Snell Valley was part of Rancho Guenoc when it was deeded as part of a Mexican land grant in 1845. It is assumed that the valley is named after George and Hiram Snell, two brothers from Germany, who were documented as residents of the Guenoc Rancho in 1857.[3]
In August 2020, Snell Valley was evacuated due to the Hennessey Fire, which burned of over 315,000 acres (127,476 ha) in five counties, including in Snell Valley.[4]