Overview
Sierra City is a town of 235 people (2020) in Sierra County within the Gold Country of California.
1 sights · 1 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Sierra City
Kentucky Mine Historic Park and Museum
An hour+ tour is offered twice each day at 11AM and 2PM to see the stamp mill of a gold mine. The museum houses a replica of the 106 pound Monumental nugget.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jun–Sep. Summer highs reach about 84°F; winter lows dip to about 15°F. Cold months (Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jan and Dec. (climate data from nearby Truckee)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TKF Truckee Tahoe Airport, Truckee — 32 mi away. Directions
- RNO Reno Tahoe International Airport, Reno — 47 mi away (major hub). Directions
California State Route 49 is the sole highway into town, where it becomes Main Street. The Pacific Crest Trail passes near Sierra City, and many hikers will visit the town for a drink or to pick up supplies before continuing on their marathon journey.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $24–$79 a night (typical $79), from 3 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$70, mid-range ~$150, comfortable ~$240.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Sierra City was established in 1850, and grew to a peak population of 3,000 during the Gold Rush. Local mines included the Colombo Mine, the Independence Mine, the Keystone Mine, the Monumental Mine, the William Tell Mine, and the Great Sierra Buttes Mine. The Monumental Nugget, weighing over 106 pounds, was found in 1869 at the Sierra Buttes Mine.
Get in
California State Route 49 is the sole highway into town, where it becomes Main Street. The Pacific Crest Trail passes near Sierra City, and many hikers will visit the town for a drink or to pick up supplies before continuing on their marathon journey.
See
Buy
There is a general store, a gas station, a post office, and a gift shop. All private businesses except lodging and the gas station are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Shop Sierra Country Store
Accepts resupply boxes for PCT hikers; deli, groceries, ATM, laundromat, Wi-Fi. Better hours than the post office.
Eat
Eat Red Moose Cafe
A rustic restaurant with a deck, serving breakfast and lunch. Fare is standard Americana - burgers, sandwiches, fish & chips - with the Moose Burger in particular weighing in at a hefty half pound.
Drink
Drink Sorracco’s Saloon & Salon
A historic building that has been converted into a saloon and hair salon, run by a husband and wife. Offers a good selection of craft beer, and drinks can be consumed inside or on the porch, with the owner often coming out to join in the conversation when business is slow.
Sleep
Stay Buttes Resort
Buttes Resort has six cabins with fully-stocked kitchen, two of which can be booked as a one- or two- bedroom. In addition, another cabin offers three rooms that are booked separately, each with a private deck, but without kitchens. There is a two night minimum on some of the rooms.
Stay Herrington's Sierra Pines Resort
Open from May through October, this resort is located along the Yuba River and offers private walking trails, picnic tables, a dining room and bar, gift shop, a game room with ping pong and billiards, and a fish pond stocked with several thousand rainbow trout. Rooms offer satellite TV, coffee makers, and covered decks. There is an internet computer in the lobby, and limited wi-fi. The restaurant serves breakfast and dinner.
Go next
- Downieville – The next town along Highway 49 is 13 miles to the west.
- Sierraville – Sierra City's eastern neighbor is 23 miles away via Highway 49.
Nearby
Loyalton
City / town · 3 listings · 22 mi away
Truckee
City / town · 18 listings · 28 mi away
Nevada City
City / town · 18 listings · 30 mi away
Quincy
City / town · 43 listings · 30 mi away
Grass Valley
City / town · 18 listings · 33 mi away
Olympic Valley
City / town · 9 listings · 34 mi away
Colfax
City / town · 3 listings · 37 mi away
Tahoe City
City / town · 27 listings · 38 mi away
My experience
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