Garden Valley is a vital part of The Georgetown Divide, located primarily off of Marshall, Greenwood, Black Oak Mine and Garden Valley Roads roads, nestled in the chaparral between Greenwood and Kelsey. The Divide itself got its name because the whole area is divided by the South and North Forks of the American River, setting if off in a very private, scenic setting. Garden Valley is about 4 beautiful miles above the gold discovery town of Coloma and 4 equally scenic miles to Georgetown, and about 8 easy miles to Cool and Pilot Hill about 20-25 minutes through more rural beauty to Placerville off Hwy 50 and about 30 minutes to Auburn off of Hwy 80. Previously a booming mining town, now Garden Valley is a community with a shining and very active "community spirit" featuring activities such as its famed People's Mountain Market in the Summer, 4th of July Parade, October Harvest Festival, Community Forums, Easter Festival, and also Hot August Picnic & Dance, Christmas in the Park and a New Year's eve celebration (often featuring live bands and open mike at the Grange). Most of these activities take place in Garden Valley Park and Marshall Grange and often have live music and always lots of neighborly residents. The community also gathers for home-baked goodies and open mike at the Bistro held at the Grange Hall on the 1st Saturday night of the month on Marshall Rd, above Sierra Foothills Realty and Rose's Cafe. The noted Garden Valley Staging area for horse trailers is off of Meadowbrook Rd., from Hwy 193 and has trails leading all over the Divide to Georgetown and include the Western States Trails. These are just a few of the things that make Garden Valley so special to its residents.