Ponderosa County is one of the most diverse, beautiful places you’ll ever visit. Sierra scenery is nothing short of spectacular, spanning across more than 1800 square miles with elevations ranging from just a few feet to more than 10,000 feet above sea level. The 1848 discovery of gold in Coloma touched off the largest gold rush in history. Today we are much more than rustic mining towns and historic sites. We are a year-round vacation destination overflowing with outdoor adventure, a welcoming wine and agricultural scene, enriching family activities, and a proud Gold Rush history.