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Tuolumne County makes the PERFECT stopover on a highway journey from San Francisco to Yosemite.
Full of historical past and heritage, epic landscapes and plenty of simply accessible nature, Tuolumne County is a incredible highway journey vacation spot all by itself.
Nevertheless it additionally occurs to be the gateway to Yosemite: house to greater than half of the Nationwide Park – together with one of many major entrances. So it’s an important vacation spot to go to for a couple of days in your method to discover Yosemite.
Tuolumne County might be divided into three major areas. First is Gold Rush Nation, filled with historic, Previous-West cities based in the course of the well-known California Gold Rush. Subsequent, the mountainous Excessive Sierras – good for mountain climbing and nature days – and eventually the Yosemite space.
Brief on time? There’s a brief overview of the highway journey itinerary and all of the stops on the very backside of the web page. In any other case, hold studying for all the main points it’s good to plan the right Tuolumne County Highway Journey. Blissful travels…
READ MORE: 7 Causes to Go to Tuolumne County California
Why Go to Tuolumne County in your San Francisco to Yosemite Highway Journey
Yosemite Nationwide Park has 5 entrances to select from, relying on the place you’re approaching from and the place you wish to go to.
Two of those are in Tuolumne County, together with the favored Massive Oak Flat Entrance on Freeway 120, which offers easy accessibility to the Yosemite Valley loop. So driving by way of Tuolumne County in your San Francisco to Yosemite highway journey simply is sensible!
Plus, greater than half of the Nationwide Park falls into Tuolumne County, together with many lesser-known areas. So it’s simple to flee the crowds and have a slice of nature all to your self. Learn extra in my put up about why it is best to go to Tuolumne County.
4 Day Tuolumne County Highway Journey
Beneath is my really useful itinerary for driving by way of Tuolumne County on the best way to Yosemite. I like to recommend spending not less than two days in San Francisco first, since that’s such a cool metropolis (I’ll be publishing a separate information quickly).
- Day 1 – San Francisco to Sonora
- Day 2 – Discover Gold Nation: Jamestown, Columbia State Park and extra
- Day 3 – Discover the Excessive Sierras: Pinecrest Lake and Stanislaus Nationwide Forest
- Day 4 – Discover the Yosemite space: Groveland, Hetch Hetchy, and surrounds.
- Day 5 – Drive into Yosemite Nationwide Park
Tuolumne County Highway Journey: Gold Nation
Your Tuolumne County highway journey begins in Gold County. Uncover historic cities, Previous West structure, classic railroads, and extra….
1. Sonora
The biggest city in Tuolumne County, Sonora makes an important base for exploring Gold Nation. It was based in 1850 by miners who hailed from the Mexican state of Sonora and retains a lot of its Previous West appeal.
The historic downtown space, particularly, is full of gorgeous outdated buildings just like the beautiful Crimson Church (St. James Anglican Church). In-built 1859, it’s one of many oldest within the state.
Right this moment, many of those engaging outdated buildings are house to unbiased eating places, bars, and cute boutiques. For drinks, don’t miss the stylish new Sonora Brewing Firm for craft beers, or the historic Servente’s Saloon the place the ceiling is roofed in crumpled greenback payments (an outdated mining custom).
I used to be additionally an enormous fan of The Armory, an excellent cool bar and restaurant with superb cocktails, nice meals (particularly the tacos), and a mixture of indoor and outside seating.
Prime tip: Sonora makes an important base for exploring the remainder of Gold Nation and the Excessive Sierras. You possibly can spend 1-2 nights on the town and take day journeys to the locations talked about beneath.
2. Columbia State Historic Park
For a extra historic aspect of Gold Nation, don’t miss a visit to Columbia State Historic Park. That is an precise city, relationship from the 1850s, which was declared a state park in 1945 and has been preserved as a type of “dwelling museum”.
You possibly can wander the streets to admire the historic structure, go to a working blacksmiths, and even attempt your hand at panning for gold.
There are additionally a number of traditional-style outlets to discover, together with an old style candy store, a couple of garments outlets, and a pictures studio the place you possibly can have a photoshoot in interval costumes. I cherished Ebler’s Leather-based & Saddlery Emporium, filled with cowboy boots and western apparel (I couldn’t resist selecting up a Pendleton denim waistcoat!).
For “vittles”, head to St Charles Saloon – an unique gold rush saloon with a beautiful beer backyard. Alongside drinks, they serve the finest pizzas on the town (perhaps in all Tuolumne). And DON’T miss the tater tots, served with a aspect of Beer Cheese Fondue.
3. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Calling all practice and movie followers (and anybody who can’t resist a tacky photograph op!). Don’t miss a visit to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park whilst you’re exploring Tuolumne!
This quirky state park is house to an enormous assortment of classic steam trains and outdated railway buildings.
It’s also called “The Film Railroad” as a result of lots of of flicks and TV reveals have been filmed right here – most notably, Again to the Future 3 (one among my all-time favourites)!
The park can be house to the Sierra Railway. Hop aboard a practice pulled by a historic diesel locomotive for a 6-mile spherical journey by way of Gold Nation.
4. Jamestown
When you’re visiting Railtown, don’t skip Jamestown itself. Like Sonora, that is one other fantastically preserved Gold Rush city that’s filled with beautiful outdated buildings.
Strolling down the excessive road feels a bit like stepping again in time – or wandering by way of an Previous West film set! The historic Jamestown Resort, relationship from 1859, seems to be just like the type of place you may see the likes of Buffalo Invoice or Butch Cassidy wandering out of – though in actuality, the resort was extra fashionable with Spanish miners.
There are many cute unbiased outlets and vintage shops to discover alongside the excessive road – and don’t miss a visit to the Jamestown Frosty. This small retro diner is an area establishment, recognized for its epic shakes and ice lotions.
5. Indigeny Reserve
One final must-visit cease whilst you’re exploring Tuolumne’s Gold Rush nation… make sure you swing by Indigeny Reserve.
This scenic, 160-acre protect is house to a incredible cider distillery. Go to for a tour of the distillery and the possibility to style the newest ciders (normally with some nice names like “grannies gone wild”).
Make sure to consider time to calm down on the gorgeous grounds overlooking the orchard. There are some nice mountain climbing and biking trails on the protect, too – and the picket lined bridge on the entrance makes an important photograph op!
Tuolumne County Highway Journey: Excessive Sierras
6. Pinecrest Lake
This was one among my favorite stops on our Tuolumne County highway journey. Surrounded by mountain peaks and pine forest, Pinecrest Lake is a dream vacation spot for mountain climbing and water actions.
There’s a mountain climbing path throughout the lake. It’s a comparatively flat and fairly simple stroll – and crosses the dam and the Stanislaus River en route for some beautiful views.
Throughout summer season, you possibly can rent motorboats and kayaks to discover the lake. That is additionally a good way to achieve the far aspect, from the place you possibly can decide up one other nice mountain climbing path: the hike to Cleo’s Tub.
This one is extra of a problem – following the river over uneven floor and thru the pines. The ultimate half mile entails scrambling over boulders and a few fairly steep climbs (observe the blue arrows) – ultimately reaching a pure pool on the prime of a waterfall. The views again throughout the forest to Pinecrest Lake from up listed here are insane – but it surely’s not for the faint-hearted!
7. Cowl’s Apple Ranch
Swing by Cowl’s Apple Ranch for lunch in your approach again down from the Sierras. It’s a quaint little bakery and country-style restaurant on a working farm. They’re well-known for his or her apple pies – so that you HAVE to ensure you order not less than a slice – however all the opposite meals we tried was good too.
There’s additionally a small petting zoo the place you possibly can meet the cattle and feed the goats. Plus, there’s a cute little miniature railroad which youngsters (and young-at-heart adults) can journey for views of the ranch and orchards.
Tuolumne County Highway Journey: Yosemite Space
8. Groveland
Groveland is the primary “gateway city” for visiting Yosemite through the favored Massive Oak Flat Entrance. It’s one other historic Gold Rush city, centred round Primary Avenue, the place you’ll discover a lot of engaging buildings.
Groveland highlights:
- Iron Door Saloon – The oldest regularly working saloon in California, relationship again to 1852.
- Across the Horn Brewing Firm – A superb microbrewery with a enjoyable vary of craft beers offered on faucet and in cans. You possibly can create your personal flight to attempt a couple of completely different ones – additionally they serve some tasty, seasonal dishes (I HIGHLY suggest the pretzel sticks – served with Round The Horn Beer Cheese).
- Mountain Sage Espresso – An excellent cute little cafe with a beautiful backyard. A couple of others in my group headed right here for an early breakfast and had solely good issues to say about it.
- Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum – In the event you’re road-tripping to Yosemite, this little museum in Mary Laveroni Park is a must-visit. Be taught concerning the area’s indigenous peoples, the Gold Rush pioneers, and the event of the close by Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
Prime Tip: Groveland makes an important base for exploring the Yosemite Nationwide Park and the remainder of Tuolumne’s Yosemite space. You possibly can spend 1-2 nights on the town (or close by) and take day journeys into the Nationwide Park or to the locations listed beneath.
9. Miller’s Off-Highway Adventures
When you’re in Groveland, don’t miss the superior off-roading expertise with Miller’s Off-Highway Adventures. This was simply one of many highlights of my Tuolumne County highway journey!
Hop in a jeep and observe your guides into the Stanislaus Nationwide Forest. Dust roads, tight S-bend curves, and unbelievable views – all miles from the crowds of Yosemite. You may additionally be fortunate sufficient to see some wildlife. We noticed a number of deer leaping away by way of the timber.
In the event you’re not sure about driving off-road, don’t fear: one among Miller’s skilled drivers can take the wheel for you. I’m a reasonably nervous driver, however I gave it a go – and completely LOVED it.
10. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Tuolumne County’s share of Yosemite Nationwide Park has many of those lesser-known (and due to this fact a lot quieter) areas. Among the many highlights is Hetch Hetchy Reservoir: an enormous, vivid-blue lake framed by dramatic granite peaks.
The views listed here are pure Yosemite – with a fraction of the crowds. Climbing trails lead across the lake to thundering waterfalls – or out into the broader Hetch Hetchy Valley to hidden meadows and lakes. Click on right here for a map.
Don’t miss the O’Shaughnessy Dam, added in 1923. Look over the sting to observe the water thundering out of the spillway (if it’s open).
Though controversial when it was first constructed, at present the Reservoir is the first water supply for the San Francisco Bay Space (some 2.7 million residents). Two crops downstream additionally present hydroelectric energy.
After all, you’ll probably wish to discover the basic Yosemite Valley loop and see the well-known sights first. However I urge you to consider an additional day to your Yosemite highway journey to go to a few of these lesser-known spots.
11. Spa at Rush Creek Lodge
Spherical off your time in Groveland with a visit to the unbelievable spa at Rush Creek Lodge.
This lovely mountain resort is only a five-minute drive from the Massive Oak Flat Entrance, so it will additionally make an important stop-off on the finish of a day exploring Yosemite (even higher – keep at Rush Creek for the simplest entry!).
The small-but-mighty spa is tucked into the again of the lodge overlooking the forest. So despite the fact that you’re on a busy resort – it feels such as you’re in the course of nowhere! Amenities had been impressed by Yosemite’s nature: anticipate heat waterfall showers, aromatherapy Steam Room, Himalayan Salt Sauna and a cool mist room designed to mirror the mist on the base of Yosemite falls.
Exterior, there’s a terrace with beautiful forest views (wildlife sightings usually are not unusual), a big sizzling tub, and recliners – together with a dangling day mattress. Pop on a number of the complimentary under-eye masks, lay again, and RELAX!
The place to Keep in your Tuolumne County Highway Journey
Sonora
Sonora Inn – This cosy inn on Sonora’s charming excessive road was inbuilt 1896 – so it’s good if you wish to immerse your self in Gold Rush historical past. There are black and white photographs on the partitions, and the inn is rumoured to be haunted.
Once I stayed on the Sonora Inn, the rooms had been at present being refurbished and nonetheless felt a bit drained in spots. However once they’re performed, this needs to be a beautiful place to remain.
Groveland
Lillaskog Lodge – if you happen to’re an enormous group, this beautiful Swedish-style lodge a brief drive from Groveland might be good. It has 7 bedrooms, 7 bogs and beds for not less than 18 folks. Click on right here to observe my Reel for a full tour of the property.
Rush Creek Lodge and Spa – This must be among the finest locations to remain en path to Yosemite (and even as a base for exploring the Nationwide Park). It’s proper on Freeway 120, a 5-minute drive from the Massive Oat Flat entrance. A giant outside pool, a beautiful spa, a incredible restaurant… what extra may you presumably want?
Evergreen Lodge – Escape all of it at this beautiful resort on the sting of Yosemite, with 88 spacious cabins scattered amongst the woodlands. There’s a pool, a comfy rec centre, a superb restaurant and a historic 100-year-old tavern.
Tuolumne County Highway Journey: The Fast Model
First day – Discover Gold Rush Nation (stops 1-5)
Second day – Head into the Excessive Sierras for mountain climbing and nature (stops 6 & 7)
Third day – Discover Groveland and the quieter areas of Yosemite Nationwide Park (stops 8-11). Though this may be squeezed into sooner or later, two can be higher.
- Sonora – cute unbiased outlets and eateries (a superb base for exploring the realm).
- Columbia State Historic Park – old-west-style Gold Rush city preserved as a dwelling museum with actual outlets and streets.
- Railtown – historic trains and railway buildings, plus a working steam railway.
- Jamestown – fairly city filled with basic Gold Rush structure.
- Indigeny Reserve – native cider makers.
- Pinecrest Lake – boating, kayaking and mountain climbing.
- Cowl’s Apple Ranch – an important cease for lunch (don’t miss the apple pie!)
- Groveland – historic Gold Rush city within the mountains, an important base for exploring Yosemite Nationwide Park.
- Miller’s Off-Highway Adventures – jeep excursions of the Stanislaus Nationwide Forest.
- Hetch Hetchy Reservoir – pure Yosemite landscapes (with approach fewer crowds).
- Rush Creek Lodge – unwind at this mountain resort’s beautiful spa.
READ MORE: 7 Causes to Go to Tuolumne County
Are you planning a highway journey by way of Tuolumne County? Scroll down to depart a remark when you’ve got any questions – or any nice suggestions of your personal.
