Route 160--River Road
Sacramento, CA

The River Road's northern endpoint falls just south of the large city of Sacramento. Today, Sacramento is a thriving metropolis, containing all manner of services and activities. However, the city is not too big to forget its humble beginnings, and attributes much to the river which Route 160 follows.

In 1839, Augustus Sutter sailed up the Sacramento River and established an embarcadero (pier), New Helvetia. In 1848, gold was discovered in the area, and hopeful prospectors from around the world began to pour in. In April of 1849, Sacramento had 150 residents. By October of that same year, the city had exploded to 2,000 residents.

Old Sacramento today does not look too much different than it did during those Gold Rush Years. You can even still boat into the city. Old Sacramento has shops, dining, and a fine railroad museum. Sacramento itself has countless things to do and see, including the state capital and other state structures. Sacramento's biggest annual event is the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, held for four days around Memorial Day weekend.