Lucky Spring, Alta Sierra, Grass Valley, California

## Overview Lucky Spring is a natural hillside spring located in the Alta Sierra area of Grass Valley, in Nevada County, California. Nestled along a narrow, well-paved stretch of road near the intersection of Alta Sierra Drive and Dog Bar Road, this public drinking spring has long been a local favorite — sometimes referred to by visitors as "Nature's Water." The spring is fed from the surrounding hillsides, where pipes channel water up into concrete storage tanks fitted with protective roofs. A sturdy rock retaining wall encircles the spring area, giving it a well-established, maintained appearance. It's worth noting that Lucky Spring has an intermittent flow. Water runs noticeably faster after periods of rain, but the spring can run dry during the summer months. Large warning signs are posted on-site alerting visitors to potential hazards. While the spring has historically been used as a local drinking water source, water quality can vary — especially with seasonal changes in flow — so visitors should be aware that conditions may differ from visit to visit. ## Directions 1. From Grass Valley, head toward the Alta Sierra neighborhood via Alta Sierra Drive. 2. Continue on Alta Sierra Drive until you reach the area near Dog Bar Road. 3. The spring is located approximately **1.2 miles below** the Dog Bar Road junction, along the roadside. 4. Look for the concrete tanks, rock retaining wall, and posted warning signs — these mark the spring site. 5. The nearest address is **21950 Oak Ridge Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945**. 6. **Note:** The road is narrow but well-paved. Drive carefully, especially around curves, and be mindful of other vehicles and pedestrians. **GPS Coordinates:** 39.143577, -121.026046 ## What to Expect When you arrive at Lucky Spring, you'll find a hillside spring setup where water is piped from the slopes into concrete collection tanks topped with storage roofs. The area is bordered by a rock retaining wall, giving it a defined and somewhat rustic character. Large signs are posted warning visitors of potential dangers — be sure to read and heed them. The spring's flow is intermittent and weather-dependent. After a good rain, expect a stronger, more vigorous flow. During the dry summer months, however, the spring may slow to a trickle or stop flowing entirely. If you're planning a visit specifically to collect water, late winter through spring is generally the most reliable time. The surrounding Alta Sierra area is a scenic foothill community in the Sierra Nevada, with oak-studded hillsides and a peaceful, rural atmosphere. There is no formal trail to the spring — it is accessible directly from the roadside. Parking is limited to road shoulders, so pull over safely and stay alert for passing traffic on the narrow road.