Northern California: Self-Guided Gold Rush Towns Driving Tour
(2) Reviews
About
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.
Highlights
From 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
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)
Meeting Points
Departure
Northstar Mining Museum
Starting point Parking Lot of Wolf Creek Trail and Northstar Mining Museum 933 Allison Ranch Rd, Grass Valley, CA
Return
Important Information
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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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.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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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.
2
Northstar Mining Museum
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.
3
Gold Hill Mine
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.
4
Grass Valley Museum
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.
5
Holbrooke Hotel
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.
6
Rough and Ready
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.
7
South Yuba River State Park
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.
8
Historic Wells Fargo Bank Building
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.
9
North San Juan
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.
10
Nevada City
Pass through this picturesque Gold Rush town, where you can optionally visit attractions like the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum.
Northern California: Self-Guided Gold Rush Towns Driving Tour
(2) Reviews
Select Date & Travelers
From
$15.00
Price varies by group size
About
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.
Highlights
From 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
From 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
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)
Meeting Points
Departure
Northstar Mining Museum
Starting point Parking Lot of Wolf Creek Trail and Northstar Mining Museum 933 Allison Ranch Rd, Grass Valley, CA
