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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 improbable 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 fundamental entrances. So it’s an amazing vacation spot to go to for a number of days in your technique to discover Yosemite.
Tuolumne County might be divided into three fundamental areas. First is Gold Rush Nation, filled with historic, Outdated-West cities based through the well-known California Gold Rush. Subsequent, the mountainous Excessive Sierras – good for mountaineering 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, maintain studying for all the small print it is advisable to plan the proper Tuolumne County Street Journey. Completely satisfied 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 wish to go to.
Two of those are in Tuolumne County, together with the favored Large Oak Flat Entrance on Freeway 120, which offers quick access to the Yosemite Valley loop. So driving via 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 submit about why it’s best to go to Tuolumne County.
4 Day Tuolumne County Street Journey
Beneath is my advisable itinerary for driving via Tuolumne County on the way in which to Yosemite. I like to recommend spending no 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 Street Journey: Gold Nation
Your Tuolumne County street journey begins in Gold County. Uncover historic cities, Outdated West structure, classic railroads, and extra….
1. Sonora
The most important city in Tuolumne County, Sonora makes an amazing 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 allure.
The historic downtown space, specifically, is full of lovely outdated buildings just like the beautiful Pink Church (St. James Anglican Church). Inbuilt 1859, it’s one of many oldest within the state.
At the moment, many of those engaging outdated buildings are residence to unbiased eating places, bars, and cute boutiques. For drinks, don’t miss the stylish 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.
High tip: Sonora makes an amazing 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 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 sort of “residing museum”.
You possibly can 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 outlets to discover, together with an old style candy store, a number of garments outlets, and a pictures studio the place you’ll be able to have a photoshoot in interval costumes. I beloved Ebler’s Leather-based & Saddlery Emporium, filled 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 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
Calling all prepare 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 residence 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 bunch of films and TV reveals have been filmed right here – most notably, Again to the Future 3 (certainly one of my all-time favourites)!
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 via Gold Nation.
4. Jamestown
Whilst you’re visiting Railtown, don’t skip Jamestown itself. Like Sonora, that is one other fantastically preserved Gold Rush city that’s filled with attractive outdated buildings.
Strolling down the excessive road feels slightly like stepping again in time – or wandering via an Outdated West film set! The historic Jamestown Resort, relationship from 1859, appears to be like just like the sort of place you would possibly see the likes of Buffalo Invoice or Butch Cassidy wandering out of – though in actuality, the resort 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
One final must-visit cease when you’re exploring Tuolumne’s Gold Rush nation… be sure you swing by Indigeny Reserve.
This scenic, 160-acre protect is residence to a improbable 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 think about time to chill out on the attractive grounds overlooking the orchard. There are some nice mountaineering and biking trails on the protect, too – and the wood coated bridge on the entrance makes an amazing photograph op!
Tuolumne County Street Journey: Excessive Sierras
6. Pinecrest Lake
This was certainly one 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 mountaineering and water actions.
There’s a mountaineering 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 attractive views.
Throughout summer season, you’ll be able to rent motorboats and kayaks to discover the lake. That is additionally an effective way to succeed in the far aspect, from the place you’ll be able to choose up one other nice mountaineering path: the hike to Cleo’s Tub.
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) – 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 – but it surely’s not for the faint-hearted!
7. Cowl’s Apple Ranch
Swing by Cowl’s Apple Ranch for lunch in your approach 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 no less than a slice – however all the opposite meals we tried was good too.
There’s additionally a small petting zoo the place you’ll be able to meet the livestock and feed the goats. Plus, there’s a cute little miniature railroad which youngsters (and young-at-heart adults) can trip for views of the ranch and orchards.
Tuolumne County Street Journey: Yosemite Space
8. Groveland
Groveland is the primary “gateway city” for visiting Yosemite by way of the favored Large Oak Flat Entrance. It’s one other historic Gold Rush city, centred round Predominant Avenue, the place you’ll discover a lot of engaging buildings.
Groveland highlights:
- Iron Door Saloon – The oldest frequently working saloon in California, relationship again to 1852.
- Across the Horn Brewing Firm – An excellent microbrewery with a enjoyable vary of craft beers bought on faucet and in cans. You possibly can create your individual flight to strive a number of completely 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 – An excellent cute little cafe with a stunning backyard. A couple 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.
High Tip: Groveland makes an amazing base for exploring the Yosemite Nationwide Park and the remainder of Tuolumne’s Yosemite space. You possibly can 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
Whilst 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 street journey!
Hop in a jeep and observe your guides into the Stanislaus Nationwide Forest. Filth 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 via the bushes.
Should you’re uncertain about driving off-road, don’t fear: certainly one of Miller’s skilled drivers can take the wheel for you. I’m a fairly 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. 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 observe the water thundering out of the spillway (if it’s open).
Though controversial when it was first constructed, at present 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 doubtless wish to discover the traditional Yosemite Valley loop and see the well-known sights first. However I urge you to think about an additional day in your Yosemite street 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 Large Oak Flat Entrance, so it might additionally make an amazing stop-off on the finish of a day exploring Yosemite (even higher – keep at Rush Creek for the simplest 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! Services had 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 attractive forest views (wildlife sightings will not be unusual), a big sizzling tub, and recliners – together with a dangling day mattress. Pop on a few 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 photographs on the partitions, and the inn is rumoured to be haunted.
After 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 executed, this ought to be a stunning place to remain.
Groveland
Lillaskog Lodge – in case you’re an enormous group, this attractive Swedish-style lodge a brief drive from Groveland may very well be good. It has 7 bedrooms, 7 loos and beds for no less than 18 individuals. Click on right here to observe 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. An enormous outside pool, a stunning spa, a improbable restaurant… what extra might you probably want?
Evergreen Lodge – Escape all of it at this attractive 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 mountaineering 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 someday, two can be higher.
- Sonora – cute unbiased outlets and eateries ( base for exploring the world).
- 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 filled with traditional Gold Rush structure.
- Indigeny Reserve – native cider makers.
- Pinecrest Lake – boating, kayaking and mountaineering.
- Cowl’s Apple Ranch – an amazing cease for lunch (don’t miss the apple pie!)
- Groveland – historic Gold Rush city within the mountains, an amazing 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 approach 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 via Tuolumne County? Scroll down to go away a remark if in case you have any questions – or any nice suggestions of your individual.