Things to do during the fall…
- The Fall Colors of Nevada City & Grass Valley Walking Tour Brochure
- Victorian California Fall Colors Nevada City Walking Tour
- Fall in love with the season with these Nevada City area trails
- Self-guided Historic Cemetery Walk
Some of the Golden State’s best fall colors are found in the historic Gold Rush towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley. The best fall colors in Nevada City 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 gold-rush era settlers.
Fall weather conditions at 2,500 feet in the Sierra foothills favor formation of brilliant colors. 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.
Peak color weeks in Nevada City and Grass Valley are difficult to predict, but typically we’ve seen peak colors around the 1st of November. You’re sure to find some color from mid-October to mid-November.
Fall color tour maps are available in our visitors center and visitors may call ahead to check day-to-day conditions, 530-265-2692 or stop by 132 Main Street, Nevada City.
