The California 49ers of 1849 had one thing on their mind; find gold and get rich! The land from the southern Sierra to the northern Sierra was picked over and well searched for that precious golden metal. Today, there is still gold in the hills but there is also much more. A number of the old mining towns have seen an increase in prosperity because of the increase in tourism. The mines have long since been shut down and now quaint and … [Read more...]
Archives for October 1997
Gold Country, CA – Weather
The weather varies a bit from town to town along this stretch of southern gold mining towns. Generally the summers are warm to quite hot and very dry. July through September prime fire season months - where generally no rain falls. By this time of year the vegetation is very dry and will easily burn (especially if after a season of little rain, which can be common). Winters can be cold especially at nights. Some of the higher mining towns may … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Mileage
The town of Sonora is used as a reference point because it is larger then most of these mining towns and also because it is centrally located in relation to the other mining towns. Mileages from Sonora to: … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Caverns
California Caverns are located east of the town of San Andreas near the town of Sheep Ranch at Cave City in Calaveras County (9565 Cave City Road, Mountain Ranch). These caves have been open to the public since 1850. They were California's first show caverns. Early well-known California visitors included Bret Harte, Mark Twain, and John Muir. These are the most extensive and impressive of the California caves. There are miles of winding passages … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Calaveras Big Trees
For beauty similar to the redwood forests on the north coast of California I recommend the Calaveras Big trees. These giant Sequoias (Sequoiadenderon Giganteum) are not quite as tall as the redwoods but they are more massive. For instance some of the lower trunks of the larger trees are incredibly thick. Thirty people could stand next to each other in a circle with their arms extended and the first and last person would still not be able to touch … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Ironstone Vineyards
Ironstone Vineyards is located 1.5 miles from the town of Murphys. The road to the winery starts about halfway through the town (take the road directly next to Murphy's Hotel (a prominent historical landmark in town). As you get close to the winery you will see a number of vineyards. Ironstone grows not only grapes but also other crops such as apples. The owners have spent a significant amount of money and effort into building this into a major … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Lakes
Several large human made lakes are present in California's southern gold country. During drought years these lakes become extremely low and some of the boat launching ramps are left completely surrounded by dry land. In some cases we have had to drive a significant distance to actually reach the lowered shoreline. Three of the largest and best lakes for recreation are Lake Don Pedro, Lake McClure, and New Melones Dam. Lake Don Pedro … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Towns
See the lodging and restaurant sections of this guide for more information about hotels and restaurants in these specific towns. Some of these mining towns are so small that they may only have a couple hotels or restaurants. Listed below are the towns covered in the following sections: Angels Camp, Columbia, Coulterville, Greeley Hill, Groveland, Jamestown, Mariposa, Murphys, Pinecrest Area, Sonora, and Twain Harte. … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Angel’s Camp
Angels Camp is the town that inspired the great Mark Twain to write his short story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County". This book was his first success. This annual Jumping Frog Jubilee began in 1928 and continues today from Thursday through Sunday the third week of May. A Frog Hop Walk of Fame is located along South Main Street (Highway 49) and bronze plaques embedded in the sidewalks feature the winning frog names from some 85+ … [Read more...]
Gold Country, CA – Columbia
Columbia is a small mining town in the heart of California's gold country. This town is located on Highway 49 at the intersection of Parrotts Ferry Road and also Big Hill Road. Columbia is between an arm of New Melones Dam and the town of Sonora. This town is well worth a visit. In one month in 1850 after gold was discovered nearby, Columbia grew by 5000 people. In 20 years between 1850 and 1870 over 87 million in gold was extracted from the … [Read more...]