The Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino

The Chukchansi Gold Resort is a large casino/entertainment complex on about 160 acres in the Indian Lakes/Quartz Mountain area of Coarsegold. The project includes over 400 hotel roooms, including luxury suites and spa rooms; seven individually themed restaurants and six bars; RV parking; a 56,000-square-foot casino with 1,800 slots and 46 table games (including a variety of poker games); and live entertainment in several show venues.

A recent expansion added an above-ground parking facility, an 11-story hotel tower, and such visitor amenities as an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, spas, and workout facilities.

Located just off Highway 41 on Lucky Lane, the Chukchansi Gold is one of the largest casino complexes in Central California and employs 1,000 to 1,300 people. It sits at a higher elevation than its Central Valley counterparts, has more picturesque surroundings, and makes for an easy stop-off on the southern route to or from Yosemite National Park.

The wonderous thing about this sprawling, fairy-tale castle is its bucholic setting: spang in the middle of Coarsegold's rolling, granite-decorated hills and thick oak woodlands.

Needless to say, some residents aren't overly happy with the chosen locale.  The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the tribe's environmental assessment in 2001, and the state and County reached mitigation agreements with the tribe regarding the casino complex's impacts on traffic, water, security etc. before construction began.

Click this link to view the MOU between Madera County and the Picayune Rancheria Chukchansi. Some may find it a rather fascinating example of the ongoing balancing act between tribal interests and the concerns of local citizens and their representatives, as Indian gaming continues to flourish in California.

Chukchansi Gold Restaurants (866) 794-6946

California Market Buffet
International food with carving station and Mongolian BBQ $-$$
Open 7 days, features steak/seafood Wednesdays, prime rib Sat., champagne brunch Sunday

Goldfield's Cafe
Traditional American and steak $-$$
Open 24 hours

Deuces Diner
1950s diner food and ambiance $
Open 7 days

Noodle Bar
Asian fusion, premium saki $-$$
Closed Tue-Wed

Nativos
Italian specialties, Sunday brunch $$-$$$
Open 7 days

Vintage Steakhouse
Steaks, seafoods, elegant desserts $$-$$$$
Closed Mon-Tues
Reservations recommended (866-794-6946)

Bakery
Sidewalk cafe featuring breads, pastries, coffee drinks $
Open 7 days