• Grass Valley - Drive through this historic town, a lively reminder of the Gold Rush era, where you can explore at your own pace or visit landmarks such as the Holbrooke Hotel.
• Northstar Mining Museum - Pass by this museum showcasing mining artifacts, providing insight into the hardrock gold mining industry. Entry is optional and not included in the tour price.
• Grass Valley Museum - Drive past this local museum, located in a former convent, which highlights the town’s rich history. You may choose to stop for a self-guided tour.
• 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 legacy.
• Rough and Ready - Pass through this rustic former mining town, known for its brief secession from the Union in 1850, with the option to stop and explore its historical markers.
• South Yuba River State Park - Enjoy scenic views as you pass by this park, famous for hiking and its historic covered bridge. Entry 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 charming 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.

• 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)
• Entrance fees/tickets to any stops en route
• Food and drinks
• Transport (you need your own vehicle)

Discover the essence of the California Gold Rush with this self-guided driving tour through the picturesque Sierra Nevada foothills. Begin your journey at the Northstar Mining Museum and embark on a 50-mile loop through delightful Gold Rush towns such as Grass Valley and Nevada City. Throughout the tour, stories of early pioneers will be shared as you explore landmarks like the historic Wells Fargo Bank, the Bridgeport covered bridge, and the beautiful South Yuba River. Gain insights into gold mining techniques and pioneer life, concluding your adventure at Empire Mine State Historic Park. This adaptable tour allows you to set your own pace and pause whenever you wish.

• The total activity duration is the time to drive from the starting point to the endpoint

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.