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Gold rush cities, epic nature, and quick access 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 dwelling to over half of the well-known Yosemite Nationwide Park – and has loads of its personal unbelievable points of interest – this small however diverse nook of California isn’t essentially on the radar of many British vacationers.
And that’s a giant disgrace, as a result of that is positively the most effective components of the USA I’ve ever visited. It was simply the spotlight of my latest California highway 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, photographs 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 straight east of San Francisco within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The primary city, Sonora, is roughly a 2.5-hour drive from San Francisco.
The county is split into three major areas: Yosemite, the mountainous Excessive Sierra area, and the historic cities and Outdated-West vibes of Gold Nation.
7 Causes to Go to Tuolumne County in California
1. It’s RIGHT on the best way to Yosemite Nationwide Park
Freeway 120 by way of Tuolumne County is essentially the most direct route into the Nationwide Park for these coming from the San Francisco Bay Space, Sacramento and Northern California.
Tuolumne can be dwelling to a few of the least crowded components of Yosemite, together with:
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir – a shocking blue lake surrounded by imposing granite peaks. A path leads across the reservoir to waterfalls – however it’s far much less busy than the extra well-known falls in Yosemite.
Tuolumne Grove of Large 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. But it surely 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 highway journeys and different adventures.
Head as much as Pinecrest Lake for boating and mountain climbing, Hetch Hetchy Reservoir for waterfalls and views, or delve into the Stanislaus Nationwide Forest on an off-road jeep expertise with Miller’s Off-Street 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 can be packing loads of historical past – particularly across the southwestern Gold Nation area.
Lots of the historic cities on this space have been based (or popularised) throughout the well-known California Gold Rush within the 1800s. There’s nonetheless an actual “Outdated West” vibe round right here: count on plenty of lovely previous 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 in the present day 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 retailers – together with an old style candy store.
Jamestown – one other fantastically preserved Gold Rush city with plenty of placing buildings. Close by Railtown is a must-visit (extra on that beneath).
4. The Excessive Sierras are mountain climbing 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 mountain climbing heaven, with epic waterfalls, glittering lakes and a few wonderful trails.
Pinecrest Lake is among the most accessible spots, because it’s solely a few 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 might lease a kayak or motor boat on the customer centre to cross the lake. From the far aspect, you may choose up the mountain climbing path and observe the river to Cleo’s Tub, 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 powerful, 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 simply completely have to take a look at!
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is dwelling to an enormous assortment of classic steam trains and previous railway buildings. It’s also referred to as “The Film Railroad”, as a result of it’s been used to movie a whole bunch of films and TV reveals. Together with one in every of my all-time faves, Again to the Future 3!
The park can be dwelling 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.
6. The native meals scene is STRONG
Tuolumne County is dwelling to many farms, ranches and orchards – and all that contemporary native produce means a improbable meals scene. To not point out a terrific drinks scene, too.
Though different components of California are higher recognized for wine-making, Tuolumne County has its justifiable share 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 few 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 the most effective meals I had in California: plenty of contemporary, seasonal dishes and domestically sourced delicacies. The tavern is over 100 years previous and has a captivating Outdated-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 mostly 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 means 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 components of the park – so the mountain climbing 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.
In the event you’re visiting the county as a part of a highway journey to Yosemite, you might 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 Street Journey Itinerary (CLICK HERE).
Are you able to consider any extra causes to go to Tuolumne County? Share within the feedback beneath!