Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Overview
Explore the heart of the California Gold Rush on this self-guided driving tour through the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills. Starting at the Northstar Mining Museum, you’ll drive a 50-mile loop through charming Gold Rush towns like Grass Valley and Nevada City. Along the way, I’ll share stories from early pioneers as you visit sites like the historic Wells Fargo Bank, the Bridgeport covered bridge, and the scenic South Yuba River. You’ll also learn about gold mining techniques and pioneer life, ending your adventure at Empire Mine State Historic Park. This flexible tour lets you set the pace and stop at your leisure.
What's included
Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Smartphone (bring your own)
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Food and drinks
Transport (you need your own vehicle)
What to expect
Pass by
Drive through this historic town, a vibrant reminder of the Gold Rush era, where you can explore at your leisure or visit landmarks like the Holbrooke Hotel.
Pass by
Pass by this museum displaying mining artifacts, offering insight into the hardrock gold mining industry. Entrance is optional and not included in the tour cost.
Pass by
Catch a glimpse of this historic mining site, one of the original locations of California’s Gold Rush. Entrance is not included in the tour.
Grass Valley Museum
Pass by
Drive past this local museum, housed in a former convent, which showcases the town’s rich history. You may choose to stop for a self-guided visit.
Holbrooke Hotel
Pass by
View this iconic landmark from the car, one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in California, and a symbol of Grass Valley's Gold Rush heritage.
Rough and Ready
Pass by
Pass through this rustic former mining town, famous for its brief secession from the Union in 1850, with the option to stop and explore its historical markers.
South Yuba River State Park
Pass by
Admire scenic views as you pass by this park, known for hiking and its historic covered bridge. Entrance and hikes are optional and not included in the tour.
Pass by
See the historic architecture of this original Wells Fargo Bank building, a surviving structure from the Gold Rush era. Entrance is not part of the tour.
North San Juan
Pass by
Drive through this small town, once a major center during the hydraulic mining era, with optional stops to explore its quaint streets and local history.
Nevada City
Pass by
Pass through this picturesque Gold Rush town, where you can optionally visit attractions like the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
Starting point Parking Lot of Wolf Creek Trail and Northstar Mining Museum 933 Allison Ranch Rd, Grass Valley, CA
End point
Starting point Parking Lot of Wolf Creek Trail and Northstar Mining Museum 933 Allison Ranch Rd, Grass Valley, CA
Additional information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The total activity duration is the time to drive from the starting point to the endpoint
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
