California’s State Route 49, also known as the Gold Rush Trail or the Golden Chain Highway, is a famous route winding through the heart of Gold Country. The highway connects more than two dozen well-preserved towns that were central to the state’s Gold Rush era between 1848 and 1855.
Highway 49 is named after the “49ers,” a nickname for the fortune seekers who arrived in California in droves during the Gold Rush. In fact, all of California’s state route signs pay homage to this legacy, as they’re shaped like a miner’s spade.
The highway still follows the original trail that gold seekers used to navigate California’s historic Mother Lode region.
Best Gold Rush towns on Highway 49
The southern end of Highway 49 begins in Oakhurst, which is about 14 miles south of Yosemite. From there, the highway winds north for 307 miles, traversing the Sierra Nevada Foothills before reaching its northernmost point in Vinton, near Reno.
Keep scrolling for a map and a list of the most popular Gold Rush towns along the route.
- Downieville – Scotsman William Downie and a group of African American miners established Downieville along the Yuba River, and it’s still known as agateway to The Lost Sierra.
- Nevada City – The annual Victorian Christmas celebration in Nevada City looks especially magical among the Gold Rush-era buildings.
- Grass Valley – Famous for its Cornish heritage and quartz mines, Grass Valley invites visitors to explore Empire Mine State Historic Park
- Auburn – One of the Gold Rush’s major express and supply hubs, Auburn still preserves its 19th-century charm.
- Coloma – James W. Marshall first discovered gold here in 1848. Visitors can explore Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, which has a replica of Sutter’s Mill.
- Placerville – Known as “Hangtown” for its rough Gold Rush-era past, Placerville is the region’s only town with a municipally-owned gold mine.
- Amador City – See a handful of historic buildings and a Gold Rush museum in California’s smallest city.
- Sutter Creek – The well-preserved Main Street still has original brick buildings and historic mansions.
- Angels Camp – This city is still known for the epic Calaveras Frog Jumping Jubilee in May, as well as several complex cave systems.
- Columbia – See costumed performers at Columbia State Historic Park, a living history park with California’s largest collection of Gold Rush-era buildings.
- Sonora – Known as the “Queen of the Southern Mines,” Sonora was founded by Mexican miners from Sonora, Mexico.
- Jamestown – Visit Railtown 1897 State Historic Park to learn more about the “Gateway to the Mother Lode.”