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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 many simply accessible nature, Tuolumne County is a unbelievable highway journey vacation spot all by itself.
But it surely 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 ideal vacation spot to go to for just a few days in your technique to discover Yosemite.
Tuolumne County will be divided into three major areas. First is Gold Rush Nation, stuffed with historic, Previous-West cities based through the well-known California Gold Rush. Subsequent, the mountainous Excessive Sierras – good for mountain climbing and nature days – and at last 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, preserve studying for all the small print you want to plan the right Tuolumne County Street Journey. Glad travels…
READ MORE: 7 Causes to Go to Tuolumne County California
Why Go to Tuolumne County in your San Francisco to Yosemite Street Journey
Yosemite Nationwide Park has 5 entrances to select from, relying on the place you’re approaching from and the place you need to go to.
Two of those are in Tuolumne County, together with the favored Large Oak Flat Entrance on Freeway 120, which gives 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 straightforward to flee the crowds and have a slice of nature all to your self. Learn extra in my publish about why it is best to go to Tuolumne County.
4 Day Tuolumne County Street Journey
Beneath is my beneficial itinerary for driving by way of Tuolumne County on the way in which to Yosemite. I like to recommend spending a minimum of 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 Street 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 ideal 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 attraction.
The historic downtown space, particularly, is stuffed with lovely outdated buildings just like the beautiful Crimson Church (St. James Anglican Church). Inbuilt 1859, it’s one of many oldest within the state.
At the moment, many of those enticing outdated buildings are house to impartial eating places, bars, and cute boutiques. For drinks, don’t miss the fashionable 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, a brilliant cool bar and restaurant with wonderful cocktails, nice meals (particularly the tacos), and a mixture of indoor and outside seating.
Prime tip: Sonora makes an ideal base for exploring the remainder of Gold Nation and the Excessive Sierras. You may spend 1-2 nights on the town and take day journeys to the locations talked about under.
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 “residing museum”.
You may wander the streets to admire the historic structure, go to a working blacksmiths, and even strive your hand at panning for gold.
There are additionally a number of traditional-style retailers to discover, together with an old school candy store, just a few garments retailers, and a images studio the place you possibly can have a photoshoot in interval costumes. I cherished Ebler’s Leather-based & Saddlery Emporium, stuffed with cowboy boots and western apparel (I couldn’t resist choosing 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 very best 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 picture op!). Don’t miss a visit to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park when you’re exploring Tuolumne!
This quirky state park is house to an enormous assortment of classic steam trains and outdated railway buildings.
It’s often known as “The Film Railroad” as a result of a whole lot of films and TV reveals have been filmed right here – most notably, Again to the Future 3 (one in every of my all-time favourites)!
The park can also 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 superbly preserved Gold Rush city that’s stuffed with beautiful outdated buildings.
Strolling down the excessive road feels slightly 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 common with Spanish miners.
There are many cute impartial retailers and vintage shops to discover alongside the excessive road – and don’t miss a visit to the Jamestown Frosty. This small retro diner is a neighborhood establishment, recognized for its epic shakes and ice lotions.
5. Indigeny Reserve
One final must-visit cease when you’re exploring Tuolumne’s Gold Rush nation… you’ll want to swing by Indigeny Reserve.
This scenic, 160-acre protect is house to a unbelievable cider distillery. Go to for a tour of the distillery and the possibility to style the most recent ciders (often with some nice names like “grannies gone wild”).
You’ll want 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 coated bridge on the entrance makes an ideal picture op!
Tuolumne County Street Journey: Excessive Sierras
6. Pinecrest Lake
This was one in every of 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 straightforward stroll – and crosses the dam and the Stanislaus River en route for some beautiful views.
Throughout summer time, you possibly can rent motorboats and kayaks to discover the lake. That is additionally an effective way to succeed in the far aspect, from the place you possibly can choose up one other nice mountain climbing path: the hike to Cleo’s Bathtub.
This one is extra of a problem – following the river over uneven floor and thru the pines. The ultimate half mile includes scrambling over boulders and a few fairly steep climbs (comply with the blue arrows) – finally 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 – nevertheless it’s not for the faint-hearted!
7. Cowl’s Apple Ranch
Swing by Cowl’s Apple Ranch for lunch in your manner 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 be sure to order a minimum of 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 livestock and feed the goats. Plus, there’s a cute little miniature railroad which children (and young-at-heart adults) can journey for views of the ranch and orchards.
Tuolumne County Street Journey: Yosemite Space
8. Groveland
Groveland is the primary “gateway city” for visiting Yosemite through the favored Large Oak Flat Entrance. It’s one other historic Gold Rush city, centred round Foremost Road, the place you’ll discover plenty of enticing buildings.
Groveland highlights:
Iron Door Saloon – The oldest regularly working saloon in California, relationship again to 1852.
Across the Horn Brewing Firm – An excellent microbrewery with a enjoyable vary of craft beers offered on faucet and in cans. You may create your individual flight to strive just a few 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 – A brilliant cute little cafe with a beautiful backyard. A number 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 – Should you’re road-tripping to Yosemite, this little museum in Mary Laveroni Park is a must-visit. Study in regards to the area’s indigenous peoples, the Gold Rush pioneers, and the event of the close by Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
Prime Tip: Groveland makes an ideal base for exploring the Yosemite Nationwide Park and the remainder of Tuolumne’s Yosemite space. You may spend 1-2 nights on the town (or close by) and take day journeys into the Nationwide Park or to the locations listed under.
9. Miller’s Off-Street Adventures
When you’re in Groveland, don’t miss the superior off-roading expertise with Miller’s Off-Street Adventures. This was simply one of many highlights of my Tuolumne County highway journey!
Hop in a jeep and comply with your guides into the Stanislaus Nationwide Forest. Filth roads, tight S-bend curves, and unbelievable views – all miles from the crowds of Yosemite. You may also be fortunate sufficient to see some wildlife. We noticed a number of deer leaping away by way of the timber.
Should you’re uncertain about driving off-road, don’t fear: one in every of 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 subsequently 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. Mountain 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 look at the water thundering out of the spillway (if it’s open).
Though controversial when it was first constructed, right this moment the Reservoir is the first water supply for the San Francisco Bay Space (some 2.7 million residents). Two vegetation downstream additionally present hydroelectric energy.
After all, you’ll probably need to discover the basic Yosemite Valley loop and see the well-known sights first. However I urge you to consider an additional day in 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 Large Oak Flat Entrance, so it might additionally make an ideal stop-off on the finish of a day exploring Yosemite (even higher – keep at Rush Creek for the best entry!).
The small-but-mighty spa is tucked into the again of the lodge overlooking the forest. So regardless that you’re on a busy resort – it feels such as you’re in the midst of nowhere! Amenities have been impressed by Yosemite’s nature: count on 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 Street 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 images on the partitions, and the inn is rumoured to be haunted.
Once I stayed on the Sonora Inn, the rooms have been presently being refurbished and nonetheless felt a bit drained in spots. However after they’re completed, this needs to be a beautiful place to remain.
Groveland
Lillaskog Lodge – in the event you’re an enormous group, this beautiful Swedish-style lodge a brief drive from Groveland may very well be good. It has 7 bedrooms, 7 bogs and beds for a minimum of 18 individuals. Click on right here to look at my Reel for a full tour of the property.
Rush Creek Lodge and Spa – This must be probably the greatest 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 Large Oat Flat entrance. A giant outside pool, a stunning spa, a unbelievable 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 Street 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 at some point, two can be higher.
Sonora – cute impartial retailers and eateries (a very good base for exploring the world).
Columbia State Historic Park – old-west-style Gold Rush city preserved as a residing museum with actual retailers and streets.
Railtown – historic trains and railway buildings, plus a working steam railway.
Jamestown – fairly city stuffed with basic Gold Rush structure.
Indigeny Reserve – native cider makers.
Pinecrest Lake – boating, kayaking and mountain climbing.
Cowl’s Apple Ranch – an ideal cease for lunch (don’t miss the apple pie!)
Groveland – historic Gold Rush city within the mountains, an ideal base for exploring Yosemite Nationwide Park.
Miller’s Off-Street Adventures – jeep excursions of the Stanislaus Nationwide Forest.
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir – pure Yosemite landscapes (with manner 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 go away a remark if in case you have any questions – or any nice suggestions of your individual.