[3] The earliest inhabitants of Valley Springs were Native Americans, specifically the Mi-Wuk and Yokuts tribes.

[4] The need for more affordable freight rates, expansion of tourism to Big Trees, and timber interests led to the construction of a quicker mode of transport.

[4] The San Joaquin & Sierra Nevada Railroad built a three-foot narrow gauge line from Brack’s Landing on the Mokelumne River to Valley Springs, completed in April 1885 at a cost of $409,570.

[4] In 1925, Southern Pacific extended the rail line 13 miles east to Kentucky House to serve the Calaveras Cement Company.

Agriculture remained the primary occupation, focusing on grains, livestock, and small-scale wine grapes and olives.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 9.9 square miles (26 km2), 99.96% of it is land.

Due to the orographic effect, rainfall in all seasons is significantly greater than on the valley floor to the west.

Summers are typically very warm to hot, springs and falls are temperate, and winters are cool with a slight dusting of snow and/or frost.

[12] Federally, Valley Springs is in California's 5th congressional district, represented by Republican Tom McClintock.