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Recreation Resources

Travel Alerts

Winter is for Enjoying Our Local Abundance

Winter may bring a quieter pace to the landscape, but recreation in Nevada County remains vibrant and active. We’re fortunate to live in a region where winter activities and events thrive—from Nevada City’s Victorian Christmas and scenic winter trails, to Grass Valley’s Cornish Christmas, to Truckee’s world-class snow sports, trail networks, and winter festivals.

 

Behind the scenes, important work continues. Throughout the winter months, partners across the South Yuba River Public Safety Cohort, the Nevada County Recreation Coalition, and the Pines to Mines Alliance have been hard at work strengthening collaboration, improving visitor safety, and advancing long-term recreation planning across the county.

 

Meanwhile, bridge projects at Hirschdale and along the Bear River are now underway, helping build safer, more connected, year-round recreation access for residents and visitors alike. Winter is for enjoying what we have and quietly building what comes next.


Warmly,

Shavati Karki-Pearl


P.S. Save the Date! The Nevada County Recreation Fair returns on Saturday, May 2, 2026. This free, community-focused event highlights the many ways to get active, explore the outdoors, and connect with local recreation, wellness, and stewardship programs. Stay tuned for exhibitor registration and event updates!


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A Year of Recreation in Nevada County

Thanks to all the movers and shakers who made our recreation community shine in 2025!

Outdoor Visitor Safety Funds - Making a Difference

Together, with our community partners and Outdoor Visitor Safety Funds, we've been making a difference in parking, access, trails and connectivity, safety, volunteers and stewardship, sanitation and watershed resilience in Nevada County. How many infrastructure improvements can you spot out in the wild?

🚗 Parking, Access & Trailheads

Adam Ryan Preserve Parking (Bear Yuba Land Trust)

ADA-accessible parking replaces unsafe roadside use while protecting habitat.

Scotts Flat Parking (Nevada Irrigation District)

A 10-space lot improves road safety and reduces shoreline impacts.

Pioneer Trailhead at Station 82 (NCC Fire)

A new trailhead improves public access and emergency response.

Van Norden Meadow Trailhead (SYRCL)

New signage and access improvements protect sensitive meadow habitat.

🥾 Trails & Connectivity


Harmony Ridge Trail System (Bicyclists of Nevada County)

More than 7 miles of trail improvements enhance safety and multi-use access.


Wild & Scenic Trail Markers & Signage (SYRCL)

New mile markers and kiosks improve navigation and emergency response.



🤝 Stewardship & Volunteers


Trail Stewardship & Outreach (Bear Yuba Land Trust)

Volunteer engagement and visitor education strengthen trail resilience.


Trailkeepers Program (Bear Yuba Land Trust)

Volunteer stewards improved safety through trail maintenance and education.


Community Trails Stewardship (Truckee Dirt Union)

New tools and equipment supported volunteer-led trail care.

🚻 Sanitation & Visitor Safety


Golden Quartz Vault Toilet (SYRCL & Tahoe National Forest)

A new permanent restroom improves sanitation and visitor experience.

Eastern Nevada County Visitor Safety (Truckee Trails Foundation)

Sanitation upgrades and hazard mitigation improve safety and reduce impacts.

Visitor Safety at Glenshire (Truckee Trails Foundation)

New amenities support safer river access and better visitor flow.

🌊 Rivers & Watersheds


Yuba River Enhancements (Sierra Gold Parks Foundation)

New infrastructure reduces litter and improves river access safety.


River Ambassadors Program (SYRCL)

Ambassadors promote river safety and responsible recreation.


Euer Valley Recreation (Truckee Watershed Council)

Signage, ambassadors and sanitation support sustainable recreation.

Strengthening River Safety: South Yuba

South Yuba River Public Safety Cohort (SYRPS)


Nevada County continues to strengthen public safety along the South Yuba River through coordinated, multi-agency collaboration with California State Parks, Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, SYRCL and other valuable partners. County recreation funding supports SYRCL’s River Ambassador Program, while three dedicated workgroups have identified funding-ready priority projects focused on safety and amenities, parking and enforcement and infrastructure improvements.


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Expanding Collaboration: Recreation Coalition

The Nevada County Recreation Coalition is building momentum through collaboration and shared resources. Here are some of the big takeaways for 2025:


🎪A highly successful Recreation Fair in May demonstrated strong community interest, with planning already underway for the next fair on May 2, 2026.

🤝Park districts convened a conference to explore sharing resources and explore collaboration opportunities.

🛝County is supporting Western Gateway Park to assist with cash flow for a creek crossing and a playground project.

🗺️Ongoing work with Bear Yuba Land Trust is improving wayfinding at popular recreation sites in Western Nevada County.


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Designing the Future at Van Norden Meadow

Van Norden Meadow at sunset. Photo by Bill Stevenson, courtesy Truckee Donner Land Trust

Planning is moving forward on a new Van Norden Meadow Visitor Center, with design and development underway through a competitive 'Request For Proposal' process. Planned improvements include enhanced visitor experience features, a new parking lot, educational signage, a viewing platform and picnic tables. The project will improve recreation access, protect sensitive meadow resources, and contribute to the local recreation economy.

Stay In The Know

🎅57th Annual Cornish Christmas


This free, family-friendly event captures the spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas, welcoming locals and visitors alike. Locals know, Cornish Christmas is a beloved holiday tradition & perfect way to celebrate the season in true Grass Valley style. Friday nights, 6 - 9 p.m. until Dec. 19! Free shuttle service.


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🎁Nevada City's Victorian Christmas


An annual family tradition held since 1978, held on two Wednesday evenings 5 - 9 p.m. and three Sunday afternoons 1:30-6 p.m. until Dec. 21. Enjoy holiday activities for all ages including live entertainment, yuletide treats and libations, and Father Christmas!



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🎄Holiday Trees on TNF

Looking to create a memorable holiday experience? A Christmas tree permit allows you to cut your own tree in designated areas of the Tahoe National Forest—an adventure that builds lifelong memories. Permits are specific to individual ranger districts, so be sure to follow the link below for more details.


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🔥BYLT Community Bon(d) Fire


Join Bear Yuba Land Trust for a Community Bon(d) Fire at Wildflower Ridge Preserve from 3 - 7 p.m. on Friday, January 9. This annual community gathering at the beginning of a new year is part of the Project on Preserve series.


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⛄Family Winter Magic


Looking for a unique winter family getaway? You’re in luck! Nevada County offers one-of-a-kind adventures that will create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. Check out these ideas from Go Nevada County!


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🏂Skiing & Snowboarding


Truckee-Tahoe is a snow-lovers dream with vast and varied world-class terrain, deep snow and options for all types of skiers and riders. Get the latest on conditions and start making winter memories today.


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Recreate Responsibly

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