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Tuolumne County makes the PERFECT stopover on a street journey from San Francisco to Yosemite.
Full of historical past and heritage, epic landscapes and many simply accessible nature, Tuolumne County is a incredible 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 principal entrances. So it’s a fantastic vacation spot to go to for just a few days in your solution to discover Yosemite.
Tuolumne County could be divided into three principal 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 First is Gold Rush Nation, filled with historic, Outdated-West cities based through the well-known California Gold Rush.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 – excellent for mountain climbing and nature days – and eventually the Yosemite space.
Brief 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 you could plan the proper 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 wish to go to.
Two of those are in Tuolumne County, together with the favored Huge Oak Flat Entrance on Freeway 120, which gives easy accessibility to the Yosemite Valley loop. So driving by 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 put up about why it is best to go to Tuolumne County.
4 Day Tuolumne County Street Journey
Beneath is my beneficial itinerary for driving by 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 biggest city in Tuolumne County, Sonora makes a fantastic 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 gorgeous previous 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 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 superb cocktails, nice meals (particularly the tacos), and a mixture of indoor and outside seating.
Prime tip: Sonora makes a fantastic 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 under.
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 sort 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 retailers to discover, together with an old school candy store, just a few garments retailers, and a images 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 beautiful 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 facet of Beer Cheese Fondue.
3. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Calling all prepare 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 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 films and TV exhibits have been filmed right here – most notably, Again to the Future 3 (certainly one of my all-time favourites)!
The park can also be residence to the Sierra Railway. Hop aboard a prepare pulled by a historic diesel locomotive for a 6-mile spherical journey by 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 filled with beautiful previous buildings.
Strolling down the excessive road feels a little bit like stepping again in time – or wandering by an Outdated West film set! The historic Jamestown Resort, courting from 1859, appears 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 well-liked with Spanish miners.
There are many cute unbiased 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 an area 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… make sure you swing by Indigeny Reserve.
This scenic, 160-acre protect is residence to a incredible cider distillery. Go to for a tour of the distillery and the prospect to style the newest ciders (normally with some nice names like “grannies gone wild”).
Be sure you think about time to loosen up on the gorgeous grounds overlooking the orchard. There are some nice mountain climbing and biking trails on the protect, too – and the wood lined bridge on the entrance makes a fantastic picture 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 mountain climbing and water actions.
There’s a mountain 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 time, you’ll be able to rent motorboats and kayaks to discover the lake. That is additionally an effective way to succeed in the far facet, from the place you’ll be able to decide 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) – ultimately 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 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 ensure 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 children (and young-at-heart adults) can experience 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 Huge Oak Flat Entrance. It’s one other historic Gold Rush city, centred round Essential Avenue, the place you’ll discover a lot of enticing buildings.
Groveland highlights:
- Iron Door Saloon – The oldest frequently working saloon in California, courting again to 1852.
- Across the Horn Brewing Firm – A superb microbrewery with a enjoyable vary of craft beers bought on faucet and in cans. You’ll be able to create your individual flight to attempt just a few completely different ones – in addition they serve some tasty, seasonal dishes (I HIGHLY advocate the pretzel sticks – served with Round The Horn Beer Cheese).
- Mountain Sage Espresso – A brilliant cute little cafe with a beautiful 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 – When 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 a fantastic 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 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 street 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 the bushes.
When you’re not sure about driving off-road, don’t fear: certainly one 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 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. 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, immediately 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 wish to discover the basic Yosemite Valley loop and see the well-known sights first. However I urge you to think about an additional day on 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 unbelievable spa at Rush Creek Lodge.
This lovely mountain resort is only a five-minute drive from the Huge Oak Flat Entrance, so it could additionally make a fantastic 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 though you’re on a busy resort – it feels such as you’re in the midst of nowhere! Services had been impressed by Yosemite’s nature: anticipate 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.
Exterior, there’s a terrace with beautiful forest views (wildlife sightings are usually 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 Street Journey
Sonora
Sonora Inn – This cosy inn on Sonora’s charming excessive road was in-built 1896 – so it’s excellent 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 presently being refurbished and nonetheless felt a bit drained in spots. However once they’re completed, this needs to be a beautiful place to remain.
Groveland
Lillaskog Lodge – when 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 no 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 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 Huge Oat Flat entrance. A giant outside pool, a beautiful spa, a incredible restaurant… what extra might you probably 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 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 sooner or later, two can be higher.
- Sonora – cute unbiased retailers and eateries ( 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 filled with basic Gold Rush structure.
- Indigeny Reserve – native cider makers.
- Pinecrest Lake – boating, kayaking and mountain climbing.
- Cowl’s Apple Ranch – a fantastic cease for lunch (don’t miss the apple pie!)
- Groveland – historic Gold Rush city within the mountains, a fantastic 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 beautiful spa.
READ MORE: 7 Causes to Go to Tuolumne County
Are you planning a street journey by Tuolumne County? Scroll down to go away a remark in case you have any questions – or any nice suggestions of your individual.