Has anyone ridden Hwy 49 in California? I trying to plan a road trip for Memorial day weekend. I am stewing over riding out to the Grand Canyon, Zion, or staying in eastern Cali. Any help or tips would be helpful.

 

I drove it from just above Fresno from the 41 just a short way to I think the 140? My sister lives up there and I was visiting. Nice road and area. Will be going back this summer or soon. Like to visit Yosemite again.

 

I've only done the North end between Placerville and Grass Valley. Awesome ride though!

 

I've ridden the entire length. I started at the north end from Vinton, and ended at Oakhurst.

Basically, Hwy 49 is awesome at the northern end, and awesome at the southern end, but sucks in the middle. Specifically, the stretch between Grass Valley to Angels Camp varies between "ok" and "sucks". There's a lot of stop lights and a lot of traffic in various places.

Make sure to stop in Jamestown, and visit the Harley dealer there. It's probably one of the smallest dealers in the USA.

The northern end is really cool. From Vinton to Loyalton it goes through farm land, but is very scenic. From Sierraville to Grass Valley is killer. Lots of twisties with a mix of switchbacks, and wide sweepers, and tons of pine trees. Stop in the town of Downieville for lunch.

In the southern end, thestretch between Chinese Camp and Moccasin is really cool because it runs along the Don Pedro Reservoir. Also, the stretch from Coulterville to Bear Valley is really twisty, and the road runs along the top of a gorge.