outbound Reviewed: Therm-a-Rest Parsec 20F Sleeping Bag and ProLite Sleeping Pad

Mike Fennell

Review: Hibear All-Day Adventure Flask

Review: Hibear All-Day Adventure Flask

Kristi Teplitz

Nordica Strider 115 Women’s Ski Boot Review

Nordica Strider 115 Women’s Ski Boot Review

Kristi Teplitz

Review: Body Glove Navigator+ Inflatable SUP w/ Backpack

Review: Body Glove Navigator+ Inflatable SUP w/ Backpack

Michael McSherry