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Nevada City, California

Nevada City, California has a lot to offer for those seeking an unforgettable adventure. With its stunning landscapes, a variety of activities and natural attractions, Nevada City is truly an unforgettable destination. Explore the South Yuba River State Park for gorgeous views of the river and hills, or visit the Empire Mine State Historic Park to view old mining buildings and artifacts. The Nevada County Fairgrounds will provide an interesting experience, with its petting zoo, carnival rides, and live music. And for the truly daring, hike up to Deer Creek Falls and see the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Top Spots in and near Nevada City

  • Sierra City, California

    Sierra Buttes and Sardine Lakes

    4.8
    6.19 mi / 3333 ft gain
    The Sierra Buttes are one of the most scenic mountain features in all of the Sierra Nevadas. Nestled below the buttes are Upper and Lower Sardine lakes which both offer amazing fishing. Sardine Lake Resort lies at the base of the mountains and offers boat rentals, dining and cabin rentals. Just m...
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  • Calpine, California

    Camp at Salmon Creek Campground

    Salmon Creek Campground is a quiet campground in the Northern Sierra Buttes. Since it is right up the road from Sardine Lakes it seems to get overlooked a bit. We were able to reserve three campsites the same week of our trip. There were 11 to choose from! The campground is just passed the turn f...
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  • Calpine, California

    Gold Lakes, Sierra Buttes, 45mi

    If you never travel north of the Tahoe Basin into the Sierra Valley and beyond, you should. It is gorgeous, peaceful country, with wide open spaces and, compared to Tahoe, relatively uncrowded roads. This loops takes us from Bassett’s Station toward Sattley, north on 89, a brief stop to regroup i...
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  • Oroville, California

    Feather River Trail Upper Section

    3.23 mi / 89 ft gain
    Feather River Trail Upper Section is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Oroville, California.
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Hike to the Top of Andesite Peak

    5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    From the trail map sign, follow the dirt path straight, following signs for the cross-country skiing route, not snowmobiling. Continue until you see a trail marker. You'll veer left to head over to the Hole in the Ground trail. Once you see another identical trail map board, you'll head left. Thi...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Summit Castle Peak

    4.0
    6 mi / 1800 ft gain
    The trailhead is very easy to access as it is just off Highway 80 at the Boreal Mountain exit. When taking the exit, take a turn to the North, rather than to Boreal on the South side of the Highway. On busy summer weekends this trailhead can get quite crowded so you may have to park at the bottom...
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  • Oroville, California

    Hike to Hollow Falls

    5.0
    1 mi
    The first step of this fun little hike is to park at the handy parking lot located at 2488 Cherokee Rd., Oroville, CA up on Table Mountain. Many people park here for the hike to the more well-known Phantom Falls, which is a much longer hike than the one to Hollow Falls. From the lot, look for an ...
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  • Oroville, California

    Hike to Phantom Falls

    4.6
    4.2 mi / 850 ft gain
    Dropping off a 135 ft cliff is a very well hidden waterfall with no trails leading to it. But if you do find it, it is an epic natural wonder.It is best to come here in the winter months, after a lot of rain. But it is also well worth coming in the spring when the wildflowers on Table Mountain ar...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Snowshoe to the Peter Grubb Hut

    5.0
    8 mi
    The Peter Grubb Hut is located below Castle Peak in Round Valley, 3 miles north of the Castle Peak trailhead near I-80. Overnight parking is available at the California Sno-Park at the Boreal-Castle Peak exit on I-80. Park on the frontage road east of the Boreal Inn and walk back under the freewa...
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  • Frazier Creek Road, California

    Hike to Frazier Falls

    4.0
    1 mi / 1 ft gain
    Frazier Falls is the ultimate family hike. Because the paved trail is only a mile long round trip, this trail is open to nearly anyone. Because of its relativly easy access and family friendly nature, this trail can get busy during the summer months.To reach Frazier Falls from the town of Graea...
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  • Soda Springs, California

    Hike to the Peter Benson Hut

    5.0
    11.6 mi / 1800 ft gain
    Drive to the top of Donner Summit via the Old Hwy 40 and park at the Donner Summit PCT trailhead, just past the Sugar Bowl Academy Building. Begin hiking up-hill through a somewhat forested area for about 2 miles. Shortly after you pass the trail sign for the Mt. Judah Loop, you will come to a sm...
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  • Plumas County, California

    Hike to Little Jamison Falls

    3.0
    2 mi / 500 ft gain
    To get to the falls from the town of Graeagle, CA take Graeagle-Johnsville off Highway 89 towards the town of Johnsville. After 4.5 miles take a left on a dirt road to Jamison Mine Day Use Parking. If you go over the bridge and into the town of Johnsville, you have gone too far. Continue down th...
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  • Roseville, California

    Explore The Solo Tree

    3.0
    Disclaimer: This tree is on private property. If you choose to proceed, please check in with the property owner and proceed respectfully.The Solo Tree (often referred to as #thatrosevillesolotree on Instagram) has become a very popular photography spot in the Roseville area.Drive as far west as y...
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  • Truckee, California

    Hike the Truckee Tunnels

    5.0
    To get here, drive along Donner Pass Rd. There is a turnoff about 100 yards away from the Donner Summit Bridge where you can park. The hike begins at a plaque for the China Wall- a large retaining wall built by Chinese railroad workers. Hike up the trail towards the tunnels. Some spots may requi...
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  • 39.333252,-120.289482

    Donner Lake Rim Trail: Johnson Canyon to Trout Creek

    A perfect Sunday hike on your way back from a weekend at Lake Tahoe. Exit I-80 at Donner Lake and take the dirt road on the north side of I-80 to a large parking lot. A mild climb followed by a set of tougher switchbacks leads you to great views from Donner Ridge. Although adventuring out on t...
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  • Truckee, California

    Donner Lake Public Docks

    4.5
    In the northwest corner of Donner Lake, there are public docks run by the Truckee Donner Recreation & Parks district. It's free to lay out your towels and hang out, but there is a fee for launching boats on the ramp. Come over in the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset, and go for a swim as the ...
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