Fall for Tuolumne County

We all know that fall feeling, but it's more than just a feeling--it's all of the senses combined! The sights, tastes, smells, and sounds are unmistakable. 

In Tuolumne County, golden leaves frame historic Gold Rush towns. Crisp mountain air settles over the High Sierra and Yosemite. Apple cider, pumpkin patches, and seasonal flavors signal the change of seasons, while cooler days invite you outside to hike, explore, and take the scenic route.

Fall brings a new way to experience Tuolumne County. Come for the color, the flavors and the adventure—and make a getaway of it with off-peak lodging prices.

Fall offers a spectacular perspective on Yosemite National Park.

Explore Hetch Hetchy, where a reservoir stretches between towering granite walls and the trail leads to sweeping views framed by popping foliage. Or walk among giant sequoias in the Tuolumne Grove, where the changing season brings a different pace to one of Yosemite’s quieter and colorful landscapes.

Before or after your Yosemite adventure, spend time in Groveland, and pop into Mountain Sage Coffee and Nursery for a taste of their delicious pumpkin spice latte and seasonal scones, or stop in Around the Horn Brewing Company for a one-of-a-kind seasonal brew. Feel like shopping? Swing by Ranch Revived to find the perfect fall decor or warm, wool blanket to bring home. Stock up on outdoor gear at Yosemite Basecamp, and find some locally-made gifts and souvenirs in the other shops in town.

For the golfer, Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course is the perfect locale for a fall-day round with views of Yosemite's peaks. Looking for a little more of a thrill and maybe getting a little dirty? Try an off-roading expedition into the woods with Miller's Off-Road Adventures or Yosemite Outdoor Adventures.

The air is cool and bright and colorful foliage frames the brick buildings and wooden storefronts in Columbia State Historic Park. Explore the nooks of the park to find trinkets, ice cream, and more. Wander Main Street and visit Nelson’s Columbia Candy Kitchen, where there’s no tricks, only treats. We recommend…everything! While you're in Columbia, check out the modern take on an old provisions store, Columbia Mercantile 1855 for an old-fashioned style grocery shopping experience. Pan for gold, take a stagecoach ride, and just enjoy the journey back in time.  Stop by Inner Sanctum Cellars Winery and Tap Room near the park to relax with a glass of wine or beer in the beautiful outdoor patio area.

At Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in nearby Jamestown, become immersed by the smells, sounds, and sights of Wild West railroad culture while walking the grounds full of massive oak trees. Enjoy a spooky adventure on special evening train ride, the Skeleton Starlight, which runs on Saturdays in October. Enjoy some lunch at local favorite, CC Taqueria and try some local wine in town at Arthur Michael Vineyards and Winery Tasting Room. 

Sonora, Tuolumne County's largest city, bustles with things to do. Take the family on an indoor adventure and work together to solve a real-time immersive puzzle at Motherlode Escape Rooms, or wander the shops filled with autumn decor, clothing, and more. Indigeny Reserve, just east of town has the best hard apple cider one can find, which is proudly created on site. The property also has beautiful picnic grounds, walking trails, and a disc golf course.

Take the whole family to the ultimate fall destination Cover's Apple Ranch  in the town of Tuolumne to try their fresh pressed apple cider and Mile High Apple Pie, pick out a pumpkin, and feed the barnyard animals. Then stop by Ramblin' Farms to pick a bouquet of gorgeous, sustainably-grown flowers to add a touch of color to your hotel room.

Head east on Highway 108 and watch the landscape change as you climb from the foothills into the High Sierra. Golden oaks give way to towering pines, brilliant aspen groves, and granite peaks. With colors changing at different elevations throughout the season, every drive can reveal something new. Stop when a view catches your eye!

Stroll through the town of Twain Harte and enjoy the shops and a challenging game of mini golf under the pines at one of California's oldest miniature golf courses, Twain Harte Miniature Golf. Then continue toward Pinecrest Lake and Strawberry, where cool mountain mornings and colorful scenery set the stage for hiking, photography, and quiet time outdoors. A stop in the Strawberry Store is a must for their homemade fudge and other fun items.

When conditions allow, continue farther up Highway 108 toward Kennedy Meadows and Sonora Pass for expansive Sierra views and a drive that feels made for fall.

And no autumn drive is complete without something warm and delicious along the way. Try The Sugar Shack in Sugar Pine for freshly baked treats and a hearty meal before continuing your Sierra adventure.

Cooler days bring out lots of fall events throughout Tuolumne County. Some of the most noted are the Fall Festival at Indigeny Reserve in Sonora and Harvest Festifall in Columbia State Historic Park in October. Keep an eye on the events calendar; fun events, such as haunted tours, train rides, and art shows, are added often.

And, don't miss out on the fall bounty of Tuolumne County and the region; many of the local farmers' markets run into October!