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Alta Sierra Biblical Gardens
16343 Auburn Road Grass Valley, CA 95949
A Rare Beauty with Meaning for All
On the slopes of the Sierra foothills, nestled among aging oaks and soaring pine trees, the forest unveils an inspiring beauty -- California’s most unusual scenic attraction. Auburn Road, a historical wagon trail near Grass Valley, played an important role during the Gold Rush days of the 1860’s. Now, where horse-drawn freight wagons and stagecoach drivers once traveled, pausing to water their teams in the stream, modern day visitors can find their way to the Biblical Gardens. There, the forest setting overlooks a peaceful 90 foot cascading falls and a variety of blossoms blanketing the landscape, changing with the passing of each season. Herbs, fern, camilia, rhododendron, azalea, and dogwood intermingle with fragrant wild flowers. Lupin paint the mountainside in soft shades of blue early in May, followed by the all-white blossoms of buckeye and sweetbirch, providing an ideal setting for a garden wedding. A small waterfall cascades into a natural basin and may be reserved for baptisms. The garden was opened in May of 1976, the result of the inspiration and dedicated effort of John and Verna Sommer, a Christian couple. Development had started several years earlier when John began creating the stone statuary scenes and wooden hand carvings bringing to life the dramatic story of Christ, which transpired nearly 2,000 years ago. John’s vision to bring the light of Jesus to the mountain began after a sunset in June of 1971. Early that morning he felt an inner desire to leave his home in Sacramento and to go to the foothills near Grass Valley to look for a parcel of land. He traveled all day but saw nothing that met his expectation. As he was heading home something urged him to stop at a real estate office along the way, where a young man was just closing the office. John apologized, saying he was sorry to be so late, when the man said, “I’ve been waiting for you.” Rules No alcohol or smoking permitted anywhere on the grounds. No loud noises, pets, or barbequing. All children must be accompanied by adults at all times. All trash must be removed. Do not pick the flowers. Stay on the paths provided. No one is allowed to play in the stream. Special Event Liability Insurance with Public Liability and Property Damage coverage at limits of $1,000,000 Occurrence and $2,000,000 Aggregate can be obtained through Special Event Liability Insurance |
Event Calendar
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