7 day itinerary
California Gold Rush Trail Route 49
Personalized with:Locations with tent campingStart trip in Mariposa CaliforniaUnusual sitesDiners and cafes with good ratingsFinish trip in Sattley CA
Itinerary
The California Gold Rush Trail is a fantastic journey filled with history, stunning landscapes, and quirky attractions. Let’s dive into a fun-filled 7-day itinerary that starts in Mariposa and ends in Sattley, with plenty of tent camping, unusual sites, and delicious diners along the way!
Day 1: Mariposa to
Morning:
- Start your adventure in Mariposa! Grab breakfast at —their pancakes are a must-try!
- After breakfast, head to (about a 30-minute drive). Explore the iconic sights like El Capitan and Yosemite Falls.
Afternoon:
- Have a picnic lunch in the park. Pack some sandwiches from before you head out.
- Spend the afternoon hiking one of the many trails, like the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall.
Evening:
- Set up camp at in Yosemite Valley. Make sure to reserve a spot in advance!
- For dinner, cook up a campfire meal or head to for a nice view of the falls.
Day 2: Yosemite to Groveland
Morning:
- Enjoy breakfast at your campsite or head back to if you’re craving more.
- Depart Yosemite and drive to Groveland (about 1 hour).
Afternoon:
- Visit the , a historic site with a quirky charm. Check out the old saloon and the local shops.
- Lunch at —they have a great café with a lovely view.
Evening:
- Camp at . It’s a beautiful spot with access to the lake.
- Dinner at , California’s oldest continuously operating saloon. Try their burgers!
Day 3: Groveland to Sonora
Morning:
- Breakfast at in Groveland for some hearty American fare.
- Head to Sonora (about a 30-minute drive).
Afternoon:
- Explore the . Check out the for some local history.
- Lunch at —famous for its comfort food and friendly service.
Evening:
- Camp at . It’s a bit off the beaten path and offers a peaceful setting.
- Dinner at , a cozy spot with great reviews for their craft beer and burgers.
Day 4: Sonora to
Morning:
- Breakfast at in Sonora for some great coffee and pastries.
- Drive to (about 30 minutes).
Afternoon:
- Spend the day exploring this living gold rush town. Don’t miss the for some sweet treats!
- Grab lunch at —their sandwiches are delicious!
Evening:
- Camp at . It’s a unique experience to camp near a historic site.
- Dinner at —try their famous fried chicken!
Day 5: Columbia to Angels Camp
Morning:
- Breakfast at the before heading out.
- Drive to Angels Camp (about 30 minutes).
Afternoon:
- Visit the to learn about Mark Twain and the frog jumping contest.
- Lunch at , known for its fresh ingredients and friendly atmosphere.
Evening:
- Camp at . Enjoy the beautiful lake views.
- Dinner at —a fun spot with a lively atmosphere.
Day 6: Angels Camp to
Morning:
- Breakfast at in Angels Camp—don’t skip their famous maple bars!
- Drive to (about 1.5 hours).
Afternoon:
- Explore the charming downtown area with its historic buildings and unique shops.
- Lunch at —great comfort food and a local favorite.
Evening:
- Camp at . It’s a unique site with remnants of the gold rush.
- Dinner at in —great ambiance and delicious food.
Day 7: to Sattley
Morning:
- Enjoy breakfast at in .
- Depart for Sattley (about 1 hour).
Afternoon:
- Stop by on your way to Sattley. Check out the for some local history.
- Lunch at —a cozy spot with great views of the river.
Evening:
- Arrive in Sattley and set up camp at . Enjoy your last night under the stars.
- For dinner, if you’re up for it, cook a campfire meal or head to for some snacks and drinks.
Wrap-Up
And there you have it! A week filled with adventure, history, and delicious food along the California Gold Rush Trail. Make sure to check the availability of campgrounds and restaurants ahead of time, and enjoy every moment of your journey! Safe travels! 🌟