The ride starts at the Mosquito Road Exit off Highway 50 in Placerville. There is a  Park and Ride north of the freeway where you can leave your vehicle. Across Mosquito Rd. from the Park and Ride is the beginning of the El Dorado Trail, a paved multi-use bike, hike and roller blade trail that runs along the old railroad track grade on the eastern end of Placerville. Ride up the bike trail for 1.8 miles to the intersection with Jacquier Rd (pronounced Jack Way locally). This is the beginning of the Apple Hill® Ranches region, located between Placerville and the small town of Camino. Turn left on Jacquier and travel about 1 1/2 miles to its end at the intersection with Carson Road. About half way up the road there is a scenic produce stand, Willow Pond Organic Farm. Its worth a stopping at if you have somewhere to put your purchases, or just looking for some fruit for the ride. Shortly after Willow Pond you will pass Fenton-Herriott, the first winery on the circuit. The winery is set on top of the hill with charming views of the little valley below. They are one of the few local wineries to offer an estate Gewürztraminer, in addition to their wonderful refined Syrah and Barbera.

Turn right on Carson and ride up the medium length hill to the intersection with Union Ridge. As you ride up the hill you pass Smoky Ridge Ranch on the left. This is a great spot to get fresh figs in the summer and apples in the fall.  As you arrive at the intersection with Union Ridge you will notice Abel’s Apple Acres on the corner. This is a fantastic spot to buy pumpkins and apples in the fall, and the most incredible fudge and candy at Christmas time. They also make mouth watering apple donuts that are hard to beat. Turn left and ride to the intersection with Hassler Road and turn right. The road drops a short distance and then takes a short climb back up to the intersection with Fruitridge Rd. Here is where you will find Lava Cap Winery, one of the oldest and one of the largest in El Dorado County. This beautiful winery has a picnic area with fantastic local views of vineyards and hills. The winery makes many prestigious, award winning wines. Most noted are their Bordeaux varietals, Syrah, Chardonnay, and an incredible, mouth-filling Petite Sirah.

From this intersection, continue on the Hassler Road heading north as the road drops down a fast hill through beautiful pine forest salted with jaw dropping views of the American River Canyon in the distance. After long downhill you arrive at a very short hill. As the road levels out, you pass through a section of tall cedar trees reminiscent of a coastal redwood grove. You soon pass the High Sierra Iris Gardens and the beginning of a section of moderate stair steps that eventually takes  you to the intersection with North Canyon Road.

At this intersection is one of the regions newer wineries, Stone’s Throw, with its outdoor tasting room offering wonderful views to the farm land in the distance. A left turn will take you down Hidden Valley Lane. A one and ½ mile side trip will take you to Wofford Acres Vineyards, known for their refined Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, and Red Wine Blends. Come back during the holidays if you can and give their Port style wine a try, its delicious. The winery is located on the side of the American River Canyon with views that are magnificent, especially at sunset.

Traveling east on North Canyon, it heads quickly down to a beautiful creek crossing and up the other side; a medium length hill that passes by several small apple barns worth visiting during the Apple Hill season, September through October. At the top of the hill is the Indian Rock Ranch Christmas Tree Farm which has supplied several trees to the California State Capital in recent years.

The road continues to stair step though a tree lined stretch along a small  creek which cascades through manmade pools. Watch carefully and you might catch a glimpse of trophy size trout. These pools are also a part of Indian Rock Ranch where they offer catch and release fly fishing. As you cruise along next to the creek take  notice of the massive madrone tree next to the road.

At the intersection with Larsen Dr. you will find a lovely park complete with a large cool, green lawn under the cover of towering oaks and pines and scattered with picnic tables. The apple barn across the road, Larsen Apple Barn owns and maintains the park. They make a mean apple turnover, so if you happen to be there in fall stop in and try one.