Mount Lola — Nevada County’s Newest Historical Landmark
Photo of Mt Lola, looking to the south by Andrew Aldrich
On August 12, 2025, Mount Lola (9,147 ft), the highest point in Nevada County, was officially designated County Historical Landmark NEV 25-07.
In the 1870s, surveyor Professor George Davidson and his team carried out a remarkable geodetic survey from its summit. Using triangulation methods and heavy equipment hauled up the mountain, they helped lay the foundation for accurate mapping across the American West—techniques that guided surveyors for over a century until the GPS era.
Today, while hikers enjoy panoramic views of the Sierra, they also tread on ground where the science of mapping advanced in significant ways. The foundations of Davidson’s work still remain atop the peak, a quiet reminder of this important chapter in Nevada County’s history.
TO THE TRAILHEAD FOR OUTSTANDING VIEWSA 10.4-mile hike (out and back) up the tallest peak in the Sierra north of Interstate 80. On a clear day, the Sierra Buttes and Mt. Lassen can be seen from the summit, and wildflowers at Cold Stream meadow along the way. Moderately difficult for hikers (2300 ft. elevation gain)
Directions to Trailhead. Take 89 north from Truckee for 14.5 miles, turning left onto USFS Road 07. Drive for 1.5 miles to USFS Road 07-10, and follow this for 0.6 miles. Turn right on (unsigned) Henness Pass Road and drive for 3.1 miles to a road signed Mt Lola Trail.
CLICK HERE for complete trail and directions from Truckee Trails Foundation.
Photo of Mt Lola, looking to the south by Andrew Aldrich
On August 12, 2025, Mount Lola (9,147 ft), the highest point in Nevada County, was officially designated County Historical Landmark NEV 25-07.
In the 1870s, surveyor Professor George Davidson and his team carried out a remarkable geodetic survey from its summit. Using triangulation methods and heavy equipment hauled up the mountain, they helped lay the foundation for accurate mapping across the American West—techniques that guided surveyors for over a century until the GPS era.
Today, while hikers enjoy panoramic views of the Sierra, they also tread on ground where the science of mapping advanced in significant ways. The foundations of Davidson’s work still remain atop the peak, a quiet reminder of this important chapter in Nevada County’s history.
TO THE TRAILHEAD FOR OUTSTANDING VIEWSA 10.4-mile hike (out and back) up the tallest peak in the Sierra north of Interstate 80. On a clear day, the Sierra Buttes and Mt. Lassen can be seen from the summit, and wildflowers at Cold Stream meadow along the way. Moderately difficult for hikers (2300 ft. elevation gain)
Directions to Trailhead. Take 89 north from Truckee for 14.5 miles, turning left onto USFS Road 07. Drive for 1.5 miles to USFS Road 07-10, and follow this for 0.6 miles. Turn right on (unsigned) Henness Pass Road and drive for 3.1 miles to a road signed Mt Lola Trail.
CLICK HERE for complete trail and directions from Truckee Trails Foundation.
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