Highway 49 - The Little Dragon, Coulterville to Bear Valley, CA
Highway 49 -The Little Dragon is a 22-mile segment of the total 284 miles of Highway 49 through historic Gold Rush territory winding north-south through the Sierra Nevada Foothills. But, it is often plagued by RV traffic and tourist congestion. However, local motorcyclists escape the crowds by aiming for a legendary 22-mile section between Coulterville and Bear Valley known as “The Little Dragon.” (Bear Valley is little more than an intersection.)
Connecting these two tiny foothill towns, this frequented canyon section strips away the congestion, offering a continuous dose of tight curves, hairpins, wide open views and demanding switchbacks. The road starts with a gentle uphill climb from Coulterville—a historic town of just 200 residents home to the thick-walled Hotel Jeffery—before cresting the ridgeline. Other riders consider the start to be at Moccasin at the 120-49 junction through a twisty set of a-curves known as ‘The Narrows’.
From there, riders are treated to a thrilling, smooth descent past old gold mines down to the Merced River Canyon floor and the Bagby Recreation Area at Lake McClure. After crossing the river’s 130-foot-high concrete bridge, the highway immediately snakes back up the opposing canyon wall with rapid-fire curves and consistent lean angles.
The advent of spring blankets the foothills in brilliant green grass, but summer brings intense heat exceeding 100 degrees by midday. Riders must always anticipate hazards like gravel and sand kicked onto the inside lanes by vehicles cutting corners on this intoxicating stretch of asphalt- no guard rails either- it’s glorious.
On the south end of The Little Dragon is the pullout where all the photos are taken (like this one)-continue the ride south or hang a right at Bear Valley and drop into the foothills via Bear Valley Rd to Hornitos or the goaty Old Toll Rd to Hornitos Rd.
Oh, and Yosemite National Park is just up the road.
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