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Gold rush cities, epic nature, and easy accessibility to Yosemite… there are a LOT of nice causes to go to Tuolumne County once you’re in California.
I’ve to be sincere: earlier than I went there, I’d by no means even heard of Tuolumne County! Though it’s residence to over half of the well-known Yosemite Nationwide Park – and has loads of its personal unimaginable sights – this small however diverse nook of California isn’t essentially on the radar of many British vacationers.
And that’s an enormous disgrace, as a result of that is positively probably the greatest elements of the USA I’ve ever visited. It was simply the spotlight of my current California street journey (and that included driving the well-known Route 1 coastal freeway)!
So, I’m right here to share a number of of the high causes so as to add a go to to Tuolumne County to your California journey plans!
DISCLAIMER: My journey was supported by Go to Tuolumne County – however all phrases, pictures and opinions are my very own and unbiased.
The place is Tuolumne County?
First off – let’s get that pronunciation proper! Tuolumne is alleged “to-luh-me”, to rhyme (kinda) with “observe me”.
Tuolumne County is instantly east of San Francisco within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The principle city, Sonora, is roughly a 2.5-hour drive from San Francisco.
The county is split into three principal areas: Yosemite, the mountainous Excessive Sierra area, and the historic cities and Previous-West vibes of Gold Nation.
7 Causes to Go to Tuolumne County in California
1. It’s RIGHT on the way in which to Yosemite Nationwide Park
Freeway 120 by way of Tuolumne County is probably the most direct route into the Nationwide Park for these coming from the San Francisco Bay Space, Sacramento and Northern California.
Tuolumne can be residence to a few of the least crowded elements of Yosemite, together with:
- Hetch Hetchy Reservoir – a shocking blue lake surrounded by imposing granite peaks. A path leads across the reservoir to waterfalls – but it surely’s far much less busy than the extra well-known falls in Yosemite.
- Tuolumne Grove of Big Sequoias – a strolling path leads as much as and round this grove of towering bushes.
- Tuolumne Meadows – a big, subalpine meadow on the Tuolumne River surrounded by distant mountain peaks.
2. Nevertheless it additionally has loads of its personal wonderful nature
It’s not ALL about Yosemite Nationwide Park: Tuolumne County has some significantly beautiful nature to discover.
From the gently rolling countryside and farmland of the Gold Nation area to the peaks, waterfalls and glittering lakes of the Excessive Sierra – there are a LOT of epic landscapes, offering beautiful backdrops for street journeys and different adventures.
Head as much as Pinecrest Lake for boating and mountaineering, Hetch Hetchy Reservoir for waterfalls and views, or delve into the Stanislaus Nationwide Forest on an off-road jeep expertise with Miller’s Off-Highway Adventures. There’s a lot to find!
3. You’ll be able to discover Gold Rush Nation
All that epic nature tends to steal the present, however this little nook of California is additionally packing lots of historical past – particularly across the southwestern Gold Nation area.
Most of the historic cities on this space have been based (or popularised) in the course of the well-known California Gold Rush within the 1800s. There’s nonetheless an actual “Previous West” vibe round right here: anticipate plenty of lovely outdated buildings, historic saloons, and even a restored steam railroad.
Gold Nation Highlights:
- Downtown Sonora – the historic excessive road nonetheless has a traditional, gold rush really feel – however right this moment it’s full of fab impartial artwork galleries, boutiques, eating places and bars.
- Columbia State Historic Park – a former gold-rush city that’s been preserved as a dwelling museum. You’ll be able to pan for gold, go to a working blacksmith store, and browse outlets – together with an old school candy store.
- Jamestown – one other superbly preserved Gold Rush city with a variety of hanging buildings. Close by Railtown is a must-visit (extra on that under).
4. The Excessive Sierras are mountaineering heaven!
Lower than an hour’s drive from Sonora, Tuolumne County’s Excessive Sierra area is a land of sweeping vistas and contemporary mountain air. In summer time, this space is mountaineering heaven, with epic waterfalls, glittering lakes and a few glorious trails.
Pinecrest Lake is among the most accessible spots, because it’s solely a couple of 45-minute drive from Sonora. There are some nice hikes right here to select from. A fairly simple path leads across the lake, crossing the Stanislaus River and the dam en route.
Alternatively, you could possibly hire a kayak or motor boat on the customer centre to cross the lake. From the far facet, you may decide up the mountaineering path and observe the river to Cleo’s Bathtub, a pure pool on the high of a waterfall with beautiful views of the Stanislaus Nationwide Forest. Simply remember that the final half mile is fairly robust, with some steep climbs and scrambles over boulders.
5. Movie followers will love Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
I’ve already talked about the historic cities of Gold Rush Nation – however there’s one other historic spotlight that you just completely have to take a look at!
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is residence to an enormous assortment of classic steam trains and outdated railway buildings. It’s also referred to as “The Film Railroad”, as a result of it’s been used to movie lots of of films and TV reveals. Together with one among my all-time faves, Again to the Future 3!
The park can be residence to the Sierra Railway. Hop aboard a prepare pulled by a historic diesel locomotive for a 6-mile spherical journey by way of Gold Nation.
6. The native meals scene is STRONG
Tuolumne County is residence to many farms, ranches and orchards – and all that contemporary native produce means a incredible meals scene. To not point out an important drinks scene, too.
Though different elements of California are higher identified for wine-making, Tuolumne County has its fair proportion of wineries – in addition to craft breweries, cider distilleries, and extra. The vacationer board has a free Craft Beverage Path you may obtain to find a number of the greatest native producers.
Don’t miss these foodie highlights:
- Indigeny Reserve, nr Sonora – A tranquil, 160-acre protect and apple orchard producing hand-crafted laborious ciders and different drinks. Go to for a tour of the distillery and a tasting.
- Cowl’s Apple Ranch, nr Tuolumne – Don’t miss the well-known Mile Excessive Apple Pie at this quaint, country-style bakery and restaurant on a working farm.
- Across the Horn Brewing Firm, Groveland – Construct your individual flight board at this enjoyable craft brewery and taproom.
- Evergreen Lodge, Groveland – Lunch right here was probably the greatest meals I had in California: plenty of contemporary, seasonal dishes and regionally sourced delicacies. The tavern is over 100 years outdated and has an enthralling Previous-West really feel.
7. You’ll be able to Keep away from the Yosemite crowds at Hetch Hetchy
There are 5 entrances to Yosemite Nationwide Park, and two are in Tuolumne County. Of those, the Hetch Hetchy Entrance is usually one of many quietest – and leads into one of many Park’s quieter areas.
This a part of the park solely sees about 1% of the park’s complete visitation. So whereas others are queuing their method across the Yosemite Valley loop, you may simply drive into Hetch Hetchy, park up, and head out for a hike.
In addition to being a lot much less crowded, the Hetch Hetchy Valley can be decrease than different elements of the park – so the mountaineering season lasts longer. And this entrance results in the huge Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (talked about earlier): a stunning spot for a hike.
Able to Go to Tuolumne County California?
Attending to Tuolumne County couldn’t be simpler. It takes round 2.5 hours to drive right here from San Francisco through the I-580 and Freeway 120. I’d suggest making Sonora your base for exploring.
For those who’re visiting the county as a part of a street journey to Yosemite, you could possibly spend a day or two in Sonora and Gold Nation, then base your self in Groveland for 1-2 nights to discover that space earlier than making tracks into the Nationwide Park.
Learn extra in my 4-Day Tuolumne County Highway Journey Itinerary (CLICK HERE).
Are you able to consider any extra causes to go to Tuolumne County? Share within the feedback under!
