Rivers, creeks and lakes beckon with cool fresh water, local farms are bursting with the freshest fruits and vegetables, and sweet small town fairs and music festivals abound!
TRAILS & EXPLORING
Photo: Ingrid Nelson
HIKE: BOWMAN LAKE ROAD RECREATION AREA
For the more intrepid explorer, the Bowman Lakes Road Recreation Area is a veritable wonderland! Wander through wetlands and fields of High Sierra wildflowers (peak bloom in June) at Grouse Ridge. Various trailheads take you to numerous lakes. Plunge into the fresh snowmelt waters of the Yuba from a breathtaking perch at Emerald Pools. All a scenic forty-five minute drive from downtown Nevada City.
Bike the Hoot Trail
Just five miles from downtown Nevada City lie dozens of miles of mountain biking trails for all skill levels, winding through tall pines and past sweeping canyon vistas. The Hoot Trail is a recent addition to the Pioneer Trail system. A singletrack trail that gets going through ‘flowy forest rhythm sections’ with plenty of berms and jumps to keep it fun!
Photo: James Good
EXPLORE HUMBUG AND MALAKOFF DIGGINS
Visit the site of the largest hydraulic mining operation in California and the ghost town of Humbug – a boom-and-bust community that sprang up to support the exploding population of miners in the 1870s. Operations were shut down when Sacramento area farms became flooded and the San Francisco Bay began filling with silt from hydraulic efforts, and the town was largely abandoned. The town’s remains feature a general store, post office, schoolhouse and chapel, with serene forested grounds perfect for an afternoon picnic.
EVENTS
FATHERS DAY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Every June (for 47 years!) the California Bluegrass Association brings the best acts in traditional and progressive bluegrass, old-time music and gospel to a three day festival under the tall pines at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.
DOWNTOWN STREET FAIRS
Summertime in Nevada City and Grass Valley offer countless opportunities to get outside and celebrate. Classic Car Shows, Village Market Nights and the Summer Nights street fair bring the community out to grab a drink and have a wander. Live musicians and entertainers, aerialists, magicians and fire dancers make Summer Nights in Nevada City an unforgettable experience!
CALIFORNIA WORLD FEST
Midsummer in Nevada County brings music acts from all over the world to a three day music festival at the Grass Valley Fairgrounds. Musicians representing genres from American bluegrass to African jazz, dancers and performers from Aztec dancers to world renowned Hula dancers converge under the pines and starry skies in mid-July.
NEVADA CITY FILM FESTIVAL
Since 2001, the Nevada City Film Festival (NCFF) has brought top independent film, music and comedy, along with attracting thousands of attendees, international filmmakers, and industry guests to the historic town of Nevada City, California.
NEVADA COUNTY FAIR
This might just be the quintessential county fair for the ages! Wander through the beautifully landscaped fairgrounds to enjoy musical entertainment, delicious food, carnival rides, animals, and exhibits in a community-friendly environment.