Auburn / Sierra Foothills driving roads
3 roads and 68 mapped miles. Pick a road to see its route, character and access notes.
Highway 49 connects Auburn to Cool through the American River canyon. From Cool, the eastern section of Highway 193 heads through Georgetown toward Placerville. Mosquito Ridge is a separate, longer mountain drive out of Foresthill; check its forest access notes before planning that detour.
Choose a road
- Highway 193 · Cool–Georgetown–PlacervilleThe eastern section of Highway 193: from Highway 49 in Cool through Georgetown, then down the winding canyon road to Highway 49 north of Placerville. This is the foothill drive near Auburn, separate from the Lincoln-to-Newcastle section of 193.
- Highway 49 · Auburn to CoolThe Highway 49 canyon between Auburn and Cool: descend from the Auburn side to the American River crossing, then climb toward the Highway 193 junction. Expect everyday traffic and people accessing Auburn State Recreation Area around the river.
- Mosquito Ridge RoadA long mountain road east from Foresthill, winding through the American River country to the French Meadows Road junction near the reservoir. Tight bends and remote stretches make this a drive to plan ahead for; get fuel and supplies in town.