Outbound Collective logo

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

  • El Dorado County, California

    Camp at Ice House Reservoir

    4.0
    1 mi / 1 ft gain
    Desolation Wilderness is just west of Lake Tahoe, a part of Eldorado National Forest. It's a very popular backpacking destination as the PCT and Tahoe Rim Trail both run through the area. There are what seems to be endless amounts of mountain lakes, creeks, and rivers that run through this area w...
    Read more
  • Carmichael, California

    Levee Path/American River Bike Trail: Williams Pond Rec Area to Watt Ave

    5.93 mi / 112 ft gain
    Levee Path/American River Bike Trail: Williams Pond Rec Area to Watt Ave is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Carmichael, California.
    Read more
  • Truckee, California

    Ski and Snowboard Northstar

    3.5
    Northstar California, previously known as Northstar-at-Tahoe, is located near the north shore of Lake Tahoe and is home to over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. The resort is known for its laid back atmosphere coupled with high-end luxury accommodations, shopping and dining.The resort is home to i...
    Read more
  • Homewood, California

    Eagle Rock

    4.0
    0.84 mi / 105 ft gain
    Starting at an outcrop off Highway 89 in Tahoe Pines, hikers make their way up the trail through a gradually sloping forest. Climbing rocks and logs, it is strenuous at times but only takes about 15-20 minutes to accomplish. Once at the top, the elevation is 6,286 feet and consists of an absolute...
    Read more
  • Truckee, California

    Ride the Truckee Bike Park

    5.0
    1 mi / 50 ft gain
    Truckee bike park is a great destination for all ages of bike riders. There are several different features including a pump track, dual slalom course, dirt jumps, strider track and more! This park is kid friendly but be sure to pack a helmet and pads especially for first-timers. More experienced ...
    Read more
  • Tahoe City, California

    Paddle Commons Beach

    5.0
    Commons Beach is a small beach and park on the northwest side of the lake. It is located very close to the CA-89 exit, so is ideal for road trip stops. There is a park for kids, and a grassy area near the beach. The beach itself is on the smaller side, but is relatively uncrowded. This area of th...
    Read more