A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville

About this activity

Experience California’s historic Gold Country on a Self-driving tour from Auburn to Placerville with this affordable audio tour.

• Find out the history of the California Gold Rush as you visit the gold rush towns of Auburn, Placerville and Coloma, where gold was first discovered in January 1848

• Hear from producer Lynn Momboisse, a California native with a penchant for telling stories

• Do it all in 120 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish

• Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it

• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Itinerary

1. Auburn · pass by

   This self-guided driving tour passes through the gold rush towns of Auburn, Placerville and Coloma.

2. Gold Rush Museum · pass by

   On this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Gold Rush Museum, a stamp mill, and a blacksmith shop.

3. Stop 3 · pass by

   The tour passes by the Black Hole of Calcutta Falls Trailhead.

4. Stop 4 · pass by

   The tour passes by Hart 2 Hart Vineyards.

5. Stop 5 · pass by

   Hike along the Gerle Loop trail at Magnolia Ranch Trailhead where you’ll catch glimpses of the American River.

6. American River · pass by

   Your drive from Auburn to Placerville takes you along the spectacular American River.

7. Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park · pass by

   See where gold was first discovered by James Marshall at John Sutter’s Mill while visiting Marshall Gold Discovery State Park

8. Stop 8 · pass by

   See the Sutter's Mill Replica.

9. Stop 9 · pass by

   See the James Marshall Monument and learn more about the man who first reported gold in the area.

10. Stop 10 · pass by

    Explore Gold Bug Mine, an actual hard-rock mine from the late 1880’s.

11. Placerville · pass by

    This self-guided driving tour passes through the gold rush towns of Auburn, Placerville and Coloma.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: The tour ends in Placerville.

Good to know

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

• 5 star16
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• 2 star1
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