Guided Hikes

This is the fifth year that the organizations have teamed up to organize these “micro adventures”. Over the last four years the hikes have attracted hundreds of locals and visitors.

“The hikes bring out locals, guests from the motel and the campground, and visitors to the area who are all interested in learning more about Nevada City’s rich history,” explains Erin Thiem, owner of the Outside Inn and Inn Town Campground, and curator of Visit Nevada City on Instagram.  “Because of the variety of hikes over the year, we’ve had repeat guests and as well as a range of folks who join us just once.”

A micro adventure is an adventure that is short, simple, local, cheap – yet still fun, exciting, challenging, refreshing and rewarding. Each hike varies in distance from two to four miles, but would be considered easy to moderate (Nevada City is known for its 7 Hills!).  Each hike is organized around the time of year to showcase the very best of what Nevada City has to offer. The hikes focus on subjects such as the fall colors, architecture, historic figures, cemeteries, bird watching, Deer Creek and the Tribute Trail, and much more.

“The hiking series is a great collaboration of all things Nevada City, both for locals and visitors,” says Thiem.  “It forces you to stop and appreciate the small details around town that you might otherwise miss.”

To prepare for each hike, Locks spends many hours reading and researching books, websites, and libraries.

“It’s a lot of fun for me to do the research and because so many people come back every month, I’m always trying to keep it fresh and new,” says Locks. “It’s important to both Erin and I, that people learn the history of our community, but it’s more important to us that they get outside, meet new people, and build relationships with their neighbors and community. We want people to care about and love Nevada City as much as we do.”

Hikers are suggested to bring water, snacks if needed, and proper footwear, dress in layers and of course, their camera.