Drives California Gold Country and Tahoe
Highway 49: Jamestown to Mariposa
CA 49, CA 120, Montezuma Road · Jamestown → Mariposa
The drive
Highway 49 here runs through the Southern Mines, a string of Gold Rush towns in oak-covered hills. The drive starts on Montezuma Road at Jamestown, the gateway to the Mother Lode, and heads south through Chinese Camp, which was a stagecoach headquarters and home to Chinese mining companies in the 1850s. It shares Highway 120 for a stretch, then continues to Coulterville.
Coulterville is the turning point. Its Main Street Historic District keeps 24 Gold Rush buildings, and the Hotel Jeffery dates to 1851. South of town the road drops through tight switchbacks to the Merced River at Bagby, crosses the river, and climbs out through a long run of hairpins and fast sweepers to Bear Valley and Mount Bullion. The last miles are easy, ending in downtown Mariposa. The twisty section is roughly miles 24 to 36; the rest is gentle.
Along the way
- Jamestown (Montezuma Road)
- Coulterville
- Bear Valley
- Mariposa
Good to know
- Gas is not in Coulterville; the nearest is at Greeley Hill, about 7 miles up the hill, so fill up in Jamestown or Mariposa.
- Sand and gravel gather on the inside of the curves above the Merced River, and some drivers cut corners over the double yellow.
- Logging trucks use the road, and there is little traffic otherwise.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Caltrans: Highway 49 conditions.
Questions about this drive
How long does Highway 49 from Jamestown to Mariposa take?
Highway 49 from Jamestown to Mariposa is 49 miles and takes about 1 hr 15 min without stops.
Where is the twisty part of Highway 49 between Jamestown and Mariposa?
The twisty stretch is around Coulterville and the Merced River crossing at Bagby, where the road runs through switchbacks and hairpins down to the river and back up. The rest is mostly gentle.
Where can I get gas on Highway 49 between Coulterville and Bear Valley?
The pashnit road guide lists gas at Greeley Hill, about 7 miles up the hill from Coulterville, and not in Coulterville itself. Fill up before the Highway 49 switchbacks to be safe.
Is Highway 49 near Coulterville open in winter?
The route's high point is about 2,500 feet, so snow closures are not a usual problem, but check Caltrans for current conditions.
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More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.