Queen City of the Northern Hills
Nevada City was originally called Deer Creek Dry Diggins when it was just a mining camp. In the fall of 1849 Dr. A.B. Caldwell opened a general store and the mining camp started resembling a town. The town became Caldwell’s Upper Store. In 1850, the town was looking more like a city, with a cities’ problems. The citizens, under Mexican law, elected a mayor, or “Alcalde,” to establish and keep order.
The new city needed an official name, so, in a canvas hotel at Main and Commercial streets, ballots were taken. The choice of “Nevada” which is Spanish for “Snow Covered” seemed appropriate to the crowd. On September 9, 1850 California was the 31st state to join the Union. In 1851, Nevada City became the County Seat when Nevada County was formed from a section of Yuba County. By 1856, 2081 votes were cast in the City of Nevada, only Sacramento and San Francisco polled more. In 1859, Silver was discovered in the Utah Territory. The first samples were assayed (weighed and assessed for value) at Ott’s Assay Office in Nevada (City). Many of Nevada’s residents headed over the Sierra to search for silver in what became known as the Comstock Silver Rush. Later, in 1864, that part of the Utah Territory was formed into the State of Nevada. In that year, the word “City” was added to Nevada, to distinguish the two for the benifit of all (particularly the Postal Service.)
After the initial gold rush, merchants, bankers and the like came to Nevada City and built homes in the style of the day. This was during the reign of Queen Victoria, and that style of architecture became known as “Victorian”. Colonial, Greek Revival, and “California Gothic” styles of architecture are well represented here as well.
Most of Nevada City burned to the ground on several occasions. Two of the most interesting buildings in the downtown area are fire houses that were built with more than utilitarian style. This also accounts for the prevalance of brick buildings featuring iron shutters.
What accounts for the preservation of Nevada City is the economic downturn it faced when the gold started petering out. By World War II, when the mines in Grass Valley closed, there was not much reason for building or refurbishing of old buildings, and the architecture of the period was spared urban renewal.
WPA projects in the post-war period gave Nevada City the art deco facades of the city hall and court house. In the late 1960s the residents and visitors of the area started recognizing the remarkable charm of the town. City ordinances were revised to disallow the historically inaccurate and downright tacky new storefronts and signage, and the city buried all the power lines littering the downtown area. Gas lights made from original 1800s molds were placed along Broad Street, and the Nevada Theatre was restored. Private restorations followed, and the result is the beautiful little city of Nevada City.
Nevada City is not a museum, it is a hub of activity. Business, arts, sports, and entertainment of every variety occur on and around the streets of the town. There are lots of places to stay, first rate restaurants, and events that draw visitors from far and near. Whether it is for a weekend getaway or a two week vacation, Nevada City is a destination of choice.
NEVADA COUNTY HIKING
Bear River Bridge
Bear River, Nevada County
The Bear River forms the southern most border of Nevada County.
At the crossing of Bear River and Hwy 174 is a historic bridge, and there is also a great trail
for hiking there. It is a relatively easy, approximately two mile hike downstream.
There are several smaller trails branching off to the river for swimming, fishing,
or just relaxing. There is plenty of free parking.
Bridgeport
Bridgeport, Nevada County
To Start
Take Hwy. 20 west from Grass Valley towards Marysville.
Turn Right on Pleasant Valley Road and go about 8 miles until you reach the covered bridge.
Parking
Several parking lots are located where Pleasant Valley Road crosses the Yuba River.
Roadside parking is also available.
Hiking Distance
You can hike approximately 1.5 miles downstream (west) or upstream (east).
Downstream meanders along the Yuba River as it flows into the Englebright Reservoir.
Upstream goes along the river, and has some great swimming holes.
Features
Bridgeport is located on the far west side of Nevada County.
The beautiful Yuba River is perfect for winter rafting,
and in the summer there are several great places to swim.
Hiking is great all year long.
The historic covered bridge has been around since 1862,
and the old toll station road can still be seen today.
A lot of items have been preserved, and the entire place is rich with history.
Edward Crossing
Go north on Hwy 20, passed Nevada City. Turn left at Hwy 49.
Not too far up, take a left on North Bloomfield Rd and go about 8 miles
until you reach the river crossing. You can take a tail on either side of the river.
This hike is Easy to Moderate difficulty. Very scenic!
EMPIRE MINE HIKING TRAILS
This 784 acre State Park is close to downtown Grass Valley. The trails are relatively level
and wind through the pine-forested land that was once one of the largest working hardrock mines
in Nevada County. To get there, exit on Hwy 49 at Empire Street. Travel east for about one
mile, and you will arrive at the mine. Park in the main parking lot. There are 3 major trails to hike:
HARDROCK TRAIL - This 2 mile loop passes through the historic mining site.
Mountain bikes and horse back riding are are not permitted on this trail.
OSBORNE HILL TRAIL - This 5 mile loop winds through old mine sites with foundations.
The hike takes you through tall pines and along a year-round creek.
Horseback riding and mountain bikes are permitted on this trail.
UNION HILL TRAIL - This 5 mile loop lets you see old mine sites and the historic pipeline
that brought water to the mines. The whole hike is in a thick pine forest.
Horseback riding and mountain bikes are permitted on this trail.
INDEPENDENCE TRAIL
To Start
Take Hwy. 49 and go 5.5 miles north of Nevada City.
Parking
You can park in turnouts near the trailhead which is located about a half a mile south
of the Yuba River. Warning – Be careful with the traffic on Hwy 49.
Hiking Distance
You can go 2.5 miles downstream (west) or upstream (east).
The west trail offers a 4.3 mile loop along a swimming trail to Jones Bar Road
and then goes back up to Excelsior Canal and back to the start.
Features
There is Wheelchair Accessibility for 1.5 miles in each direction of the trailhead.
This trail follows the path of the Excelsior Canal which was built during the Gold Rush.
You’ll enjoy lots of wildflowers in the Spring.
NEVADA CITY TRAILS
DETAILED MAPS FOR THESE TRAILS CAN BE OBTAINED
FROM THE FOREST SERVICE HEADQUARTERS
AT 631 COYOTE ST, NEVADA CITY, CA, 95959
Augustine Agony Trail
START – Cement Hill Rd to Augustine Rd
Banner Mountain Bike Trail
START – Sacramento St & Freeway
Buckeye Loop Bike Trail
START – Cascade Shores General Store
Champion Mine Trail
START - Miner’s Foundry & Factory St
Deer Creek Trail
START – Nevada City Hwy & Providence Mine Rd
Round Mountain Trail
START – North Bloomfield Road & Rock Creek Road
Travel SHOP
Best links
