Calaveras Highway 49: Self-Guided Audio Tour & Gold Rush Stops

Summary

Explore gold rush history, giant sequoias & limestone caves

You’ll drive California’s Highway 49 at your own pace with a self-guided audio tour, hearing stories of Gold Rush dreamers and exploring Murphys’ main street, ancient sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park, and mysterious limestone caverns along Coyote Creek. Expect moments of surprise—from laughing underground to quiet awe beneath redwoods—that linger long after you’ve parked.

What’s the experience like?

Hands on the wheel, I fumbled with the VoiceMap app—honestly, I’m not great with tech, but it worked. The highway rolled out ahead of us from Angels Camp, and Lynn’s voice came through the speakers—warm and a little quirky. She started telling us about Jennie Megquier (I’d never heard of her), who chased gold three times and never struck it rich. Made me wonder how many people drove this same stretch dreaming big.

We pulled off in Murphys for coffee—smelled like cinnamon rolls inside the bakery—and then wandered past old wooden storefronts. The audio tour nudged us toward Mercer Caverns; I’d never seen stalactites up close before. It’s colder down there than you’d think, damp air clinging to your skin. My partner tried to pronounce “stalagmite” and got it wrong—cue some laughter echoing off the cave walls.

The Calaveras Big Trees State Park was next. Those giant sequoias don’t look real at first. You stand under them and feel small in a good way. We stopped at the Natural Bridges Trailhead too—didn’t plan to hike but ended up doing it anyway because Coyote Creek was glinting in the sun and we just…kept going. There’s something about that limestone cavern that makes you want to whisper.

Columbia State Historic Park felt like stepping into an old photo—stagecoaches rattling by, kids panning for gold (I tried it too; no luck). Locals dressed up in period clothes waved as we passed, which made me grin even though I felt silly waving back. By the time we reached Jamestown and Railtown 1897 State Park, my shoes were dusty and my head was full of stories I didn’t expect to care about so much. Still think about those trees sometimes when I’m stuck in city traffic.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive from Angels Camp to Jamestown

• Start driving from Angels Camp
• Hear stories of Gold Rush women
• Pass through Murphys
• See Mercer and Moaning Caverns
• Visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park
• Stop at Natural Bridges Trailhead hike
• View the Stanislaus River
• Explore Columbia State Historic Park
• Drive through Sonora
• Visit Railtown 1897 State Park in Jamestown
• End tour in Jamestown

Top questions

How long does the self-guided Highway 49 audio tour take?

The tour takes about 150 minutes if driven straight through, but you can linger at stops as long as you like.

Does the Highway 49 driving tour include entry fees?

No, entry fees for attractions like state parks or caverns are not included.

Can I use the audio tour offline?

Yes, once downloaded via the VoiceMap app, you can use it offline without mobile data.

Is this Highway 49 tour suitable for families?

Yes, all ages can join; infants can ride in prams or on laps.

Where does the self-guided driving tour start and end?

The route begins in Angels Camp and ends in Jamestown.

Do I need to follow a strict schedule on this day trip?

No, you have complete control over when you start or stop along the way.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation is available near some stops along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes lifetime access to the English-language audio guide via VoiceMap for both Android and iOS devices. You’ll get offline access to maps and directions so you won’t need mobile data while exploring each stop between Angels Camp and Jamestown at your own pace.