El Dorado County is called the “Mother Lode” for both homebuyers and those who came before seeking gold. The county boasts Folsom Lake and rolling foothills on the western end and Lake Tahoe and 10,000 foot mountain peaks on the eastern border. Within these borders are great rivers, lakes, gold mines, historic towns, incredible views and beautiful communities of homes.
El Dorado County is just 30 miles east of Sacramento. Traveling up the Highway 50 corridor well known planned El Dorado Hills communities such as the luxurious Serrano, family-centered Bridlewood Canyon, 55 plus Four Seasons, and the new Blackstone homes are all located with an easy commute to Folsom or Sacramento.
As you continue your drive up the Western Slope and the terrain turns to tall pines, you will discover historic Placerville, the seat of government for El Dorado County. Here the hills begin to become mountains. Sitting at an elevation of about 2,000 feet, the old section of town has been restored and offers great shopping and dining. The City of Placerville actually owns and operates Gold Bug Mine, the only gold mine in California that is open to visitors. The areas around Placerville feature stunning custom homes and vacation “cabins” with privacy and views.
North of Placerville is the town of Coloma where gold was first discovered in California over 150 years ago. The Coloma Gold Discovery Site has been restored to 1840’s style and is a living museum. Near historic Coloma and along Highway 49 are many horse properties, large and small as there are numerous trails in the area for riding, biking and hiking.
The country roads in southern El Dorado County will lead you through the best Wine Country in the Sierras. The congeniality of these small wineries will make you feel as if you are visiting old friends!
East of Placerville is another historic community of Camino … home to popular “Apple Hill” where orchards abound … a place to relax, take in the beauty, especially in the fall when the apples are ripe and autumn shows off its brilliance of colors.
Further east, the Sierras are home to the Christmas tree industry and National forests, while providing great places to camp, hike, hunt, fish and ski. Vacation homes abound in this area with the fresh air, scent of pines and the proximity to recreation like no other. Picturesque and pristine, Lake Tahoe, the “mile high” lake is on the eastern border. On majestic mountain peaks reaching over 10,000 feet high, you will find some of the best Alpine style skiing in the United States. El Dorado Hills truly has something for everyone!