Donner-Summit-CA-US

Hiking

Take it slow. Breathe. Listen to the gravel crunching under your feet, and rushing wind through the trees. There’s no hurry when you’re hiking one of our many scenic trails.

Highlights

In springtime, stunning wildflowers cover just about every hill and valley as far as the eye can see. Try a peaceful walk on the Buttermilk Bend Trail.

Hiking isn’t just for summertime! At Donner Summit Canyon you can explore with snowshoes!

Empire Mine State Park’s trails meander through historic mining sites, old foundations, and equipment from the Gold Rush days.

For an enjoyable easy to moderate scenic river walk above the South Yuba River, visit Hoyt Trail.

Resources

Practice Leave No Trace to help minimize human impact on our trails and keep our forests beautiful. Pack out what you pack in, and remember to pick up after your pet!

A link to Grass Valley and Nevada City trails on the Bear Yuba Land Trust website is here, including a printable version of a trail map.

Be bear aware; get the knowledge you need regarding wildlife encounters.

Discover trails near your Grass Valley lodging here!

Find local favorites for trails both scenic and wild at the Nevada City Chamber

Check the Truckee-Tahoe Travel Alert for updates on weather and trails. Look for Sustainable Truckee Ambassadors and say hello while you’re on the trail!

Consider giving back to Nevada County hiking trails and add a voluntourism day to your travel itinerary! Join Truckee Trails Foundation or Truckee Donner Land Trust for a day of trail building in Truckee-Tahoe.

Explore Nevada County Along Spectacular Hiking Trails

Take it slow. Breathe. Listen to the gravel crunching under your feet, and rushing wind through the trees. There’s no hurry when you’re hiking on our wild and scenic trails. There’s no better way to explore Nevada County than by foot. Whether you’re passing through the peaks on the Pacific Crest Trail or learning about the local flora and fauna on the wheelchair-friendly Sierra Discovery Trail, there’s no shortage of discovery amongst the endless acres of terrain. 

If you want to be close enough to BBQ later or play some games, take a loop around the trails at Condon Park that are suitable for all ages and skill levels. Or, for the more adventurous at heart why not try the Yuba Rim Trail; 4.7 miles round trip with a 750’ elevation gain, this trail offers views of snow-capped peaks, views of the confluence of the Middle Yuba River and North Yuba River, and incorporates old logging skid roads. And for those looking for all-inclusive, universally-designed trails, Truckee offers two beautiful new loops trails for a relaxing forest experience that everybody can enjoy. As always, be sure to pack lots of water and snacks! 

Historical Hikes

In addition to pristine alpine lakes, granite outcroppings, waterfalls, streams, and meadows, guests can walk through history. The Emigrant Trail Museum has exhibits on the ill-fated pioneers of the 1800s and Empire Mine State Park’s trails meander through historic mining sites, old foundations, and equipment. You’ll find yourself among tall, ancient trees and mining equipment that has withstood the test of time. You may be lucky enough to see some deer or woodpeckers! 

Truckee Donner Hiking AdventuresHigher in elevation, the Tahoe National Forest and State Parks in Truckee and Donner Summit offer hiking opportunities with dramatic scenery, mountains, alpine lakes, and serene meadows bursting with wildflowers. Learn more at Visit Truckee-Tahoe.