Cool, California


Cool, formerly known as Cave Valley, is a small town in El Dorado County, California, about from Sacramento, the state capital. Cool is at an elevation of 1,532 feet.
It is contained within the area code 530 with a ZIP code of 95614.

Geography

It is built on California [State Route 49|State Route 49] between Auburn and Placerville on a hill at an elevation more than 1,500 feet in an area full of trees, trails, camping, and other recreational activities.
The temperature ranges from 75° to 105 °F in the summer and 25° to 50 °F in the winter.

Climate

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Cool has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, abbreviated "Csa" on climate maps.

History

The first post office was established in 1885. Penobscot Public House, established in 1850, was a way station and stage coach stop during the days of the Gold Rush. The Penobscot Ranch still exists today. Cool, California, is a small unincorporated community located in El Dorado County in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Its history dates back to the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s, when it was part of a thriving region of mining towns. The town was originally known as "Cave Valley" due to nearby limestone caves but was renamed "Cool" in the 1880s, reportedly after a Methodist preacher named Aaron Cool. While mining declined over time, Cool remained a quiet rural community. Today, it is known for its scenic location near the American River Canyon and serves as a gateway to outdoor activities, including hiking and horseback riding on the Western States Trail. The community retains a rustic charm and a strong connection to its Gold Rush heritage.

Ultramarathon

The Way [Too Cool 50 Kilometer] run starts and ends in the town in early March. It follows sections of the Western States Trail with more than 4000 ft elevation change along its 31-mile length.

Politics

In the state legislature, Cool is in, and.
Federally, Cool is in.

Education

The serves Cool. Cool currently has just one school – – catering to elementary students. Residents are zoned to for grades 7–12.
Until 2007 there was also another K–8 school in Cool, the Cool Christian School.