One of the best things about Grass Valley is it’s prime location. Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada foothills, you’re just 45 minutes away from endless winter adventures. Whether it’s skiing in the Tahoe mountains, fishing the Yuba River, sightseeing, or kicking up your feet to enjoy an ice cold beer, there’s something for everyone and every mood. Scroll down for our roundup of favorite winter activities within 45 minutes of Grass Valley:
1. Snowshoe in Tahoe - Grab your snowshoes and head up the mountain to explore the vast winter wonderland of North Lake Tahoe! Whether you’re a novice snowshoer or seasoned pro, North Lake Tahoe has a trail for you. A number of local businesses also offer guided snowshoe adventures, some even at night when you can view the stars! View North Lake Tahoe’s full map of trails here.
2. Hike to Lake Clementine Dam - While you can technically drive pretty close to the Lake Clementine Dam in Auburn, CA, it’s much more fun to take the 4.5 mile round trip hike! This hike also takes you under the tallest bridge in California, the Foresthill Bridge, making it a “two attractions for the price of one” adventure. The trail starts from the Auburn State Recreation Area, which is right on the North Fork of the American River, and is full of great photo opportunities and sightseeing. The hike is only moderately difficult, making it fun for the whole family. Cost for day parking is $10. Learn more here.
3. Ski at Sugar Bowl or Donner Ski Ranch - Is it even a list of winter activities if we don’t include skiing? Grass Valley is conveniently located within 45 minutes of the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America. North Lake Tahoe is home to 12 downhill ski resorts, two of our favorites being Sugar Bowl and Donner Ski Ranch. Both resorts are family-friendly and offer a wide variety of terrain for skiers of all abilities. Head up the mountain to take some turns before settling down for a cozy apré ski beverage or snack. Learn more about North Lake Tahoe ski resorts here.
4. Empire State Mine - Empire Mine State Historic Park is the site of one of the oldest, deepest, and richest gold mines in California and is located right here at home in Grass Valley. In operation for more than 100 years, the mine extracted 5.8 million ounces of gold before it closed in 1956. Take a historic day trip to visit the mine buildings themselves, the owner’s home and restored gardens, and the entrance to 367 miles of abandoned and flooded mine shafts. If you’re feeling extra adventurous you can explore some of its 14 miles of trails open for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Learn more here.
5. Stargazing - Ah, the great outdoors. There’s nothing quite like being far away from city lights with the best views of the night sky. Grass Valley and its surrounding areas are ideal for a night of stargazing. Keep it simple and head to the South Yuba River State Historic Park parking lot for amazing views of the night sky, or explore North Lake Tahoe’s dazzling cosmic beauty like never before with Tahoe Star Tours at Northstar California Resort! Learn more here.
6. Grass Valley Brewing Company - Voted the Best Brewery in Nevada County, Grass Valley Brewing Company is the perfect place to kick up your feet after a day of adventuring. GVBC is locally-owned and features over a dozen beers on draft. They’re very family-friendly, so bring your kids and dogs with you when you visit! Hungry? They’ve got you covered at ROOST, their full-service kitchen. Learn more + browse their menu here.
7. Fly Fish The Yuba River, American River, or Truckee River - Grab your waders and head out on the river for some fly fishing! Drift on the Fly is Northern California’s premiere fly fishing guide service and they’re conveniently based in Grass Valley. They cater to all skill levels and target trout year-round on The Yuba River, Truckee River, American River, and several Sierra streams. Don’t have gear? No problem. They supply everything you need for a day of fly fishing. Learn more here.