Welcome to Eldorado County, where the Sierra Nevada unfolds in all its splendor, offering a gateway to unparalleled adventure. Nestled in the heart of California’s Gold Country, Eldorado County is a treasure trove of outdoor recreation, historic charm, and natural wonders. Join us as we embark on a journey through this captivating region, where every trail leads to discovery.
Eldorado County provides a diverse region of the Sierra rich in history and abundant in recreational opportunities. A network of scenic drives connecting Metro California living with mountain communities and lifestyles. Eldorado county provides easy access to destinations that help visitors escape modern city schedules and relax in the timeless country side of the West sierra slope or traverse the Sierra divide and find themselves in paradise of recreation and scenic beauty that attacks visitors worldwide.
El Dorado County is centrally located between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Foothills. El Dorado can be reached via two major highways: Highway 50 and Highway 49. Highway 50 was the first official U.S. highway in California, and it separates the county from the west in El Dorado Hills to the east in South Lake Tahoe. Highway 49 is the oldest highway in the western United States, and it winds north and south through the county. At the crossroads of these two highways is the historic Gold Rush city of Placerville.
El Dorado‘s diverse Sierra scenery is nothing short of spectacular, spanning more than 1,800 square miles with elevations ranging from just a few feet to more than 10,000 feet above sea level. These elevation ranges assure visitors a wide range of four-season fun.
The discovery of gold in Coloma in 1848 touched off the largest Gold Rush in history. Today the area is much more than rustic mining towns and historic sites. It is a year-round vacation destination, abundant with outdoor adventure, a world-class wine, craft beer and spirits scene, plentiful agriculture, fun and educational family activities and a proud Gold Rush history.
Discover Gold Country Heritage
Begin your Eldorado County exploration by stepping into the rich history of Gold Country. Visit the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, where the Gold Rush began in 1848, and explore charming towns like Placerville, Coloma, and Georgetown.
Uncover the stories of the pioneers who sought their fortune and left an indelible mark on the landscape. Eldorado County’s heritage is alive in its historic sites, museums, and preserved mining towns.
Outdoor Adventures Await:
Eldorado County is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in a plethora of recreational activities, from hiking the scenic trails of Desolation Wilderness and El Dorado National Forest to navigating the South Fork American River on thrilling whitewater rafting expeditions.
Explore the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe, indulge in mountain biking at the Mammoth Bar OHV Area, or embark on equestrian adventures along the Pony Express National Historic Trail. Eldorado County invites you to savor the great outdoors.
Lakes and Reservoirs:
Dive into the tranquil beauty of Eldorado County’s lakes and reservoirs. Enjoy a day of boating and fishing on Union Valley Reservoir, experience the serenity of Ice House Reservoir, or relax by the shores of Jenkinson Lake.
Each body of water offers a unique escape, surrounded by towering pines and scenic landscapes. Whether you seek water sports or lakeside tranquility, Eldorado County has the perfect setting for your aquatic adventures.
High Country Exploration:
Venture into Eldorado County’s high country, where the air is crisp, and the landscapes are breathtaking. Explore Echo Lakes, a gateway to the Desolation Wilderness, or ascend to the heights of Pyramid Peak for panoramic views.
Discover the beauty of Horsetail Falls and the pristine wilderness that defines this region. Eldorado County’s high country beckons those seeking alpine vistas and the serenity of the backcountry.
Wineries and Culinary Delights:
Indulge your senses in Eldorado County’s burgeoning wine country. Visit award-winning wineries and vineyards in the Apple Hill region, known for its crisp apples and delectable wines.
Experience farm-to-fork dining in Placerville, where local ingredients shine, and the culinary scene reflects the region’s agricultural heritage. Eldorado County invites you to savor the flavors of the Sierra.
Events and Festivals:
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Eldorado County by participating in its lively events and festivals. From the Apple Hill Harvest Run to the Georgetown Western Heritage Celebration, there’s always something happening in the region.
Discover the unique charm of the Wagon Train and Encampment, celebrating the pioneer spirit, or join the festivities at the El Dorado County Fair. Eldorado County’s events showcase its community spirit and diverse interests.
Scenic Drives and Byways:
Embark on scenic drives through Eldorado County, where every curve in the road unveils a new panorama. Take the El Dorado County Scenic Highway, winding through oak-studded foothills and historic landmarks.
Explore the breathtaking vistas along the Ice House Road or journey through the beauty of the American River Canyon. Eldorado County’s scenic byways promise a captivating drive through the Sierra’s diverse landscapes.
Featured Eldorado County Destinations
Discover Placerville
Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s. Its treasured heritage is reflected in the historical nineteenth-century architecture of its downtown, though you’ll find heritage throughout the city limits, which run from Smith Flat to County Fairgrounds.
Discover Coloma
Where the California Gold Rush Began
California Gold Rush history meets unparalleled whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and outdoor adventure, along with wine tasting, farm trails, and mesmerizing vistas.
Marshall Gold Discovery State Park
The California Gold Rush might be over, but at Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, you can learn about the history behind how Gold Country earned its name. Many 19th-century monuments remain to remind how some of the first migrants to California lived their lives. Marshall Gold Discovery State Park also offers Gold Discovery Tours, where guides lead you through the area, narrating the story of life in El Dorado’s early days.
Fair Play & Somerset
Wine, Farms, and Mining History
The southern part of El Dorado County is filled with meandering roads that lead to award-winning wineries, ranches, and Alpaca farms. Here you’ll find the communities of Fair Play, Somerset, Mt Aukum, and Omo Ranch. During the Gold Rush, Fair Play was a prosperous little mining town with several stores and hotels. Today, it’s home to more than 20 award-winning wineries and dozens of farms and ranches.
The Road to South Lake Tahoe
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South Lake Tahoe
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Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park — Located in Coloma, the park’s Gold Discovery Museum and Sutter’s Mill mark the spot where gold was discovered in 1848, triggering the California Gold Rush. Enjoy exhibits, buildings and artifacts relating to the Gold Rush.
Gold Bug Mine — This 362-foot hard rock mine just outside of downtown Placerville features a gift shop, stamp mill, Hattie’s Museum, hiking trails and gold panning across the park’s 60+ acres.
Historic Main Street Placerville — Historic Placerville is a charming destination with its 19th-century architecture, the historic Cary House Hotel, and the oldest hardware store west of the Mississippi. Fine art galleries, gift shops, antiques, restaurants, clothiers, and farm-to-fork shops round out a day’s experience.
Wakamatsu Tea & Silk Colony — This historic site near Coloma was settled by Japanese colonists from Aizu Wakamatsu (Fukushima Prefecture) in 1869, making it the first Japanese colony in North America. It’s the birthplace of the first naturalized Japanese American is the only settlement established by samurai outside of Japan. Educational tours are available throughout the year.
El Dorado County Historical Museum — This Placerville museum features displays and artifacts from El Dorado County’s past. The museum provides research resources, including genealogy assistance.
Fountain-Tallman Museum — Located in Placerville’s original Main Street soda works building dating to 1852, the museum contains artifacts and exhibits from Placerville’s history.
Lake Tahoe Museum —This South Lake Tahoe, California museum chronicles the development of the Lake Tahoe Basin from its earliest occupation by Native Americans through its 19th-century development to the present time.
Hattie’s Museum – Located in Gold Bug Park in Placerville, the museum shares historical artifacts and mining displays.
With its roots dating back to the Gold Rush era, El Dorado was the state’s third largest wine-producing region in the 1870s and flourished until Prohibition. A century later, a wine renaissance began when new wineries were established in the 1970s. Today, the El Dorado appellation has more than 2,500 acres of vines and is home to approximately 70 wineries. Vineyards, ranging in elevation from 1,200 to 3,600 feet, are planted in a diversity of microclimates ideally suited for growing more than 50 varieties of premium grapes.
El Dorado winemakers credit these hillside and mountain vineyards — and their intensely flavored grapes — for stylish renditions of wines like Syrah, Grenache, Zinfandel and Barbera. These boutique operations provide up-close views of the winemaking process and an opportunity to visit with winemakers.
El Dorado County also is home to a growing number of craft breweries inspired by the region’s history, flavors, and natural beauty. Kick back with many styles from pilsners to hoppy IPAs, and delicate Kölsch to Belgian-style ales. With local breweries spanning the county from the foothills to Lake Tahoe, you’ll never be far from an authentically El Dorado microbrew.
Farms Tours and Agriculture
Farms: Eldorado county’s tradition of agriculture dates back to the 1800s and is still an important contributor to the county’s economy and rural atmosphere.
El Dorado County Farm Trails Association – More than 100 members in the “Western slope” of the county operate farms, ranches and related enterprises.
Apple Hill™ is comprised of more than 50 family-owned fruit and veggie farms, wineries, Christmas tree farms, B & B’s and flower gardens just a few miles east of Placerville. Though fall is the most popular time to visit, farms, farmstands and wineries are open year-round. The namesake crop is usually ready to harvest on Labor Day weekend and visitors can enjoy the area through December with family-friendly activities and locally grown produce. In the fall the bountiful backroads are filled with bake shops and pumpkin patches, pony rides and hay mazes, unique gifts and handmade crafts, nature trails, and dozens of u-pick and just-picked varieties.
El Dorado County Christmas Tree Growers – More than 30 farms throughout the county offer diverse varieties of trees to choose from.
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Outdoor Recreation Wonderland in El Dorado County
El Dorado County stands as a testament to nature’s grandeur, offering a diverse array of outdoor activities in a stunning Sierra Nevada setting. From the heights of the Tahoe Rim Trail to the heart-pounding excitement of whitewater rafting, the county beckons adventurers to explore its vast landscapes and thrilling trails.
Scenic Hiking
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Tahoe Rim Trail and Pacific Crest Trail:
- Embark on a journey along the renowned Tahoe Rim Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, showcasing some of the world’s most breathtaking vistas. Traverse through mountain meadows, dense forests, and high alpine terrain, immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of El Dorado County.
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Foothills Exploration:
- Discover beautiful hiking in the foothills, where rolling hills, diverse vegetation, and abundant wildlife create an enchanting backdrop. Explore trails that wind through picturesque landscapes, offering a serene escape just waiting to be explored.
Mountain Biking Extravaganza
- World-Class Trails:
- El Dorado County is a mountain biking haven with world-class trails catering to all abilities. Whether you seek the thrill of loamy, buffed-out singletrack or the challenge of technical rock gardens, the county’s diverse terrain provides an exhilarating playground for mountain bikers.
Fishing & Boating Paradise
- Diversified Recreational Area:
- With approximately one million acres of national forest land, El Dorado County is a haven for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Explore endless rivers and lakes, cast your line into crystal-clear waters, and navigate scenic waterways surrounded by pristine wilderness.
Horseback Riding Adventure
- Traverse the Foothills:
- Experience El Dorado County by horseback, immersing yourself in the serene peacefulness of the foothills and savoring breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like Lake Tahoe. Discover the timeless allure of exploring the county’s beauty from the back of a horse.
Thrilling Whitewater Rafting
- Excitement for All Ages:
- El Dorado County is California’s premier whitewater rafting destination, offering thrilling adventures suitable for visitors of all ages. Choose from day trips to overnight expeditions, navigating the exhilarating rapids of the county’s rivers.
Gold Panning Excitement
- Gold Country Adventures:
- Delve into the region’s Gold Country heritage by trying your hand at gold panning. Uncover the spirit of the Gold Rush era while exploring award-winning wineries, gemstone mining, historic sites, and a myriad of outdoor adventures that make for an unforgettable American road trip.
Rock Climbing Wonderland
- Unique Climbing Experience:
- El Dorado County stands out as a world-class rock climbing destination, boasting a variety of climbing and bouldering options throughout the year. With Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness, and the Sierra as your backdrop, explore high-quality climbs ranging from moderate slabs to expert crack climbs.
Winter Wonderland – Snowsports Galore
- Alpine Adventures:
- Experience winter in El Dorado County with world-class skiing, thrilling backcountry snowmobiling, enchanting sleigh rides, and the pure joy of snow play. Whether you’re seeking steep slopes, perfect corduroy, or off-the-beaten-path exploration, the county offers a winter adventure for every snow enthusiast.
Off-Road Excitement – Rubicon Trail & OHV Access
- 22 Miles of Off-Road Bliss:
- For those craving off-road excitement, El Dorado County presents the legendary Rubicon Trail, a 22-mile off-road adventure cutting across the Sierra Nevada to Lake Tahoe. Explore the county by OHV and discover the thrill of off-road exploration in this unique and challenging landscape.
Embrace the spirit of adventure in El Dorado County, where every trail, river, and mountain peak invites you to discover the boundless wonders of the Sierra Nevada.
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Eldorado County invites you to embark on a Sierra adventure, where the echoes of the Gold Rush era harmonize with the breathtaking landscapes of the Sierra Nevada. Explore the pages ahead for detailed guides, travel tips, and the inspiration to make Eldorado County your next destination.
