11 Superior Stops on your Tuolumne County Highway Journey

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rushing river with grey rocks and pine trees on either side in large flat lake with mountains and pine forest on the far side reflected in the lake under a clear blue sky - Pinecrest Lake in Tuolumne County California

Tuolumne County makes the PERFECT stopover on a street journey from San Francisco to Yosemite.

Filled with historical past and heritage, epic landscapes and many simply accessible nature, Tuolumne County is a unbelievable street journey vacation spot all by itself.

Nevertheless it additionally occurs to be the gateway to Yosemite: residence to greater than half of the Nationwide Park – together with one of many foremost entrances. So it’s an important vacation spot to go to for a couple of days in your option to discover Yosemite.

Tuolumne County might be divided into three foremost areas. First is Gold Rush Nation, filled with historic, Outdated-West cities based in the course of the well-known California Gold Rush. Subsequent, the mountainous Excessive Sierras – excellent for climbing and nature days – and at last the Yosemite space.

Quick on time? There’s a brief overview of the street 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 is advisable plan the proper Tuolumne County Highway Journey. Completely happy travels…

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 Large Oak Flat Entrance on Freeway 120, which offers easy accessibility to the Yosemite Valley loop. So driving by means of Tuolumne County in your San Francisco to Yosemite street 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 publish about why you need to go to Tuolumne County.

large granite peak with a tall waterfall plummeting down one side and a small green forest in front under clear blue sky in Yosemite National Park — *The Yosemite Valley Loop is in simple attain of Tuolumne County*

4 Day Tuolumne County Highway Journey

Beneath is my beneficial itinerary for driving by means of Tuolumne County on the way in which 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 street journey begins in Gold County. Uncover historic cities, Outdated West structure, classic railroads, and extra….

Emily standing with her hands in her pockets in front of a wooden covered bridge with a US flag hanging from the top of it and trees on either side. Emily is wearing a long red dress and a blue denim waistcoat and has her long hair loose. Covered bridge at Indigeny Reserve in Tuolumne County California — *Lined bridge at Indigeny Reserve (Cease 5)*

1. Sonora

The most important 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 Outdated West appeal.

The historic downtown space, specifically, is full of lovely previous buildings just like the beautiful Purple Church (St. James Anglican Church). In-built 1859, it’s one of many oldest within the state.

exterior of a red painted saloon in Sonora Califoria with a wooden awning over the sidewalk and pot plants in front. the wooden hanging sign reads "Servente, grocery, liquor since 1926 & Saloon."

At present, many of those engaging previous buildings are residence to unbiased 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 previous mining custom).

I used to be additionally a giant fan of The Armory, an excellent cool bar and restaurant with wonderful cocktails, nice meals (particularly the tacos), and a mixture of indoor and out of doors seating.

Prime tip: Sonora makes an important base for exploring the remainder of Gold Nation and the Excessive Sierras. You would spend 1-2 nights on the town and take day journeys to the locations talked about beneath.

2. Columbia State Historic Park

two historic white clapboard buildings on a street with several trees in front, the closest building says Columbia Gazette on the sign, under a clear blue sky at 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, courting from the 1850s, which was declared a state park in 1945 and has been preserved as a form of “dwelling museum”.

You may 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 images studio the place you possibly can have a photoshoot in interval costumes. I liked Ebler’s Leather-based & Saddlery Emporium, filled with cowboy boots and western apparel (I couldn’t resist selecting up a Pendleton denim waistcoat!).

emily walking across a road in front of a red brick single storey building with a white sign that says St Cjharles Saloon. Emily is wearing a long red dress and a blue denim waistcoat and has her long hair loose.

For “vittles”, head to St Charles Saloon – an authentic gold rush saloon with a stunning beer backyard. Alongside drinks, they serve the greatest 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

Emily sanding on the steps of a yellow Diesel engine leaning on one of the rails. Emily is wearing a long red dress and a blue denim waistcoat and has her long hair loose. At Railtown in Tuolumne County California

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 whilst you’re exploring Tuolumne!

This quirky state park is residence to an enormous assortment of classic steam trains and previous railway buildings.

It’s often known as “The Film Railroad” as a result of a whole bunch of flicks and TV exhibits 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 residence to the Sierra Railway. Hop aboard a practice pulled by a historic diesel locomotive for a 6-mile spherical journey by means of Gold Nation.

4. Jamestown

closeup of the front of the Jamestown Hotel, a brick building with a verandah on the ground floor and a wooden balcony on the top floor. Large white letters saying HOTEL are on the roof.

When you’re visiting Railtown, don’t skip Jamestown itself. Like Sonora, that is one other superbly preserved Gold Rush city that’s filled with beautiful previous buildings.

Strolling down the excessive road feels just a little like stepping again in time – or wandering by means of an Outdated West film set! The historic Jamestown Resort, courting from 1859, appears to be like just like the form of place you may see the likes of Buffalo Invoice or Butch Cassidy wandering out of – though in actuality, the lodge was extra in style 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, identified for its epic shakes and ice lotions.

5. Indigeny Reserve

orchard with rows of small apple trees. there is a forest behind and blue sky above.

cellar with 3 rows of wooden cider barrels on either side beneath an arched wooden roof.

One final must-visit cease whilst you’re exploring Tuolumne’s Gold Rush nation… you’ll want to swing by Indigeny Reserve.

This scenic, 160-acre protect is residence to a unbelievable 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”).

Be sure you consider time to calm down on the gorgeous grounds overlooking the orchard. There are some nice climbing and biking trails on the protect, too – and the picket coated bridge on the entrance makes an important picture op!

Tuolumne County Highway Journey: Excessive Sierras

6. Pinecrest Lake

wooden jetty on a large flat lake with mountains and pine forest on the far side reflected in the lake under a clear blue sky - Pinecrest Lake in Tuolumne County California

This was one in every of my favorite stops on our Tuolumne County street journey. Surrounded by mountain peaks and pine forest, Pinecrest Lake is a dream vacation spot for climbing and water actions.

There’s a 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 succeed in the far aspect, from the place you possibly can choose up one other nice climbing path: the hike to Cleo’s Bathtub.

view from the top of a large granite cliff of a large pine forest alongside a grey rocky peak under a clear blue sky — *Climbing as much as Cleo’s Bathtub*

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 high of a waterfall. The views again throughout the forest to Pinecrest Lake from up listed below are insane – but it surely’s not for the faint-hearted!

7. Cowl’s Apple Ranch

slice of apple pie with the apple chunks spilling out between two scoops of white ice cream in a white china bowl

Swing by Cowl’s Apple Ranch for lunch in your means 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 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 children (and young-at-heart adults) can experience for views of the ranch and orchards.

Tuolumne County Highway Journey: Yosemite Space

8. Groveland

exterior of the Iron Door Saloon in Groveland, a large buildign with a mural showing a cowboy on a horse on a blue background. There is an empty street in front and blue sky above. Groveland high street in Tuolumne County California

Groveland is the principle “gateway city” for visiting Yosemite by way of the favored Large Oak Flat Entrance. It’s one other historic Gold Rush city, centred round Principal Avenue, the place you’ll discover plenty of engaging buildings.

close up of two sticks of bread with a flight of mini beers behind and a bar out of focus behind that — *Beer tasting at Across the Horn Brewing Firm*

Groveland highlights:

Iron Door Saloon – The oldest regularly working saloon in California, courting 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 may create your individual flight to attempt a couple of totally different ones – in addition 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 stunning 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. Be taught 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 important 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 beneath.

9. Miller’s Off-Highway Adventures

Emily standing leaning on a bright yellow jeep with pine forest behind and clewar blue sky above. She is wearing black leggings and a dark green jumper and has her hair in plaits.

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 street journey!

Hop in a jeep and observe your guides into the Stanislaus Nationwide Forest. Grime roads, tight S-bend curves, and unimaginable 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 means of the bushes.

Should you’re not sure 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

large blue lake with grey rocky peaks on the far side and clear blue sky above.

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 below are pure Yosemite – with a fraction of the crowds. Mountaineering 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 crops downstream additionally present hydroelectric energy.

In fact, you’ll seemingly wish to discover the traditional Yosemite Valley loop and see the well-known sights first. However I urge you to consider an additional day on your Yosemite street journey to go to a few of these lesser-known spots.

11. Spa at Rush Creek Lodge

large rectangular hot tub set into the ground surroudnedby grey tiles with a rock wall ont he left where a mini waterfall runs into the hot tub. Beyond the tub is a view of pine forest on a sunny day with clear blue sky behind the trees.

Spherical off your time in Groveland with a visit to the unimaginable spa at Rush Creek Lodge.

This stunning mountain resort is only a five-minute drive from the Large Oak Flat Entrance, so it might additionally make an important stop-off on the finish of a day exploring Yosemite (even higher – keep at Rush Creek for the simplest entry!).

interior of a spa with pine wood walls and cielings with a double bed hanging from the cieling on ropes. There is a light grey mattress on the bed. Spa at Rush Creek Lodge Tuolumne County California

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 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 replicate the mist on the base of Yosemite falls.

Outdoors, there’s a terrace with beautiful forest views (wildlife sightings usually are not unusual), a big scorching 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 excellent if you wish to immerse your self in Gold Rush historical past. There are black and white pictures on the partitions, and the inn is rumoured to be haunted.

Once I stayed on the Sonora Inn, the rooms have been at the moment being refurbished and nonetheless felt a bit drained in spots. However after they’re completed, this ought to be a stunning place to remain.

Groveland

interior of a wooden lodge with large windows opening onto a view of a forest. There is a large black leather corner sofa in the lounge in front of a stone fireplace. — *Lillaskog Lodge*

Lillaskog Lodge – in the event you’re a giant group, this beautiful Swedish-style lodge a brief drive from Groveland may very well be excellent. It has 7 bedrooms, 7 bogs and beds for not less than 18 folks. Click on right here to look at my Reel for a full tour of the property.

Rush Creek Lodge and Spa – This needs to be the most effective 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 out of doors pool, a beautiful 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 comfortable 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 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 could be higher.

Sonora – cute unbiased outlets and eateries (a superb base for exploring the world).
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 traditional Gold Rush structure.
Indigeny Reserve – native cider makers.
Pinecrest Lake – boating, kayaking and 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 means 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 street journey by means of Tuolumne County? Scroll down to depart a remark when you’ve got any questions – or any nice suggestions of your individual.