Download The Fall Colors of Nevada City & Grass Valley Brochure

Some of the Golden State’s best fall colors
are found in the historic Gold Rush towns of Nevada City and Grass
Valley, and along the Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway through Tahoe National
Forest in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains.

The Nevada City-Grass Valley area, with outstanding Gold Rush
history and good choices in lodging and dining, has become known
as one of California’s best areas to view autumn foliage. The
best fall colors in Nevada City and Grass Valley are located in
the old-fashioned Victorian neighborhoods surrounding the downtown
historic districts. The most spectacular displays are in century-old
Red Maple trees planted by early settlers.

Fall weather conditions at 2,500 feet in the Sierra foothills
favor formation of brilliant colors in the landscape. As days
grow shorter, photosynthesis slows and pigments other than green
become more visible. Cool nights prevent the movement of sugar
from the leaves, forming a red pigment called anthocyanin. It
is often thought that Jack Frost is responsible for the color
change, but he really isn’t. Leaves often begin to change before
the first frost.

Using Grass Valley and Nevada City as a base, motorists can view
fall color changes in the forests along the 160-mile Yuba-Donner
Scenic Byway, a looped route that follows state highways 49 and
89, U.S. 40, Interstate 80 and state highway 20. The route features
a variety of color, ranging from old trees and vines in historic
mining villages to the groves of quaking aspens at the higher
elevations of Yuba and Donner summits.

High elevation colors often begin to change in September and peak
in October. Peak color weeks in Nevada City and Grass Valley are
difficult to predict but mid-October to mid-November is usually
most colorful. Fall color tour maps are available and visitors
may call ahead to check day-to-day conditions. Nevada City and
Grass Valley are located 60 miles northeast of Sacramento. From
the capital, take eastbound Interstate 80 to Auburn and then drive
north on Highway 49. From Reno, take westbound I-80 and State
Scenic Route 20; a pleasant, 80-mile drive.