A Highway 49 Drive: A Self-Guided Audio Tour from Auburn to Placerville
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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.
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2 hours – 2.5 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- VoiceMap App for Android and iOS
- Lifetime access to this tour in English
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Not included
- Food/Drink
- Smartphone and headphones
- Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
- Transportation
Itinerary
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Stop 1
This self-guided driving tour passes through the gold rush towns of Auburn, Placerville and Coloma.
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Stop 2
On this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Gold Rush Museum, a stamp mill, and a blacksmith shop.
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Stop 3
The tour passes by the Black Hole of Calcutta Falls Trailhead.
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Stop 4
The tour passes by Hart 2 Hart Vineyards.
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Stop 5
Hike along the Gerle Loop trail at Magnolia Ranch Trailhead where you’ll catch glimpses of the American River.
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Stop 6
Your drive from Auburn to Placerville takes you along the spectacular American River.
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Stop 7
See where gold was first discovered by James Marshall at John Sutter’s Mill while visiting Marshall Gold Discovery State Park
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Stop 8
See the Sutter's Mill Replica.
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Stop 9
See the James Marshall Monument and learn more about the man who first reported gold in the area.
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Stop 10
Explore Gold Bug Mine, an actual hard-rock mine from the late 1880’s.
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Stop 11
This self-guided driving tour passes through the gold rush towns of Auburn, Placerville and Coloma.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
Starts at 1650 Lincoln Way, Auburn California. Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 100% refund if cancelled at least 1 day(s) before
- 0% refund if cancelled 0–1 day(s) before
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $14.99 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
