For action sports enthusiasts and elite athletes from San Francisco and around the Bay Area, Nevada City is an ideal weekend “base camp” and gateway to Sierra adventure. Within an hour of downtown, epic challenges are available year-round, including:
- One of the longest and most demanding mountain bike race courses in the U.S.
- Backcountry skiing and snowboarding on steep north side of Donner Peak
- Four significant rock climbing areas, with many 5.12a-5.14a test pieces on solid, bolted granite
- Class 5+ whitewater in high mountain scenery
Outside Magazine named Nevada City one of the best river towns in America.
Access to Adventure
Access to a full range of Sierra adventure is direct via 49 North or 20 East (toward I-80). These scenic drives start from the heart of town, at an elevation below the snow line and above the fog. Nevada City is ideally situated for starting and ending day-trips into the Sierra, or for waiting out storm closures or chain requirements on I-80 over Donner Summit on a stormy Friday night.