A Highway 49 Drive: a Self-Guided Audio Tour From Placerville to Jackson

Setting out on a self-guided tour along the historic Highway 49 promises an immersive journey through California’s captivating Gold Rush past. This five-hour audio experience, accessible via the VoiceMap app, allows groups of up to 15 to explore at their own pace, starting in the charming town of Placerville and culminating in the historic city of Jackson. With offline audio and GPS guidance, travelers can explore the region’s rich history and local attractions, uncovering the unique allure of this iconic California route.

Key Points

• A self-guided audio tour along Historic Highway 49 from Placerville to Jackson, providing a flexible, offline experience lasting approximately 5 hours.
• The tour is accessible via the VoiceMap app, offering lifetime access to offline audio, maps, and GPS data for $11.99 per group.
• The tour starts at the El Dorado Savings Bank in Placerville, known for its historic Main Street, and ends in the city of Jackson.
• Placerville features independent shops, galleries, and restaurants, while Jackson offers a base for exploring nearby parks and hiking trails.
• The tour requires a smartphone and headphones, but additional costs for museums or attractions are not included in the tour price.

Tour Overview

This self-guided audio tour takes travelers on a journey from Placerville to Jackson along the historic Highway 49 in California’s scenic Gold Country region.

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours and is available until March 2026. It begins at the El Dorado Savings Bank in Placerville and ends in the city of Jackson.

Priced at $11.99 per group of up to 15 people, this tour has received an average rating of 4.3 from 6 reviews.

Accessed through the VoiceMap app, the tour provides offline audio, maps, and GPS data for a flexible, immersive experience.

Tour Features

The VoiceMap app gives users lifetime access to the tour’s offline audio, maps, and geodata, allowing for a self-guided and flexible experience along the Highway 49 route.

Travelers can start, pause, or restart the tour at any time. The tour is accessible for strollers but not for wheelchairs.

To participate, visitors need a smartphone and headphones. While entrance fees to museums or attractions along the way aren’t included, the tour provides a convenient and customizable way to explore the journey from Placerville to Jackson at one’s own pace.

Requirements and Recommendations

To participate in the self-guided audio tour, visitors need a smartphone and headphones. The tour is accessible via the VoiceMap app, available for both Android and iOS devices.

While the tour itself is free, travelers should be prepared to pay any additional costs for museums, attractions, or other services encountered along the way. Confirmation of the tour is provided at the time of booking, but visitors should confirm the start time with the local provider before setting out.

Infants can join the tour but must be carried, as the route isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Participation Details

As this is a private tour/activity, only your group will participate. No other travelers will join you on this self-guided audio tour.

This means you can enjoy the journey at your own pace without needing to coordinate with others. The tour is accessible by public transportation, making it convenient for those who don’t have their own vehicle.

Just keep in mind that any additional costs, such as entrance fees to museums or attractions along the way, will be your responsibility.

Exploring Placerville

Let’s start exploring Placerville, the charming town that marks the beginning of this self-guided audio tour along Highway 49.

As you wander through its historic Main Street, you’ll find a mix of independent shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Don’t miss the El Dorado Savings Bank building, your starting point. Nearby, the Old Hangtown Jail offers a glimpse into the town’s Wild West past.

Take time to explore the Placerville Hardware Store, a longstanding local institution.

With its gold rush-era architecture and lively atmosphere, Placerville sets the stage for your journey along the scenic Highway 49 corridor.

The Historic Highway 49 Route

After departing the charming town of Placerville, the self-guided audio tour leads you along the historic Highway 49 route.

This scenic drive offers:

1. Stunning vistas of the Sierra Nevada foothills and gold mining landscapes.

2. Visits to quaint Gold Rush-era towns like Coloma, Sutter Creek, and Jackson.

3. Opportunities to explore state parks, museums, and other historic sites.

4. A chance to learn about the region’s rich gold mining heritage and frontier spirit.

The audio guide provides commentary and insights to enhance your journey along this iconic California highway.

Discovering the City of Jackson

The self-guided tour culminates in the historic town of Jackson, the county seat of Amador County. Established in 1848 during the California Gold Rush, Jackson offers a charming Main Street lined with local shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

Visitors can explore the Amador County Museum, housed in a 19th-century courthouse, to learn about the region’s mining and agricultural heritage. The Comfort Inn & Suites Jackson provides a comfortable base to further discover Jackson’s attractions, including the scenic Jackson Creek and nearby parks and hiking trails.

Whether you’re interested in history, dining, or outdoor recreation, Jackson offers an inviting finale to the Highway 49 drive.

The Sum Up Thoughts

With the tour culminating in the historic town of Jackson, the self-guided experience along Highway 49 provides travelers with a well-rounded exploration of the region’s rich history and scenic landscapes.

The key takeaways from this audio tour include:

1. A deeper appreciation for the area’s Gold Rush heritage, from Placerville’s historic downtown to the quaint streets of Jackson.

2. Spectacular vistas of the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Mokelumne River.

3. Flexibility to set one’s own pace and explore points of interest at leisure.

4. A cost-effective way to discover the charms of California’s Gold Country.

The Sum Up

The "A Highway 49 Drive" audio tour offers a captivating journey through California’s Gold Rush history. Travelers can enjoy the region’s rich past at their own pace, exploring charming towns, historic landmarks, and local attractions along the way. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an engaging outdoor adventure, this self-guided experience promises an unforgettable exploration of the storied Highway 49 corridor.