Scenic Mother Lode: Strike it rich on three Gold Country drives that take you off the beaten path

DRIVE LENGTH: About 65 miles (loop).

CONTACT: Mariposa Visitor Bureau: (209) 966-3685, (866) 425-3366, or www.homeofyosemite.com.

]ATTRACTIONS: California State Mining & Mineral Museum. 10–6 daily; $1. 5005 Fairgrounds Rd., Mariposa; (209) 742-7625.

Lake McClure. Day use $5.50, camping from $14. (209) 378-2521. Mariposa Museum and History Center. 10–4:30 daily; suggested donation $3. 5119 Jessie St., (209) 966-2924. Northern Mariposa County History Center. 10–4 Wed–Sun. State 49 and State 132, Coulterville; (209) 878-3015.

MARIPOSA DINING: Charles Street Dinner House. California cuisine in a former home more than 100 years old. Closed Mon–Tue. 5043 State 140; (209) 966-2366. Grizzly Grill. Family fare beneath an old tin ceiling. 5024 State 140; (209) 966-4242.MAP: KAREN MINOT

Keep Reading: