Visit Tuolumne Blog

It's Rodeo Time. Create Your One-of-a-Kind Look for a Tuolumne County Iconic Event

Who’s headed to the Mother Lode Round-Up and Rodeo? Whether it’s your first or not your first rodeo, take the opportunity to let your Western side shine. You’ll need the staples like boots, jeans, and a hat, but you’ll also want some finishing touches. There are plenty of places where you can get everything you need to create your unique outfit and support the local small businesses too. READ MORE >

Your Tuolumne County Wildflower Guide

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. READ MORE >

Explore 40 Wanderful Experiences

In 2023, Visit Tuolumne County is celebrating its 40th year of inviting and welcoming visitors to Tuolumne County! The VTC team is excited to share this list of 40 things to do in Tuolumne County, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Discover all of what the county has to offer at visittuolumne.com. READ MORE >

Shop Fully in Tuolumne County

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of finding the perfect gift or a special trinket for yourself. Whether it’s a souvenir, piece of art, or a sweet treat, the shops and boutiques in Tuolumne County are full of wonderful surprises for holiday or anytime shopping. And, you get that extra shot of gratification knowing you’ve supported a small business. READ MORE >

Winter Wanders and Gems of Tuolumne County

If the season is right, Northern California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains will be embraced with crisp, fresh air and covered in a blanket of white. Winter wanders and gems will be found in the picturesque mountain landscapes and historical foothill towns of Tuolumne County. Take a refreshing trip where you will get your fill of things to do and your wallet will stay full with off-peak accommodation prices. READ MORE >

Inside Tuolumne County

Most people visit Tuolumne County to enjoy the outdoors—the forests, the lakes, the fresh air, but at times staying indoors may be the way to go. Even if conditions outside are unfavorable, you can still have great experiences indoors. READ MORE >

Fall-ing 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. READ MORE >

Plan The Perfect Girls' Trip To Tuolumne County

We got those! Tuolumne County is a mecca for rejuvenating adventures, offering stress-free accommodation prices you will love. Get ready to cross a few items off your travel bucket list, while spending priceless quality time with friends in Tuolumne County. READ MORE >

7 Things To Do In Sonora

While Sonora is one of the closest cities to Yosemite National Park, it's also a popular attraction in its own right. This historic Gold Rush town is filled with character and characters, and plenty to see and do. Here are seven things that must be experienced on any visit to Sonora. READ MORE >

Explore Tuolumne County's High Sierra on a Highway 108 Road Trip

Highway 108 is the path for the explorer and adventure seeker alike. Reach new heights in Tuolumne County’s High Sierra where breathtaking forests, mountains, crystal-clear lakes, rivers, and streams come together to form a road trip full of excitement and even some enchantment. Known for lovely waterfalls in spring, colorful wildflowers in summer, vivid foliage in fall, and snow adventures in winter, the trip is full of beauty year-round. READ MORE >

Experience Tuolumne County's Yosemite and Beyond: A Highway 120 Road Trip

The Highway 120 corridor is the most direct route to iconic Yosemite National Park from the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. Not only does it provide convenient passage to the park, it also offers a road trip where there’s something for everyone in your party, from the history buff to the outdoor adventurer, to do along the way. READ MORE >

Discover Tuolumne County's Gold Country on a Highway 49 Road Trip

Tuolumne County’s Gold Country, along Highway 49 (named for the 49ers searching for gold) offers an authentic Gold Rush experience with its rich, lively, and thriving historic towns such as Jamestown, Sonora, Tuolumne, and Columbia. Along within the towns, this era of California's history is on complete display in two State Historic Parks, Railtown 1897 and Columbia State Historic Park. READ MORE >

Ultimate Tuolumne County Road Trip

Nature, outdoor, and history enthusiasts embrace every moment of getaway through Tuolumne County, located 2 ½ hours east of the San Francisco Bay Area. You’ll want to take in everything on this ultimate road trip through iconic Yosemite National Park, the heart of California’s Gold Country, and the awe-inspiring High Sierra. READ MORE >

Tuolumne County Wine, Cider and Beer Tasting

Did you know you can experience a little slice of California Wine Country plus excellent craft beverage indulgences in Tuolumne County? If you are a wine connoisseur or just someone who loves enjoying a glass of award-winning wine, craft beer, or apple cider after a hike in a breathtaking location, then you are in for a real treat. Whether you're exploring Yosemite National Park, Gold Country or the High Sierra,… READ MORE >

Bring Your Dog to Tuolumne County

Humans, treat your pets to a vacation where there are wide open spaces, fresh mountain air, and off the grid adventures. Welcome to pet-friendly Tuolumne County located 2.5 hours from the Bay Area, where the Dog Days are waiting in Yosemite National Park, Gold Country, and the High Sierra. READ MORE >

How to Travel Sustainably and Responsibly in Tuolumne County

You do not have to leave living sustainably to Earth Day. Exploring Tuolumne County in an earth friendly way can happen year-round. Just by stepping outside in Tuolumne County it’s clear how important it is to preserve the amazing beauty and natural resources our planet has to offer. READ MORE >

Unique Film Locations in Tuolumne County

From historic towns to stunning landscapes, Tuolumne County California makes for the ultimate filming destination within reach. READ MORE >

The Top 7 Things To Do in Groveland

Groveland is a beautiful, historic town that played key roles in both the California gold rush and the history of Yosemite National Park. Here are 7 things that must be seen for any getaway to Groveland to count. READ MORE >

Live Like A Pioneer

Are you a history buff who wants to dive deeper into the Gold Rush or travel back in time on the Sierra Railway? We have planned your ultimate getaway to Tuolumne County! READ MORE >

4 Fun Nightlife Activities in Tuolumne County

Plan a night out on the town in Tuolumne County! READ MORE >

Where To Stargaze In Tuolumne County

Tuolumne County is the adventurer’s dream come true for all things outdoors, including stargazing. Explore California’s Yosemite, High Sierra, and Gold Country by day, and then an incredibly unbelievable sky full of stars by night. Find breathtaking scenic night skies in Tuolumne County’s rural areas that are uninhibited by city lights. READ MORE >

Family Explorations in Tuolumne County

Tuolumne County is an all-season destination for family fun. Make historic discoveries in Gold Country, plan a mountain adventure in the High Sierra, and visit the iconic Yosemite National Park all while enjoying the affordable lodging accommodations the area has to offer. Get started on planning your thrilling family getaway with these three adventures! READ MORE >

Planting a New Grove of Giant Sequoias

On April 30th 2021, Arbor Day, Visit Tuolumne County teamed up with Heidi Lupo and her students at the Pinecrest Expedition Academy to plant three baby Giant Sequoias to form a new grove of the massive trees in Kennedy Meadows on Highway 108. READ MORE >

Micro Itinerary: Adventurous Afternoon in Twain Harte

Adventure is everywhere in Tuolumne County, and Twain Harte makes for the ultimate destination! Follow along as nature photographer Zach Holback shows off some of his favorite places to spend an afternoon exploring the natural beauty of Twain Harte with his fiancé Desiree and dog Zoey! READ MORE >

Outdoor Adventures for All Skill Levels

Warm weather is finally here which means it is time to get outside and explore--no matter your skill level! Here are some of our favorite outdoor activities to do in the spring and summer here in Tuolumne County! READ MORE >

Micro Itinerary: Art Afternoon in Sonora

Historic Downtown Sonora is brimming with local art! Follow along with local Tuolumne County artist Sally Anne Fischer as she spends an afternoon exploring the murals, pottery, paintings, and all things art in Sonora! READ MORE >

Micro Itinerary: Romantic Stroll Through Columbia State Historic Park

There is always time for romance, even if you can only getaway for an hour, we have planned a delightful afternoon at Columbia State Historic Park for you and your sweetheart. READ MORE >

Top 5 Things To Do In Jamestown

From history to outdoor adventure, here are five things to do when visiting Jamestown, California in Tuolumne County. READ MORE >

6 Things You Have To Do When You Visit Columbia

Conveniently located off of Highway 49, Columbia, "Gem of the Southern Mines," is a small town with a significant history. Home to Columbia State Historic Park, a living, breathing Gold Rush town. Several affordable lodging options are available in town including hotels, cottages, cabins, and campgrounds for RV’s and tents, giving you a perfect place to stay and explore. READ MORE >

5 Things To Do In Twain Harte

Twain Harte is a small mountain town with as much charm and character as one would expect for a community named for Mark Twain and Bret Harte. While the town is small, the fun is big. So here are five things to do for any visit to Twain Harte. READ MORE >

5 Things To Do In Tuolumne

Tuolumne is a beautiful town surrounded by towering pines that once made this community a headquarters for the logging industry. Today it's a popular destination on the way to Pinecrest Lake or Yosemite National Park. Here's five things that must be experienced on any trip to Tuolumne. READ MORE >

Stay In A Haunted Hotel This Halloween Season

It’s no surprise that chilling vibes, spooky stories, and shadows are said to lurk about in some of Tuolumne County’s oldest hotels. Book your stay… if you dare. READ MORE >

Wander Wednesdays

Welcome to Wander Wednesdays! Where each week we highlight a business in Tuolumne County that is new, adaptive, or inspiring to bring a little brightness to your day. Let us wander Tuolumne County for you! READ MORE >

How to Explore Tuolumne County When You Don't Have Gear

Going on an awesome adventure can sound like you need to pack everything but the kitchen sink. Don’t worry about filling your car with gear, travel light and let us do the heavy lifting. No gear, no problem. Don’t let it stand in the way of having the adventure you have always wanted. Here are some of the ways to rent gear, do activities that provide it, or explore without… READ MORE >

Solo Travel in Tuolumne County

Solo traveling is one of the most rewarding ways to travel. You are on nobody else’s timeline, can explore the hiking trails you want to, eat at the restaurants that speak to you, or shop for hours without someone waiting on you. READ MORE >

History's Mysteries of Tuolumne County

From the Gold Rush to tales of trekking in the Sierra, Tuolumne County is filled with a rich history. While much of the history is accurately recorded, there are still mysteries around every corner and new stories waiting to be uncovered. However, it is no mystery that Tuolumne County is the place to be for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and even those looking into the supernatural. Explore with new eyes… READ MORE >

How to Visit Tuolumne County Virtually

Can't visit Tuolumne County right now? Not to worry! Here are some ways to get your fix at home! READ MORE >

Instagram-Worthy Murals In Tuolumne County

Tuolumne County is full of hidden gem destinations and unique attractions. Sprinkled throughout Tuolumne County, murals are picturesque works of art that are perfect little stops to add to your Tuolumne County itinerary. READ MORE >

Beer, wine, pizza, coffee, and tea. What more do you need? Here’s what’s trending in Tuolumne County. READ MORE >

7 Scenic Vistas Of Tuolumne County

Tuolumne County is made up of Yosemite, Gold Country, and the High Sierra. These diverse destinations all provide for incredible roadside vista views. That’s right, you don’t have to hike for miles to take in unforgettable views. Get your camera ready and charge up your phone because you won’t want to miss these views on your next roadtrip. READ MORE >

Tuolumne County is a Rock Climber's Playground

Go on a vertical adventure in Tuolumne County and join an upbeat culture of climbers in conquering world class climbs in Northern California. Yosemite National Park-See a Special Note About Visiting Yosemite in 2022-Its no secret that Yosemite National Park is a destination like no other for rock climbing. This world renowned destination has drawn the climbing culture for decades. Tuolumne County makes up over 50% percent of the park… READ MORE >