If you’ve ever wanted to time-travel without the fear of a, “oops, I broke the DeLorean” moment, let me introduce you to Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park. Deep within the rugged, pine-studded chaparral forests of the Sierra Nevada Foothills, this 3,000-acre State Park is the kind of place that makes you wonder why history books were ever allowed to be boring.
Home to California’s largest hydraulic gold mine, Malakoff Diggins isn’t just a pretty place to wander — it’s a jaw-dropping look at how the California Gold Rush shaped, scarred, and ultimately redefined the landscape. Here, you can walk through North Bloomfield, the historic boomtown that once thrived off dreams of gold, and stand before massive cliffs literally carved away by powerful jets of water during the height of hydraulic mining. It’s a stark, humbling reminder of how fast fortunes rose — and how much faster mountains fell.
Today, State Parks is working hard to heal the scars left by that gold fever, and honestly, nature is doing a pretty impressive job reclaiming the terrain all on it’s own. Trails weave through rejuvenating forests and across ancient river sediment layers that are over 50 million years old.
Fun fact that’ll impress your kids (and maybe even your grumpy teenager):
the epic legal battle that took down hydraulic mining here led to the first environmental protection law in U.S. history — way back in 1884! Turns out when you wash entire mountains downstream, farmers aren’t super thrilled about it.
Trails to Tackle
Malakoff Diggins offers over 20 miles of hiking trails! Trails range from about a half-mile to three miles one way, meaning whether you’re a hardcore hiker or a “let’s just pretend we hike” family, there’s something for you.
Favorite Trails
Diggins Loop Trail:
See ancient riverbeds up close and get a view that’ll fill your phone’s photo storage.
Humbug Creek Trail:
Shadier, cooler, and perfect for families.
Canine Companion’s
Planning to bring your four-legged explorer?
Call the park ahead of time to find out which trails are dog-friendly — and remember, all dogs must stay on a controlled leash at all times.
Camping at Malakoff
Thinking about making a weekend out of it?
Smart move.
Chute Hill Campground and in-town cabins are available by reservation only.
Cabins are cozy and located right in historic North Bloomfield — a true “sleep where pioneers slept” experience. Plus most trailheads are easily accessible from the campground, meaning minimal driving and maximum exploring once you arrive.
Visit ReserveCalifornia.com to book your spot today!
FAQ’s
Showers?
Nope — you’re roughing it, my friend. Bring those baby wipes.
Potable water?
Yes, in select spots.
Fires?
Yes, but only in designated fire rings (and seriously, please burn responsibly).
Trailers must be 19 feet or less to navigate the campground roads.
Getting There Without Losing Your Sanity
Just a word of advice:
Do not blindly trust your GPS.
(Unless, of course, you enjoy navigating rocky dirt roads and questioning your all of your life choices while praying you don’t pop a tire.)
For a paved, stress-free route:
Drive time: About 50 minutes from Nevada City.
From Nevada City, head 11 miles north on Highway 49 toward Downieville.
Turn right onto TylerFoote Road
(If you pass Peterson’s Corner on the left, you missed TylerFoote Road)
Follow the main paved road of TylerFoote Road
(It’ll change names a few times — TylerFoote to Cruzon Grade to Back Bone Road).
Turn right onto Derbec Road at the park sign, then right again onto North Bloomfield Road.
Click here for accurate Google Maps GPS
Please Drive Carefully!
Once you reach TylerFoote, you’re officially on winding country roads, not the highway.
Be mindful for wildlife, pets and the occasional escaped cow in the road.
Your car and the animal will thank you.
Whether you’re chasing history, hiking trails, or simply hunting for the perfect shady spot to picnic, Malakoff Diggins offers a unique, hands-on way to experience the real Gold Rush legacy — the grit, the glory, and the environmental lessons that still shape California today.
Trust me, once you stand on those towering cliffs and breathe in the fresh pine air, you’ll be planning your next visit before you even make it back to the car.
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Malakoff Diggins California State Park
23579 N. Bloomfield Road
Nevada City, CA 95959
Contact Information
Park Office
530-265-2740
Park Hours
The park is open daily on a self-guided basis from sunrise to sunset.
Fees
Pay fees at Museum – $10.00 per vehicle.
Use the self-pay system when the Visitor Center is closed
Visitor Center & Museum Hours:
Memorial Day to Labor Day (Summer):
Daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Labor Day – October 31:
Daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
November through May:
Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
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