Loyalton sits proudly in the southeastern rim of Sierra Valley in Sierra County California... the largest alpine valley in the U.S. From Loyalton, the valley sweeps to the north and west with miles of hayfields, cattle, and dozens of historic barns, Many date back to the 1800s. Behind Loyalton is a cluster of Conifer forests and hills that top off at Sardine Peak. The Verdi Range lies to the east and forms the last bastion of the Sierra Nevada before it tumbles into Nevada’s Great Basin. Dozens of channels forming the headwaters of the Feather River combined with fertile fields attracts thousands of waterfowl in season.
Loyalton was originally known as Smith’s Neck. In 1901, Mountaineers, loyal to the sentiment of the Civil War's Union Cause, changed the name to Loyalton. Loyalton was incorporated as a dry town, the size was set at 50.6 square miles. At that time, it was California’s second largest city after Los Angeles. Today, Loyalton is the only city in Sierra County.
Above and south of Loyalton, fishing is good in Smithneck Creek. Bear Valley Camping and off-road vehicle (ORV) areas lie a few miles south of Loyalton. Mountain biking on the numerous old logging roads is a ball and the area has yet to be discovered by crowds. Sardine Peak offers a great uphill challenge and destination with great views of the valley and surrounding pine-covered hills. The Cottonwood fire burned over 50,000 acres in a swath across much of the hills behind Loyalton, but the area is recovering nicely, with thousands of young pines and even more wildflowers than before. Mushroom picking is popular in the old burn. Deer hunting is extensive.
Loyalton elevation is 4,951 feet. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city currently has a total area of 0.3 square miles (0.9 km²), all of it land. Loyalton is not only the largest community in Sierra Valley, it is the largest town in Sierra County. Small, perhaps, but a full-service community. For more information on the area visit The East Sierra Valley Chamber of Commerce online. .