Discover California's Gold Country on Hwy. 49

Historic Towns and Monuments on the route from Fresno to Reno

Aug 7, 2009 Kathryn Hedderig

California State Highway 49 meanders through small towns made famous during the gold rush of 1849. Restored hotels, cafes and museums offer a glimpse of the past.

The first sign of gold in California emerged from Sutter’s Mill in 1848 and soon the word spread throughout the nation and abroad. Thousands of prospectors traveled to the region setting up camps along the way. Those who didn’t like the hard labor and unsecure future of mining instead became shop owners and new towns with wooden store fronts soon replaced the tent camps. Today, although fire and the elements have affected some of the buildings, many still stand and have been lovingly restored. A drive on this historic Hwy. 49 creates a nostalgic look at early California history.

The highway named for the gold miners of 1849 follows a north/south route that begins north of Fresno, California and ends about 300 miles on the Nevada border. Most of the road travels follows a two lane path meandering through scenic oak studded hillsides and across several rivers. Driving the road is a pleasurable and relaxing experience highlighted by the numerous historical sites along the way. The full route may be viewed at www.hwy-49.com for planning the trip.

Highway 49 North of Fresno – Highlights

The growing town of Oakhurst arrives just after leaving Hwy. 41 from Fresno and is the gateway to Yosemite National Park. The nostalgia begins a few miles north at the small town of Mariposa where a stroll down the wooden boardwalk passes by an original hotel, saloon and general store. Shops and cafes keep visitors coming to this charming town. Continue driving north to reach Coulterville, established in 1849 of course, and located on the original John Muir trail. Over 40 historical sites may be explored in this town that once held a population of over five thousand. Today, Coulterville is a quiet place with several active gold miles nearby and an alternate entrance to Yosemite on Route 120.

Continuing north, every few miles along the highway markers designate and lead to locations of major gold rush events. In Tuolumne County, a cluster of historic California towns make a good stopover point for a day or two. In the tiny village of Twain Harte (named after Mark Twain and Bret Harte), a few small cafes, a pub and ice cream shop nestle among the pines next to a miniature golf course. The town itself is lacking in major historical interest but a delightful B&B, the McCaffrey House, for information visit www.mccaffreyhouse.com, makes a restful place to explore the numerous historic sites in Columbia, Jamestown, Sonora and Railtown. To completely immerge in a ’49 experience, the Jamestown Hotel ((800) 205-4901) combines modern amenities with antique filled guest rooms, an old time saloon, and many reminders of the early days.

Mark Twain spent time in Calaveras County and the town of Angel’s Camp still hosts the jumping frog contest made famous through Twain’s writings. The sidewalks hold plaques of the champion toads. Charming yet more contemporary in amenities, the town of Murphys (a few miles east of the highway) now focuses on local wine tasting. Dozens of wine tasting bars and gourmet restaurants fill the tree lined town center. In Jackson, gold miners spent their finds on ladies of the evening and remnants of original hotels, saloons and stores now house antique shops and cafes.

It all began at Sutter’s Mill near Coloma, California on the American River. Now considered a ghost town, remains of the old mill and original buildings make interesting places to explore.

Highway 49 from Auburn to Hallelujah Junction – Highlights

At the junction of major Interstate 80 and Hwy. 49, the pretty town of Auburn holds the charm of the past in the narrow Old Town streets. A stunning courthouse sits atop the hill and this lively and active town hosts year long events, gourmet restaurants and interesting boutiques.

Once Highway 49 crosses the major east/west Interstate 80 the road travels high into the Sierras. The scenery changes from rolling hills to higher forested hillsides passing pristine ranchland and crossing several rivers. Arriving in Grass Valley, visitors may feel a sense of the gold miner’s joy to find a place to unwind and enjoy the many offerings in the area. Located in the heart of the historic downtown district, the Elam Biggs B&B ((530) 477-0906) recreates the era with Victorian elegance. Another nearby ‘49’r town, Nevada City (located in Nevada County, California), produced the largest amount of gold in the area. The high mountain town of Downieville seems to have changed little over the years. Although considered a ghost town by some standards, an old hotel along the river, small cafes and a peaceful atmosphere make this location a quiet stopping point.

The final route of Highway 49 to the Nevada border gives travelers a chance to appreciate the rugged terrain faced by the prospectors on their search for gold. Driving this road from start to finish creates a unique way to experience life during California’s golden era.

The copyright of the article Discover California's Gold Country on Hwy. 49 in SW U.S./Hawaii Travel is owned by Kathryn Hedderig. Permission to republish Discover California's Gold Country on Hwy. 49 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Hotel Jeffery in Coulterville