25 Things To Do While Physically Distancing in Tuolumne County

We are all eager to have new experiences outside of our homes. Whether wildflower walks are your speed or you are ready for the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting, we have compiled 25 of our favorite activities to do around Tuolumne County while staying six feet apart. Whatever your travel style, Tuolumne County has yours.

Some businesses may not be open and some activities may not be available quite yet, so please call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Courtesy of U.S. Forest Service; Jesse Jones

1. Camping. Tuolumne County is home to hundreds of campsites. Depending on your style, if you are looking for a site near the beaten path or go deep into the High Sierra, there's a site for you.
   
   
2. Uncrowded Yosemite. Visit the uncrowded side of Yosemite with Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Tuolumne Meadows, and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. You can still admire the majesty, just without the crowds. (hint: No reservation is required to visit Hetch Hetchy, but go early because parking is limited.)
   
   
3. Kayaking or Paddle Boarding. Take your favorite water flotation device out on one of many lakes or rivers like New Melones, Don Pedro, or Pinecrest Lake. Don’t own one? Boats are available for rent at these lakes!
   
   
4. Cabin Rentals. Rent a cabin to see Tuolumne County from a new view. If it is for a week or weekend, it can be nice to change up the pace.
   
   
5. Road Trip. Take a road trip around Tuolumne County. From Highway 120 in Groveland and ending in Yosemite, Highway 49 winding through Gold Country, or Highway 108 heading into the High Sierra, you can explore parts of the County you may have never experienced before.
   
   
6. Horseback Riding. Travel in pioneer style through the High Sierra on horseback. Fit your style and experience with the perfect view from the saddle here.
   
   
7. Hiking. Take a hike up Table Mountain for 360 degree views of Tuolumne County, or around Pinecrest Lake to see wildlife up close. Whatever your hiking style, Tuolumne County has you covered.
   
   
8. Golf. Try your swing at one of the scenic golf courses in the County. If you’re a beginner, Twain Harte Miniature Golf, is the place to be.
   
   
9. Fishing. Try fishing off the beaten path in the Emigrant Wilderness or somewhere a little less distant like Lake Don Pedro. Learn more about great fishing spots, or find a fishing guide here.
   
   
10. Gold Panning. Are you feeling lucky? Test your luck with gold panning like the 49ers did. Who knows what you will find!
    
    
11. Wildflower Walks. Looking for a more leisurely stroll rather than a hike? Tuolumne County is filled with walking trails where you can see incredible seasonal wildflowers. If it is the Westside Trail or just down Main Street in Sonora, you will be sure to spot some of the seasonal cuties. In late summer the higher elevations really gleam with color.
    
    
12. Picnic. Pack a blanket and your favorite snacks or pick up a meal from a local restaurant and head out on a picnic. A park in the pines like Eproson Park in Twain Harte offers plenty of space, or try Indigeny Reserve for some tables and umbrellas, and cider!
    
    
13. Boating. Tuolumne County has lakes to fit your individual boating desires. Whether you come with your own or need to rent one, we have all your boating needs covered.
    
    
14. Dog Walks. Take your furry friends on their favorite activity, a walk. If it is just around a local neighborhood or up to Stanislaus National Forest, you’ll make their day.
    
    
15. Stay-cation. If you are looking to get out of your house but not travel far, at one of the local hotels you have always driven past. There's a huge variety of options to enjoy some time away.
    
    
16. Painting. Going out in nature doesn’t always have to be strenuous. Go full Bob Ross and have a relaxing afternoon painting or drawing the local scenery or, join in on a party at Brush & Cork.
    
    
17. Chase Waterfalls. Waterfalls are great for relaxation. Did you know that Tuolumne County has waterfalls scattered throughout the county? Check out a map here to explore.
    
    
18. Guided Tours. Excited to check out the nature of Tuolumne County but don’t know where to start? Guided tour companies are happy to help show you around. If it is the sustainable ECHO Adventure Cooperative Inc., personalized YExplore Yosemite Adventures, or taking off with Yosemite Flight Tours, you can learn more about local tour operators here.
    
    
19. Biking. Take your bike out on one of many trails around Tuolumne County. If you are looking for flat terrain or a mountainous challenge, we have you covered.
    
    
20. Photography. Go on a photography excursion. Test your Ansel Adams skills and plan a photoshoot of you and your family, or head out to capture the natural beauty of Tuolumne County.
    
    
21. Bird Watching. Learn about local wildlife and birds. Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is a prime spot to put up your binoculars and see birds in their natural habitat.
    
    
22. Whitewater Rafting. Looking to get a real sense of adventure? Try whitewater rafting! There are numerous outfitters you can find here that can accommodate every level of adventurer, and each has unique offerings.
    
    
23. Movie Scavenger Hunt. Take the little ones on a scavenger hunt all over Tuolumne County. To look for the famous locations of films like Back to the Future III.
    
    
24. Stargazing. Head out for a romantic evening to see the stars covering the night’s sky. Without the lights of the big city, some easy ones to spot are the Big Dipper and Orion’s Belt.
    
    
25. Shopping. Find unique treasures at the locally owned stores across Tuolumne County. Shops are operating under new social distancing guidelines to ensure a safe and fun experience.

Visit www.VisitTuolumne.com to find lodging, including quaint B&Bs, cabins, and more, for your trip to Tuolumne County.