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Northern California: Self-Guided Gold Rush Towns Driving Tour

Northern California: Self-Guided Gold Rush Towns Driving Tour

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.

City: California

Wed 18 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $9.99

Make a reservation

Wed 18 Jun

Starting at $9.99

Make a reservation

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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

Additional Info

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

What To Expect

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nevada City

Pass through this picturesque Gold Rush town, where you can optionally visit attractions like the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum.

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Cancellation Policy