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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 improbable 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 predominant entrances. So it’s an awesome vacation spot to go to for just a few days in your technique to discover Yosemite.
Tuolumne County could be divided into three predominant areas. First is Gold Rush Nation, stuffed with historic, Previous-West cities based in the course of the well-known California Gold Rush. Subsequent, the mountainous Excessive Sierras – good for 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, preserve studying for all the small print it is advisable to plan the proper Tuolumne County Street Journey. Completely happy 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 Massive Oak Flat Entrance on Freeway 120, which offers easy accessibility to the Yosemite Valley loop. So driving via 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 submit about why it’s best to go to Tuolumne County.
4 Day Tuolumne County Street Journey
Under is my really helpful itinerary for driving via Tuolumne County on the way in which to Yosemite. I like to recommend spending at the very least 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 most important city in Tuolumne County, Sonora makes an awesome 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 allure.
The historic downtown space, particularly, is full of lovely previous buildings just like the gorgeous Purple Church (St. James Anglican Church). In-built 1859, it’s one of many oldest within the state.
Right this moment, many of those engaging previous 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 previous mining custom).
I used to be additionally a giant fan of The Armory, a brilliant cool bar and restaurant with superb cocktails, nice meals (particularly the tacos), and a mixture of indoor and outside seating.
High tip: Sonora makes an awesome base for exploring the remainder of Gold Nation and the Excessive Sierras. You could possibly 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 facet 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 “residing museum”.
You’ll be able to 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, just a few garments outlets, and a pictures studio the place you may have a photoshoot in interval costumes. I beloved Ebler’s Leather-based & Saddlery Emporium, stuffed 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 stunning beer backyard. Alongside drinks, they serve the finest pizzas on the town (possibly in all Tuolumne). And DON’T miss the tater tots, served with a facet 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 when you’re exploring Tuolumne!
This quirky state park is house 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 a whole bunch of films and TV exhibits have been filmed right here – most notably, Again to the Future 3 (one among 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 via 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 previous buildings.
Strolling down the excessive avenue feels somewhat like stepping again in time – or wandering via an Previous West film set! The historic Jamestown Resort, courting from 1859, appears to be like just like the form of place you would possibly see the likes of Buffalo Invoice or Butch Cassidy wandering out of – though in actuality, the lodge was extra standard with Spanish miners.
There are many cute impartial outlets and vintage shops to discover alongside the excessive avenue – and don’t miss a visit to the Jamestown Frosty. This small retro diner is a neighborhood establishment, identified for its epic shakes and ice lotions.
5. Indigeny Reserve
One final must-visit cease when you’re exploring Tuolumne’s Gold Rush nation… make sure to swing by Indigeny Reserve.
This scenic, 160-acre protect is house to a improbable 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”).
Make sure to consider time to chill out on the gorgeous grounds overlooking the orchard. There are some nice climbing and biking trails on the protect, too – and the wood coated bridge on the entrance makes an awesome photograph op!
Tuolumne County Street 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 climbing and water actions.
There’s a 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 season, you may rent motorboats and kayaks to discover the lake. That is additionally an effective way to achieve the far facet, from the place you may choose up one other nice 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 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 here are insane – however it’s not for the faint-hearted!
7. Cowl’s Apple Ranch
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 to order at the very least a slice – however all the opposite meals we tried was good too.
There’s additionally a small petting zoo the place you may 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 Street 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 Important Road, the place you’ll discover plenty of engaging buildings.
Groveland highlights:
- Iron Door Saloon – The oldest frequently working saloon in California, courting 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’ll be able to create your individual flight to attempt just a few 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 – For those who’re road-tripping to Yosemite, this little museum in Mary Laveroni Park is a must-visit. Study concerning the area’s indigenous peoples, the Gold Rush pioneers, and the event of the close by Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
High Tip: Groveland makes an awesome base for exploring the Yosemite Nationwide Park and the remainder of Tuolumne’s Yosemite space. You’ll be able to 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-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 observe your guides into the Stanislaus Nationwide Forest. Dust roads, tight S-bend curves, and unimaginable 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 via the bushes.
For those who’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, 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.
In fact, 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 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 unimaginable spa at Rush Creek Lodge.
This lovely mountain resort is only a five-minute drive from the Massive Oak Flat Entrance, so it could additionally make an awesome 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 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.
Outdoors, there’s a terrace with beautiful forest views (wildlife sightings will not be unusual), a big scorching tub, and recliners – together with a dangling day mattress. Pop on among 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 avenue 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 after they’re achieved, this must be a stunning place to remain.
Groveland
Lillaskog Lodge – should you’re a giant 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 at the very least 18 folks. Click on right here to observe my Reel for a full tour of the property.
Rush Creek Lodge and Spa – This needs to 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. An enormous outside pool, a stunning spa, a improbable restaurant… what extra might 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, an excellent 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 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 in the future, two could be higher.
- Sonora – cute impartial outlets and eateries (a great base for exploring the realm).
- Columbia State Historic Park – old-west-style Gold Rush city preserved as a residing museum with actual outlets 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 climbing.
- Cowl’s Apple Ranch – an awesome cease for lunch (don’t miss the apple pie!)
- Groveland – historic Gold Rush city within the mountains, an awesome 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 means fewer crowds).
- Rush Creek Lodge – unwind at this mountain resort’s gorgeous spa.
READ MORE: 7 Causes to Go to Tuolumne County
Are you planning a highway journey via Tuolumne County? Scroll down to go away a remark when you have any questions – or any nice suggestions of your individual.
