Overall Route Rating
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4.36 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.36
14 Reviews

The Golden 49

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Aug 31, 2008

Rider Reviews

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Guest
December 14, 2008
The only issues with the "Mini Dragon"…
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Guest
October 14, 2008
We call this stretch of Hwy 49 the "Little…
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Written Directions

This route is easy to describe and easy to find. Start out in quaint Coulterville, CA and head south on CA 49 all the way down to historic Mariposa, CA.

Scenery

Beautiful scenery of the Sierras. Mountain overlooks, and the almost never ending sight of twisted asphalt ahead. Any notice of the scenery is secondary to keeping rubber to pavement, as the twisties keep you more than busy throughout the ride. Recommend pulling off at the numerous overlook sites to take in the views. Starts you off full bore in quaint Coulterville, where you ride Highway 49's twisties high into the Sierras and end in the historic town of Mariposa, California. Although the trip is only 26 miles long, it is not for the faint of heart...it includes beautiful views, fueling stations, and 1st gear twisties the entire ride. And of course use caution as the road is nestled in the Sierras, and reaches elevations of 6,000 feet.

Drive Enjoyment

Great road all-around. No pots, dips, or heavy cracks to sabotage your journey. With smooth pavement the entire ride, you will feel at ease concentrating solely on the ride. The one and only drawback...depending on tire compound, 4-5 rides on this road and you are replacing a rear tire.

Tourism Opportunities

Coulterville has small country stores and a few historical landmarks. On your journey you will find overlooks and wonderful scenic views. Once in Mariposa, feel free to spend the day window shopping in the numerous country stores lining Highway 140. There are many historical landmarks in this small mountain town, and of course plenty of gas stations to re-fuel for the trip home.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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FazerDude
March 19, 2015
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
This is my favorite road ever. I've ridden and driven it with different bikes and cars and it always puts a grin on my face.

The first time I ever rode it, I didn't know about it, I was just heading to Mariposa for the night. As soon as I hit this stretch of road, I was in the zone and I could think of nothing but the next curve.

Pavement varies, but right now it is perfect and very grippy. Police do prowl the road, so beware.
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Guest
May 11, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
I have been on this road many times over the years. The best place to start is Oakhurst and follow the Golden Chain Hwy until Grass Valley. It is not a one day trek but well worth the effort. It is one of the richest areas in California history, and there is no shortage of things to see. The entire length of the road is one Historical landmark after another, take your camera, sleeping bag, and tent. You can camp along the way, San Andreas is the best place as it is near the midway point. Roads are fantastic, traffic is not too bad, spring the weather is a bikers dream 70's - 80's. Most likely you will need to make 2 or more trips, there is just that much to see.
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Guest
September 25, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
Rode thru on a Monday afternoon without much traffic. Great road and great scenery.
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