Ask and you shall receive. Last week we put out a call to color spotters to see if anyone had updates on the Nevada City area. At this time last year, there were some great colors in the area, so we wanted to check in on its status.
Not only did color spotter Sylvia Wright answer the call, but she provided a wonderfully comprehensive report.
Wright took a scouting drive on Oct. 25 through downtown neighborhoods of Nevada City and Grass Valley and found a few colorful trees scattered about, with lots of red Virginia Creeper vine, but no peak color, yet.
Cooler weather and a sprinkle of rain were forecast for this weekend, Oct. 26-27, and that may make the first week of November a good time to go. Color should last through mid-November, Wright said, adding information from Go Nevada County about fall color in this area in general:
“Fall color in the High Sierra surrounding Truckee arrives around the middle of September and peaks through October. Then from mid-October through much of November, vibrant maples, oaks, and liquidambars adorn the Sierra Foothills of western Nevada County. Local colors are best in the Victorian neighborhoods surrounding the historic downtown areas. Cooler weather and the changing colors of the landscape make a fall visit to a state park a memorable experience. Grass Valley is especially pretty from higher vista points. Nevada City colors are centered in a smaller area and may be more easily enjoyed by foot or bicycle.”
Wright added a special foodie photographer’s note: If your route takes you on Hwy. 20 from I-80 to Hwy. 49, plan a meal stop at the newly reopened historic 5 Mile House restaurant. Onsite-smoked meats; local brews on tap; large grassy outdoor seating that’s dog-friendly. (Also colorful birch trees out front.) Across the street is a grab-and-go deli alternative very popular with the trail bicyclists, the Harmony Ridge Market. It has luscious huge slices of carrot cake (also fall color!).
Other helpful links that Wright compiled:
Trip ideas from Go Nevada County visitors bureau: https://gonevadacounty.com/best-fall-colors-in-california/ and https://gonevadacounty.com/fall-photoshoot-locations/
Nevada City fall color street map: https://www.nevadacitychamber.com/nevada-city-events/fall-colors-in-nevada-city/
AAA Oct. 9, 2024, magazine article “Fall Weekend in Gold Country: Grass Valley, California”: https://mwg.aaa.com/via/places-visit/gold-country-grass-valley-california
5 Mile House: 18851 CA-20, Nevada City, CA 95959. https://www.facebook.com/p/5-Mile-House-61559753390204/
