Stretch, 1, 2, 3... Pit stop at Gold Run Rest Area on a beautiful afternoon. The area was very clean and smelled like Christmas as the dead pines were being munched across the freeway. The bathrooms were spotless with plenty of needed supplies. The bad part, the vending machines were gone. No frozen treats to devour going up the hill. Onward and upward. Safe travels. read more

Gold Run Rest Area - Map - Rest Stops Near Me - Colfax, California

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Lots of parking. Today one men's and one women's restroom in service they said just temporary. No lines when we went in to restroom so I was very happy. We took a little walk around and stretch your legs. Picnic benches on the right side of the restroom building. Be careful for animals and snakes there are lots of signs posted. No vending machines. Some construction going on at the left side of the building just watch kids around these areas. read more

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This rest stop looks like a camp headquarters tucked along Interstate 80. It was clean and well maintained. It is also a great spot to park and wait for the heavy fog to lift. Drive safe and smartly and don't speed in the fog. read more

Gold Run Rest Area - Rest Stops Near Me - Colfax, California

January 10, 2025 - Colfax, CA I travel quite a bit and have visited more rest areas than I can count, and this one really stood out. The grounds are beautiful--pine trees, picnic tables, and small walking trails--and it was surprisingly quiet and peaceful. I stopped at both the eastbound and westbound rest areas. The eastbound side is a bit nicer overall, with more space and a calmer feel. Both restrooms were clean, though my westbound stop was later in the day and it showed--some stalls were out of toilet paper. Still, for a public restroom along the freeway, this was very much appreciated and a genuinely pleasant place to take a break. read more

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Updated to link my pictures. Yes, my usual stop coming and going back home to Reno, NV. But during storms, I would still stop by Starbucks and Valero to caffeine up and gas up. Quality/Quantity - In my youth, we would NEVER stop at these rest areas. It was always Starbucks or fast food. These rest areas are much easier to go in and out! I save $$$ and I don't end up over-caffeinating or eating excessive amounts of fast food. Atmosphere - In the last 10 years, it has been great. Clean and safe. Handicap accessible. Picnic area Public phones - For the few people that do not have cell phones...? Or good reception. Pet area. Usually plenty of parking - Except during storms when we ALL stop at the same place. RV, bus and semi truck parking. No EV charging...? Service - Since last year, I noticed there has always been an employee cleaning. Price - FREE!!!!!! Owner Suggestion - Our tax $ at work, thank you. read more

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This place was a great rest area. Plenty of parking and the restrooms were clean. It was actually pretty peaceful and there were picnic tables to take a breather in. read more

The dirtiest grossest restrooms I've ever seen in my entire life. Toilets not flushed toilet paper and trash on floors in every stall !Disgusting so ashamed to be in California right now. read more

This rest stop is always clean when I stop here. They've also repaved the entrance. Looks like they have pulled out the vending machines.

Nice place to stop in the 90's. The bathrooms were dirty but had toilet paper. They have both genders and a family. Homeless people hanging around someone was takes a birdbath outside. A sign watch for rattlesnakes read more

Stoped recently with my 4 dogs coming home to California on the West side. Bathroom was clean, we loved the doggy trail too. Learned a little about gold mining and got some exercise. Poop bags are provided. Unfortunately the vending machines have been removed, too many bad people ruining it for the rest of us I suppose. Beautiful location. Very easy to get back on the freeway not the usual short scary merge. Lots of shade to park in. read more

It was blocked off with cones and tape when we drove past 2/23/26 so not accessible. A huge bummer. Would have loved to been able to use the rest stop. read more

I only managed to get about two hours east from Napa before I decided to park for the night here. The passenger car area was busy but I went past that to the truck loop and found a spot along the outer area and had a nice view of the trees. The restrooms were in good condition and I did notice the slight altitude (around 3000 feet) with some clean air up here. The rest area was mostly quiet for the night though all of the vending machines were completely sold out. I'd stay here again. [Review 17666 overall - 457 in California - 1187 of 2022.] read more

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Clean rest area. Right off the highway. People are polite and plentiful. We stop here nearly every time we come through the area. It is well landscaped. read more

Never used a rest area in the area. Impressed how clean it was. There was even working soap dispensers and seat covers. The only other rest areas that impressed me were the ones in Washington. read more

Gold Run Rest Area - First time stopping.. - Rest Stops Near Me - Colfax, California

I've never been to a rest area because I don't like stopping during long drives. If I do, it's usually at a gas station to fill up or to buy snacks. We were on the way to Reno and needed a break while well on to the mountain already so this stop was the closest and best option. When we pulled in, there were plenty of parking slots lined up right in front of the restrooms. It was midday so there were many other visitors pulling over also. There's a little bit of a walking trail if you want to stretch and get some blood flowing again. There are picnic tables that you can hang at if you have food or snacks. Restrooms are mostly clean and there are plenty of stalls so it's unlikely you'll be met with a line. I saw several vending machines but they were all empty (visit: August 6, 2020) -- probably because of COVID. Anyway -- this rest stop felt safe, was a lot cleaner than I expected, and a good choice to stop at for a few minutes. read more

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This is one of the most beautiful rest areas on the Interstate 80 perfectly located in between Reno and Sacramento. Most of the rest areas on the freeways are pretty standard with the restrooms in the middle of the parking spaces. The truck parking is next to the personal vehicles parking. They're almost the same designs. But this one feels like a beautiful park in the forest. The restrooms are very clean whenever I'm here. The vending machines are fully loaded. This is a rest area I can spend some time enjoying the area when I am on my way to or from Reno. read more

Gold Run Rest Area - Information - Rest Stops Near Me - Colfax, California

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I love this Rest Stop !!! It's like an Oasis on Highway 80 !!! In 1865 1000 feet away from this Rest stop thousands of Chinese Laborers from Kwantung China were brought to California and treated like Slaves to finish the Connection of the Transcontinental Railroads from the East and wet coast!!! There's Clean Restrooms open 24 hrs !!!! Numerous Vending Machines with Snacks and Drinks!!! Also Long term Parking Spots to Snooze if you get tired on your journey. The Gold Runs Rest is a Baller On A Budget Approved Rest Stop !!!!! read more

Gold Run Rest Area - Rest Stops Near Me - Colfax, California

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How does one review a rest stop? I guess you can start with the cleanliness and when it comes to this particular rest stop, it deserves high praise. On either side of the freeway, I've never seen or had an issue with it being dirty. They provide a plethora of garbage and recycling cans for people to rid their vehicles of trash and the bathrooms themselves (every time I've used them) are always clean. The restrooms are also well stocked with plenty of soap, TP, and the provided air blower eliminates the need for paper towels to be used. My only complaint is I wish they would have more than one air blower AND install motion sensor sinks and soap dispensers. The less I have to touch in a restroom, the better. They also provide a variety of vending machines selling all of your standards. Water, Gatorade, Monster, Rockstars, Candy, Chips, etc, can all be found here. Towards the far side there's picnic tables to enjoy a quick lunch or snack break. You may be at a rest stop, but considering you're surrounded by wilderness while you're here, the setting is fairly nice for a picnic. Your four legged friends are also welcomed to do their business here. There's designated areas on both sides (look for the sign) and keeping them on a leash is required. Also keep in mind that it wouldn't be unusual for a Bear to make its way here. So be sure to keep your eyes and ears open while walking your Dog. read more

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Johnny makes sure the restrooms are clean and well stocked. It's a huge plus that the restrooms are heated! And the grounds are beautiful!

They have two Women's Restroom. Not often I see clean rest area like this one. Very impressive! They have seat covers, hand dryers and soap dispensers. They also have variety of vending machines. Plenty of picnic area too. read more

Gold Run Rest Area - Rest Stops Near Me - Colfax, California

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No baby changing stations in the entirety of this large rest stop. Very disappointing. Please help us young families out and install some changing stations. read more

Plenty of parking. Clean and ample restrooms. Snacks. Easily accessible from the highway. Everything you need in a rest area! read more

Five stars for what? Well I well I found nothing wrong. Clean bathrooms, plenty of parking, that includes for big rigs and a entire row of vending machines. All of this surrounded by the beautiful sights and sounds of the Sierras. It's pretty much the last rest stop before hitting Truckee or if you're going to Reno. read more

This is a fabulous rest area. It feels very safe. The bathrooms are large and clean with (actual) toilet seats, soap, and hand dryers. There's a very large vending area that has about 8 machines and they sell cold coffee drinks which is lovely for road tripping. There's plenty of room for the kids to run around and separate parking for autos and trucks. It's tucked away behind some trees so you feel safe and a touch removed from the interstate which is lovely. If I need a rest or bathroom, I'll keep this particular spot in mind. read more

Gold Run Rest Area - Restrooms - Rest Stops Near Me - Colfax, California

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BEWARE the CHP comes thru between 2-5am each morning and quickly tickets every truck or car illegally parked without waking them up or asking them to move. Otherwise decent rest stop, but lacks enough overnight parking for trucks and trailers. read more

Gold Run Rest Area - CHP ticketing sleeping truckers at a fully parked rest stop but not asking them to move. Revenue over safety. - Rest Stops Near Me - Colfax, California

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I know what you're thinking... Seriously? A review of a rest stop? You bet. Having travelled up, down, and all around California I can tell you that this is without a doubt the nicest rest stop I've ever been to. Super clean Ample parking Easy off, Easy on freeway access Huge, clean restrooms Shaded picnic area Well lit Pet friendly Vending machines that even stock Gatorade Pay phones (yes, for real) If you're making the trek on 80 this one is worth stopping at to stretch your legs. read more

Gold Run Rest Area - View behind main rest area - Rest Stops Near Me - Colfax, California

This is my favorite place to stop when coming back from Reno area. It has two women's areas, many parking spots, doggy area, lots of places to sit and eat or relax and talk to fellow travelers. It is usually nice and clean or either we just always hit it at the right times. The getting back on the interstate is a little weird but its a straight shot. See ya there! I will be the one in the metallic black 57 GMC pick up truck. I'm very distinctive! read more

If you happen to be road tripping with dogs, I daresay you could not find a rest stop with a nicer dog walking area. No grim gravel lot or weed-infested field, but rather a short trail into the pines. There is a bag dispenser, though it was empty the last time I passed through. The interpretive signs are a bit dilapidated, not that my dogs minded but it would have given me something to do as they got their fill of sniffing around. As for comforts for the humans? Well, clean bathrooms, with actual porcelain toilets, not the stainless steel ones that can be painfully cold. A row of vending machines. Architecture to shield you from the highway by sight if not by sound. I think I even saw a pay phone, though I didn't bother to check if it was operational. I've been wavering between a 4 and a 5 star review, but when it comes right down to it, this is a rest stop that was nice enough that I thought "I've got to review this" ... that alone is worth 5 stars. read more

Great rest stop I always stop here heated bathrooms vending machines and always so pretty

Great stop, clean restrooms, beautiful landscape! Wonderful surprise, local businesses giving out free lunches to truck drivers! Refreshing to see such kindness! Thanks so much! GOD BLESS AMERICA! read more

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When you gotta go, this place is clean, the trees are green, and well... I'm not sure what else you are looking for! read more

Gold Run Rest Area - Clean bathrooms! - Rest Stops Near Me - Colfax, California

How are there no baby changing stations at a rest stop? There's 4 bathrooms and not a single one has anything that can be used to change a baby's diaper on. read more

its a rest area that much is true however this rest area might not be the best for you. The toilet seats are cold and trife, put down a protective layer as it may safe your life. The TP they use is cheap and thin, bring your own unless you want a dirty hand. The toilet stall doors locks are broken and frail, is this a rest stop or a shortcut to hell? Oh never-mind just go on your way, theres a Starbucks down the road, that's where you'll be safe. read more

Gold Run Rest Area - Rest Stops Near Me - Colfax, California

Beautiful and clean rest area. Actually got a couple free meals for me and the wifey as we are finally getting some love and respect as Truckers. It's most appreciated. God bless the Truckers and God Bless the USA read more

Gold Run Rest Area - Thanks Dine N Dash Pub & Grill ~ - Rest Stops Near Me - Colfax, California

Open. Very busy spot but nice for a stop. Areas for pets to stop as well. There was a review posted 5 months ago stating east bound closed. It's open! read more

And now for something completely different... Seems crazy to be reviewing a rest stop. But since I stop here essentially every time I drive over the pass, it seemed like something worth giving a thought to. Long story short, if you need to make a pit stop between Reno and the Bay Area, this is the place to do it. You pull off the highway, and you enter what is almost the antithesis of what you'd imagine as a rest area. The facilities are very well maintained and remarkably clean. The whole rest area also has the feel of pulling into a campsite or woodland village, since it is nestled in the surrounding forest, with tons of shady areas to park under or to sit at one of the various picnic tables. There is a small pavilion with informational posters, and a hut with vending machines just at hand. A couple aspects I really enjoy are that there are a couple historical markers set up which give a few snippets of information about the the area, and across the parking lot is a short out-and-back trail through the woods you can use to stretch your legs or take your dogs for a walk. It is certainly by far the best rest area I've been to, and it would get a five star rating except for just two details anyone stopping here should be aware of. First, most of the parking lot is curved at an angle, especially the entrance coming right off the interstate. I would advise anyone who stops here to make sure you slow down when driving through the lot, and be very attentive for pedestrians and other vehicles, especially when backing out of your parking space. I've almost had a couple fender-benders here over the years. And secondly, even though there are vending machines here, most of them seem to either not work, or not give you change back after making a purchase, so I would not really use them. In brief, this is like a little oasis to pull into on your drive over the mountains, and I applaud Caltrans for maintaining it so well. read more

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This is what the ideal rest stop is: ultra clean bathrooms, an endless array of junk food and drinks in the well-stocked vending machines, and an opportunity to do some exploring in the beautiful surrounding area. But beware of GIANT bees during the summer that won't leave you alone, and in general, be aware of your surroundings. You're in the middle of nowhere after all and wild animals can show up - I spotted the biggest damn beehives I've ever seen in one of the nearby trees and backed away slowly. Ah, nature! read more

One of the best rest areas I have ever been to. Multiple bathrooms, picnic areas galore, trails, pet area, a separate sleeping area for cars with an 8 hour max limit. Recycling, HEALTHY food choices in vending machine. Three bars on Verizon Two bars on AT&T I'm uploading photos from the rest area so there is adequate cell coverage, but with pay phones. Mile marker is wrong by 8 miles which messed me up last night (it's in Gold Run not Colfax) but Yelp will fix that with my edit. read more

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East bound gold run rest area is closed. Been closed for a long time , so you have to hold it till you get to Donner pass rest area or pray that a gas attendant will let you use the restroom. Just a heads up to fellow commuters. read more

Never thought that doing reviews on rest stops on yelp the place is pretty clean even though we're the only people here right now and vending machines for snacks drinks restrooms are clean and nice place to stretch her legs take a P walk your dog read more

Gold Run Rest Area - Picture of the delicious treats you can find - Rest Stops Near Me - Colfax, California