The Mother Lode Author:Automobile Club of Southern California This guidebook focuses on the 267-mile stretch of SR-49 between Mariposa and Sierraville; descriptions of some of the most rewarding side trips are also included. Athough Highway 49 extends both north and south of this strip, these areas have little Gold Rush significance. This book traces a tour through the Mother Lode country from south to nor... more »th, but this does not constitute a recommendation that travelers follow this direction.