Explore Tuolumne County in 4 Days

Tuolumne County has so much to do and see, and you don't want to miss  any of it. Set out on this four-day getaway to explore Yosemite, Gold Country, and the High Sierra.

Important Note: A reservation is required to drive into Yosemite National Park, with the exception of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, from May 20 through September 30, 2022, between 6am and 4pm. Click here for more information about Peak Hour Reservations.

Tip: Try utilizing a local tour operator or riding public transportation to Yosemite to avoid needing a Peak Hour Reservation.

Day 1

• Begin your day in Groveland with breakfast and pick up a boxed lunch. 
• Stop by the Tuolumne County Visitors Center inside the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum for park information and to take a look at the extensive exhibits. (Museum open year-round; visitors center open seasonally. Friday-Sunday 10am-2pm.)
• Head to the Yosemite Valley Floor for those iconic views of Yosemite Falls, Vernal Fall, Bridalveil Fall, Half Dome, El Capitan, and the Merced River.
• Before leaving Yosemite, stop for a hike amongst some of the world's oldest and biggest trees in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias.
• Stay overnight along Highway 120 where you have your choice of mountain resorts, B&Bs, RV parks with unique cabin options (even Conestoga wagons), or historic inns.

Visit Tuolumne County                                                               Courtesy of Barry Hoy

Day 2

• After an early breakfast, visit Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park to see incredible Wapama Falls and Kelowna  Rock from O'Shaughnessy Dam. Ready for more? Take a five-mile round-trip hike to Wapama Falls and get up close and personal with the cascading falls. (Peak Hour Reservations are not required at Hetch Hetchy, but  arrive early for parking)
• Embark on an exciting half-day or full-day white-water rafting trip down the Wild and Scenic Tuolumne River.
• Spend the afternoon enjoying a round of golf, horseback ride, or biking adventure in Groveland
• Before, or after dinner, enjoy a stroll in Downtown Groveland to enjoy drinks and explore fun shops.
• Stay the night in a historic hotel or B&B or head to Jamestown or Sonora for a hearty dinner and stay over.

Visit Tuolumne County                                                                                                          Courtesy of ARTA River Trips

Day 3

• Begin the day in Jamestown for a glimpse into old time Hollywood. Take a stroll along Jamestown’s Walk of Fame to learn about the many movie and television shows filmed in Tuolumne County. Follow the path to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park that was featured in over 300 movies and television shows.  
• At Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, ride an excursion train ride on the weekends April through October and on Wednesdays in June and July. The park is open daily year-round for guided and self-guided tours.
• Explore the many unique shops in in Jamestown, go wine tasting, enjoy a local brew (make sure to sign up for the Tuolumne County Craft Beverage Trail for discounts), or book a gold panning outing.
• Head to Sonora for lunch and eclectic shopping at fun one-of-a kind shops and boutiques. Don’t miss the Tuolumne County History Museum housed in the historic jail. If you enjoy hard cider, take a short drive to Indigeny Reserve for a tasting of their ciders and spirits made on site.
• From Sonora head to Columbia State Historic Park to step back into the Gold Rush era in the charming living history town. Take a ride on the stagecoach, take a try at gold panning, help yourself to some treats at a 5th generation candy store, or visit the blacksmith. In Columbia, there are plenty of places for a bite to eat including a popular tea house. You can even stay overnight right in the heart of Columbia or head back to Sonora for an overnight stay.  
• In the evening, catch a live theatre production or head to a nearby casino.

Visit Tuolumne County                                                                                         Visit Tuolumne County

Day 4

• After a stop for breakfast along Highway 108, head to Pinecrest Lake, a family-favorite destination through generations. Easily spend the entire day swimming, fishing (ADA fishing dock available), picnicing, hiking, and boating (boat rentals available spring through fall) all in one breathtaking spot. 
• Or, get into a "Wild West" spirit and see the area the way the pioneers did—on horseback. Depart on a trail ride along rugged mountainous trails into the Sierra Nevada backcountry near Pinecrest Lake and Sonora Pass.
• Spend the afternoon taking a scenic drive to Kennedy Meadows for lunch, then fly-fishing or swimming in the Stanislaus River, or take an energizing hike.
• Along the way back down toward Sonora and Jamestown on Highway 108, stop at Donnell Vista for a gorgeous view of the reservoir and river canyon. 
• Stop in the town of Twain Harte for dinner and a fun twilight round of mini-golf on a vintage miniature golf course. Relax and get a good night’s rest in a cozy Twain Harte cabin or well-appointed B&B.

Courtesy of Aspen Meadow Pack Station                              Courtesy of Local Freshies® / High Sierra Visitors Council

Are you traveling with your four-legged family members? Find places where you can bring your dog here.

Sign up to receive monthly emails with the latest stories, travel tips, and more from Visit Tuolumne County delivered straight to your Inbox.