Plan Your Wedding Journey: Directions & Logistics
An 160-acre Sierra Foothills wedding estate nestled in historic El Dorado County
From Downtown Napa (2 hours)
Take Jefferson Street/Highway 29 south to Highway 12 East. Follow Highway 12 East for approximately 7 miles until you reach I-80 East. Take I-80 East toward Sacramento for about 60 miles. After passing through Sacramento and Roseville, take Exit 119B for Auburn Folsom Road. Turn left onto Auburn Folsom Road and continue for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto CA-193 North and follow through the town of Cool for about 1 mile. Our estate will be on your right, marked by our signature stone entrance and iron gates.
From Sonoma (2.5 hours)
From Sonoma Plaza, take Highway 12 East toward Napa. Continue on Highway 12 East for approximately 20 miles until you reach I-80 East. Follow I-80 East toward Sacramento for about 60 miles. After Sacramento, take Exit 119B for Auburn Folsom Road. Turn left onto Auburn Folsom Road and continue for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto CA-193 North through Cool. Our estate entrance will be one mile ahead on your right.
From St. Helena (2.25 hours)
From downtown St. Helena, take Main Street/Highway 29 south for 3 miles. Turn left onto Zinfandel Lane, then right onto Silverado Trail. Follow Silverado Trail south to Highway 128 East. Take Highway 128 East to I-80 East. Follow I-80 East toward Sacramento. After passing through Sacramento, take Exit 119B for Auburn Folsom Road. Turn left and continue for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto CA-193 North through Cool. Look for our stone entrance and iron gates on the right after one mile.
From North Lake Tahoe/Truckee (1.75 hours)
From downtown Truckee, take Donner Pass Road to I-80 West toward Sacramento. Follow I-80 West for approximately 60 miles through high country and down the Sierra Nevada. Take Exit 119A for Highway 49/Lincoln Way toward Grass Valley. Turn left onto Lincoln Way, then right onto Highway 49 South. Follow Highway 49 South for about 10 miles, enjoying views of the American River Canyon. When you reach the town of Cool, turn right onto CA-193. Our estate entrance with stone gates will be one mile ahead on the right.
From South Lake Tahoe (1.5 hours)
From the Y intersection (Highway 50 & 89), take US-50 West toward Sacramento. Follow US-50 West for approximately 40 miles through the Sierra Nevada forest. Take the Highway 49 exit for Placerville (signs for Diamond Springs). Turn right onto Highway 49 North and continue through historic downtown Placerville. Follow Highway 49 North through Diamond Springs and El Dorado for about 15 miles, passing through scenic Gold Country. When you reach the town of Cool, turn right onto CA-193. Look for our stone entrance and iron gates one mile ahead on the right.
From Incline Village (2 hours)
From Incline Village, take Highway 28 West along the North Shore of Lake Tahoe for 8 miles. Turn right onto Highway 267 toward Truckee. Follow Highway 267 for approximately 15 miles until you reach downtown Truckee. Turn left onto Donner Pass Road, then follow signs for I-80 West. Take I-80 West toward Sacramento and follow the North Lake Tahoe/Truckee directions above from I-80.
From Kings Beach/Tahoe Vista (1.75 hours)
From Highway 28 in Kings Beach, take Highway 267 North toward Truckee. Follow Highway 267 for approximately 12 miles to downtown Truckee. Turn left onto Donner Pass Road and follow signs for I-80 West toward Sacramento. Continue with North Lake Tahoe/Truckee directions above from I-80.
Winter Travel Note
During winter months (November-March), check road conditions at www.dot.ca.gov before departing. I-80 and Highway 50 are well-maintained but may require chains during heavy snow. Our venue is at a lower elevation (1,500 ft) and typically accessible year-round. If coming from Tahoe during winter storms, consider US-50 to Placerville as an alternative route, as it often has more favorable conditions than I-80.
From Sacramento (45 minutes)
Take I-80 East toward Reno for approximately 30 miles. Exit at Auburn Folsom Road (Exit 119B). Turn left onto Auburn Folsom Road and continue for 4.5 miles. Turn right onto CA-193 North. Follow CA-193 through Cool for about 1 mile. Black Oak Mountain will be on your right.
From San Francisco (2.5 hours)
Take I-80 East toward Sacramento. Continue past Sacramento for approximately 30 additional miles. Follow directions above from Auburn Folsom Road exit.
From Reno (2 hours)
Take I-80 West toward Sacramento. Exit at Auburn (Highway 49). Follow North Lake Tahoe directions above.
Property Details
- • Elevation: 1,500 feet
- • Total acreage: 160 acres of pristine Sierra Foothill estate
- • Located in the Sierra Foothills AVA
- • Multiple ceremony and reception locations
- • On-site parking for 200+ vehicles
- • Helicopter landing area available
Planning Your Visit
- • Tours available by appointment
- • Best to arrive via CA-193 from Cool
- • GPS coordinates: 38.8879° N, 121.0176° W
- • Accessible to large vehicles and buses
- • Year-round venue with climate-controlled spaces
Regional Context
Black Oak Mountain’s 160-acre estate is situated in the historic Gold Country region of California, where the Sierra Foothills meet the Sacramento Valley. Our location offers the perfect blend of accessibility and seclusion, just minutes from Cool’s charming downtown and equidistant from Auburn and Placerville. The property sits at the gateway to the El Dorado National Forest and is surrounded by some of California’s most scenic landscapes, including the American River Canyon and the historic Coloma Valley. We’re perfectly positioned between the world-renowned Napa Valley wine region and the stunning Lake Tahoe area, making us an ideal destination for couples seeking a central California location for their wedding celebration.
For Out-of-Town Guests
Nearest Airports
- • Sacramento International Airport (SMF) – 1 hour drive
- • Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – 2 hour drive
- • San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – 2.5 hour drive
- • Oakland International Airport (OAK) – 2.5 hour drive
Ground Transportation
Car rental services available at all airports. Shuttle services and private transportation can be arranged through our recommended vendors.
Nearby Accommodations
Auburn Area (20 minutes)
- • Park Victorian Mansion
- • Holiday Inn Auburn
- • Best Western Golden Key
- • Auburn Lodge
Placerville Area (30 minutes)
- • Historic Cary House Hotel
- • Best Western Placerville Inn
- • Eden Vale Inn
Local Landmarks & Photo Opportunities
On Property
- • Historic stone walls and iron gates entrance
- • Panoramic Sierra Foothill vistas
- • Ancient black oak grove
- • Heritage vineyard rows
- • Sunset viewing deck
Nearby Locations
- • American River Confluence (10 minutes)
- • Historic Cool Fire Station (5 minutes)
- • Auburn State Recreation Area (15 minutes)
- • Hidden Falls Regional Park (25 minutes)
- • Marshall Gold Discovery State Park (25 minutes)
Location Details & Planning Tips
Property Details
- • Elevation: 1,500 feet
- • Total acreage: 160 acres
- • Located in the Sierra Foothills AVA
- • Multiple ceremony and reception locations
- • On-site parking for 200+ vehicles
- • Helicopter landing area available
Planning Your Visit
- • Tours available by appointment
- • Best to arrive via CA-193 from Cool
- • GPS coordinates: 38.89636417647236, -120.95479187791041
- • Accessible to large vehicles and buses
- • Year-round venue with climate-controlled spaces
Adventure Activities
- • White water rafting on the American River (10 minutes)
- • Hiking trails at Hidden Falls Regional Park (25 minutes)
- • Gold panning at Marshall Gold Discovery Park (25 minutes)
- • Mountain biking in Auburn State Recreation Area (15 minutes)
- • Wine tasting along Placer Wine Trail (20-30 minutes)
Historic Sites & Tours
- • Old Town Auburn walking tours (20 minutes)
- • Empire Mine State Historic Park (45 minutes)
- • Historic Coloma Valley tours (25 minutes)
- • Apple Hill orchards and farms (30 minutes)
- • El Dorado Wine Country tours (30-45 minutes)
Rehearsal Dinner & Welcome Reception Venues
Auburn Area (20 minutes)
- • The Ridge Golf Course & Events Center
- • Bootleggers Old Town Tavern & Grill
- • The Arts Building
- • Tre Pazzi Trattoria
Placerville Area (30 minutes)
- • Sequoia at The Bee Bennett House
- • Historic Cary House Hotel
- • The Independent Restaurant
- • El Dorado Fairgrounds
Estate Features & Wedding Amenities
Ceremony Locations
- • Grand Mountain Overlook (up to 250 guests)
- • Ancient Oak Grove (up to 200 guests)
- • Vineyard Terrace (up to 175 guests)
- • Stone Courtyard (up to 150 guests)
- • Indoor Grand Hall (up to 200 guests)
Reception Spaces
- • Mountain View Ballroom (up to 250 guests)
- • Outdoor Estate Pavilion (up to 200 guests)
- • Wine Cave (up to 100 guests)
- • Sunset Terrace (up to 175 guests)
Local Climate & Seasonal Planning
Seasonal Highlights
- • Spring (March-May): Wildflower meadows, comfortable temperatures 65-75°F
- • Summer (June-August): Warm days 80-90°F, cool evenings, minimal rain
- • Fall (September-November): Fall colors, harvest season, temperatures 60-75°F
- • Winter (December-February): Occasional snow, crisp days 45-60°F
Photography Tips
- • Golden Hour: Perfect lighting 1-2 hours before sunset
- • Spring: Capture vineyard bud break and wildflowers
- • Summer: Long days for extended photo sessions
- • Fall: Dramatic foliage and sunset backgrounds
- • Winter: Potential for snow-capped mountain views
Regional History & Setting
Black Oak Mountain Estate spans 160 acres in the heart of California’s historic Gold Country. Our property sits at the convergence of several significant California regions: the Sierra Nevada foothills, the Sacramento Valley, and the gateway to both Lake Tahoe and El Dorado wine country. The estate’s elevation at 1,500 feet provides the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion, while offering panoramic views that stretch from the Sacramento Valley to the Sierra Nevada peaks.
The property features historic elements including original stone walls dating to the Gold Rush era, century-old black oak trees, and heritage grape vines. Our location in Cool, California places us at the intersection of several historic Gold Rush-era towns, including Auburn (the endurance capital of the world), Placerville (historic Hangtown), and Coloma (site of the original gold discovery at Sutter’s Mill).
The estate is conveniently positioned between San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking a mountain wedding venue that their guests can easily access from major transportation hubs. The property’s unique location allows guests to combine their wedding weekend with visits to nearby wine country, Lake Tahoe recreation, or Gold Country exploration.
