Here in Tuolumne County, we are fortunate to have a very long wildflower season thanks to our varying elevations. In fact, you can catch wildflowers here from March to September so long as you know where to go. We have put together some insider tips for catching that perfect shot or just taking in the unforgettable views. Depending on the year, flowers can arrive early or later than their typical months!
Lake Don Pedro Area
The lowest elevations of Tuolumne County are the earliest to bloom. The trails around Lake Don Pedro are great places to see wildflowers. The Blue Oaks Shoreline Trail is nearly 6 miles long is an ideal location for wildflower viewing, and with large rock outcroppings and scenic vistas, it makes for spectacular photos. You might even spot a bald eagle.
The Red Hills Recreation Management Area
Consisting of numerous easy loop trails through the serpentine landscape, Red Hills is a world of its own outside of Jamestown. Take in the sounds of the creek as you wander the simple trails lined with golden blooms. You may even cross paths with a road-runner while you explore. This uniquely red dirt grows a variety of wild ones like monkey flowers, brodiaea, poppies, and buttercups.
West Side Trail
The West Side Trail in Tuolumne is easily accessible and perfect for morning or late afternoon leisurely walk or bike ride along the flower-lined path with fantastic vistas. Learn about the indigenous plants and the railroad history of the area as you walk along this old rail trail, with the help of the informational signs along the way.
Twain Harte Area
The entrance to the little mountain town of Twain Harte will pull you into the magic of natural color with the daffodil views. A drive along Highway 108 provides stunning dogwood displays in April and May.
Groveland Area
The Groveland area is a spectacular destination for views of lupines, brodiaea, owls clover, and buttercups. Take a drive along Ferretti Road for some instagrammable meadow views or make a stop at the historic jail just off of Main Street for a local garden full of life and wild blooms along the nearby creek. Grab a cup of coffee and bask in a spring blossom haven at Mountain Sage Coffee and Nursery. Hang for awhile in their "Hammock Garden" and shop their garden of native to Tuolumne County plants.
Pinecrest Area
Spring takes “the mountains are calling” to a whole new level of excellence in Tuolumne County’s High Sierra. Explore the open meadows that surround the Pinecrest Area campgrounds for some epic wildflower viewing.
Yosemite National Park
We would be crazy not to mention all the wildflowers you can spy while in Yosemite National Park! The less visited trail to Lukins Lake blooms with insta-worthy wild ones, like shooting stars, that thrive. Nearby, in Tuolumne Meadows, flowers like rich blue gentians, alpine goldenrod, corn lilies, red columbine, and fireweed make an appearance around this time of year.
Please leave no trace and stay on the trails. Tuolumne County is too cool to trash.
