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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USACaliforniaHighway 49 Panoramic Road
Nevada City California

Highway 49 Panoramic Road

Sutter Creek - Coloma - Auburn - Grass Valley - Nevada City

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Historical sites Historical sites
Comfort Comfort
Culture Culture
Wildlife Wildlife
Highway 49 Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages4 km137 h/stage0.5

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Highway 49 Panoramic Road in California?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 207EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 254EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 308EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 380EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 470EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 165EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 390EUR
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Highway 49 Panoramic Road Itinerary

Take a journey along the scenic Highway 49 Panoramic Road, a 137 km stretch of road that runs between Sutter Creek and Nevada City in the United States. This route takes you through the towns of Coloma, Auburn, and Grass Valley and is best experienced during the spring or summer months when the landscape is lush and green. The road is in excellent condition, making it suitable for drivers of all levels. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, rolling hills, and sprawling vineyards. You’ll also pass by the site of the famous 1848 gold discovery, as well as several historical sites and quaint towns. This road trip provides an unforgettable experience and memories that will last a lifetime. It can be done on a moderate budget and can be completed in one day. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Highway 49 Panoramic Road adventure today!
number of days 1 number of days
route length 137 km route length
budget fair budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Sutter Creek

Distance 137 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: fast 41.0 kWh Airports SMF
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Sutter Creek is an ideal starting point for the magnificent Highway 49 Panoramic Road. Located in California’s Gold Country, Sutter Creek offers endless opportunities for exploration. From the many wineries, to the historic gold mining sites and quaint shops, the town is the perfect place to begin a journey. The Sutter Creek Visitor Center provides a wealth of information about the local area, and visitors can take a self-guided tour of the town. Those interested in the area’s history can visit the Amador County Museum, which features a range of exhibits, artifacts, and artifacts related to the Gold Rush. The nearby Sutter Creek Theatre offers a diverse range of live performances. The closest international airport to Sutter Creek is the Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Numerous car rental companies are available at the airport, making it easy to travel from the airport to Sutter Creek. From there, the Highway 49 Panoramic Road beckons, winding through some of the most beautiful scenery in California. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the area, including stopping at the many wineries, historic gold mining sites, and quaint shops. The journey promises to be an unforgettable one!

1 Sutter Creek - Coloma

Distance 58 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: fast 17.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Sutter Creek to Coloma, a distance of 36mi that can be covered in less than 1 hour. The journey begins in Sutter Creek, a former Gold Rush town in California. Here you can explore the Main Street with its many antique stores and galleries, or visit the Sutter Creek Visitor Center for more information about the town. The next stop is the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. This park is dedicated to the discovery of gold in California in 1848. Here you can explore the museum, the reconstructed buildings and the many trails. The last stop is Coloma, another former gold rush town. Here you can visit the Marshall Monument, the Coloma Valley Museum and the Coloma Heritage Sites. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

2 Coloma - Auburn

Distance 29 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: fast 8.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Coloma to Auburn? This 18mi stretch will take you less than an hour, so you can make the most of your time! Start your journey in Coloma, home to Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park – a great place to learn about California’s Gold Rush history. Don’t forget to stop by the Coloma Valley Museum, located in the old schoolhouse, to see artifacts from the period. Continue your drive to Auburn, a charming city surrounded by hills and rivers. Enjoy the views of the Sierra Nevada foothills, visit the Auburn State Recreation Area, and explore the Placer County Museum. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for a great adventure!

3 Auburn - Grass Valley

Distance 40 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: fast 12.1 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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Are you ready for the next stage of your road trip? Get ready for a 25-mile drive from Auburn to Grass Valley! This scenic drive will take you less than an hour, and you can expect to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area. In Auburn, you can visit the historic Placer County Courthouse, which dates back to the Gold Rush era. Don't forget to check out the nearby Auburn State Recreation Area, where you can hike, bike, and enjoy the outdoors. As you make your way to Grass Valley, you can explore the Empire Mine State Historic Park. This historic park is home to the Empire Mine, the oldest, deepest, and richest gold mine in California. You can also explore the Empire Mine's museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits about the mine's history. For a bit of nature, take a stroll through the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum. Here, you can see a variety of vintage locomotives and other railway artifacts. Finally, when you arrive in Grass Valley, you can visit the North Star Powerhouse. This historic powerhouse is a great place to learn about the area's history and get a glimpse of the past. There's so much to explore and see on this road trip stage! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the ride!

4 Grass Valley - Nevada City

Distance 9 km Driving time 0.1 h Pace: fast 2.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
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The road trip stage from Grass Valley to Nevada City is a must-see for all road-trippers! This 6mi drive takes less than an hour and offers plenty of attractions and activities for all. Start your journey in Grass Valley and visit the Empire Mine State Historic Park, a former gold mine which is now a museum. Here you can explore the area’s mining history, take a tour of the mine shafts, and even pan for gold. Afterwards, head to Nevada City and explore the historic downtown area. Here you can visit the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum and ride the historic steam train. You can also explore the many shops, restaurants, and galleries in the area. For a relaxing day out, take a stroll through the Miners Foundry Cultural Center, a restored 19th century foundry. This is also a great place to take in some live music, attend a workshop, or just relax in the park. Finally, be sure to visit the Nevada City Winery, where you can sample some of the finest wines in the area. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. Have a great road trip!

  Nevada City

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Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California, Nevada City is the perfect end to the Highway 49 Panoramic Road. The historic downtown area is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the past. Visitors can take a step back in time and experience a slower pace of life while strolling down the brick sidewalks and taking in the quaint Victorian-era buildings and storefronts. For outdoor enthusiasts, Nevada City is a great place to explore. Natural wonders include the South Yuba River and the nearby Empire Mine State Historic Park, both of which offer plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. There are also plenty of hiking trails, mountain biking trails, and waterfalls to explore. The Nevada City area is also home to an array of cultural activities and events, such as the Nevada City Film Festival and the Nevada City Classic bike race. The local music scene is vibrant and includes a variety of venues and live music events. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Sacramento International Airport (SMF). No matter the reason for your visit, Nevada City is the perfect end to the Highway 49 Panoramic Road. From its historic downtown to its natural wonders, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming mountain town.

Highway 49 Panoramic Road at a glance

We hope that our itinerary idea gave you plenty of inspirations for your future holiday excursions.
It is a ready-made idea that can be conveniently developed into a longer itinerary – the sky is the limit.
If car travel is the preferred travel mode for you, there are a number of vital traffic regulations to follow and a list of elements to keep in mind to turn your trip into pleasure. The following road rules will surely become useful for all travellers who are considering vehicle rental or hiring a camper.
It is vital to be mindful of the local traffic rules when on a road trip around California. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any expense if California is your road trip destination. Drivers ought to remember that the amount of alcohol that the driver can consume is very low and is only 0.5‰. You are allowed to drive at the maximum speed of 40km/h around the city streets. Outside the cities, travellers can travel at the maximum permissible speed of 72km/h. On highways, 129km/h is the maximum speed that you should never exceed in California. It is best to equip your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit and drive with your headlights on at daytime to increase the safety of you and your passengers.
The majority of drivers wonder about the costs of the whole tour. The total expenses during the whole itinerary depends on budget option of your choice. Below, you will find the budget possibilities.
The cost of gasoline for the budget option to cover the planned 137km while travelling around California can cost roughly 13 EUR. Economy accommodation options can cost holidayers roughly 77 EUR. The travel expenses connected with food and restaurants within this option will cost up to more or less 72 EUR. Travellers will have to pay about 45 EUR if they go for the cheapest car hire option as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from more or less 162 EUR to around 207 EUR.
Holidayers who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay approximately 25 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the road trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should bear in mind that the expenses may amount up to around 121 EUR. 108 EUR is the amount of money that you need to pay for restaurants and food within the standard range of services. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car can expect a cost of around 54 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 308 EUR for holidaymakers who would like to try car hire and 254 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
Travellers who are into the highest level of comfort will be pleased with the premium option. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 470 EUR for travellers who are considering car hire and 254 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who want to cover the itinerary in a premium rental car can expect a cost of roughly 90 EUR. In the top standard configuration of the adventure, the gasoline cost will amount to 38 EUR. Drivers should expect to pay more or less 144 EUR for food and restaurants and approximately 198 EUR for accommodation if they are interested in the exclusive standard of services.
Our trip will also meet the expectations all camper enthusiasts. Drivers who would like to hire a camper will pay roughly 225 EUR for the service. Holidaymakers will spend roughly 38 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the tour. You should expect to pay about 72 EUR for expenses connected with food and around 55 EUR for accommodation if you are searching for camper hire.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the above details in a simple manner.
There are numerous picturesque road adventures that are available on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip ideas. Even the most demanding of holidayers will surely be pleased with the broad spectrum of our road trips.

Facts for safer driving in California

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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