Step into the spirit of the Old West with hands-on adventures like gold panning, stagecoach rides, and exploring historic towns. This journey blends fun, discovery, and a taste of frontier life.
Day 1: Arrival
Approximate Arrival Time 3:00 p.m.
Lodging: Sonora Inn
Afternoon
Check-In to Sonora Inn
Explore Downtown Sonora Shops & Art Galleries (Walking Distance)
- Local Collective
- Aloft Art Gallery at Baer’s
- Downtown Shoes
- Sierra Nevada Adventure Co.
- Fittin’ Pretty Bras and Boutique
Evening
Dinner & Drinks at The Armory (Walking Distance) at 208 S. Green St. Sonora, CA 95370
Walk Back to Sonora Inn
Day 2: Full Day
Morning
Enjoy the continental breakfast at Sonora Inn then go for espresso drinks and souvenirs at Local Collective (walking distance).
Pick up picnic sandwiches at Pence Farm Sourdough (walking distance).
Depart for Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park brings California’s rail history to life with real steam train rides, behind-the-scenes tours, and vintage locomotives featured in classic films- an unforgettable experience for train lovers of all ages.
Address: 10501 Reservoir Road, Jamestown, CA 95327
Relax on the grounds of the park with your picnic lunch in before embarking on an excursion train ride through the country side.
- Train ride are only available Saturday and Sundays April-October
Depart for Columbia State Historic Park.
Columbia State Historic Park is a living Gold Rush town where families can stroll wooden sidewalks, pan for gold, ride a stagecoach, and explore charming shops- all surrounded by scenic Sierra foothills.
Some of favorite shops are Columbia Booksellers & Variety Store, Towle & Leavitt, Ebler’s Leather, Columbia Clothiers & Emporium, Columbia Candy Kitchen, Columbia Mercantile 1855.
Evening
Delight in a gourmet dinner at the Columbia City Hotel Restaurant in Columbia.
Depart for Sonora Inn to call it a night or walk around town.
Day 3: Full Day
Morning
Grab a light breakfast at the Sonora Inn before checking out of the Sonora Inn.
Explore Tuolumne County Museum and History Research Center. The Tuolumne County Museum, set in a historic 1866 jail, features exhibits on Gold Rush history, pioneer life, and local heritage- plus a research center for genealogy and archives.
Afternoon
Before departing for the town of Groveland, have some lunch at the Diamondback Grill in Downtown Sonora.
Explore some of our favorite shops and spots in Downtown Groveland such as Around the Horn Brewing Company, Mountain Sage Coffee & Nursery, Yosemite Basecamp, and the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum.
Depart for Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging
Check in for your stay in a Conestoga wagon for the night at Yosemite Pines RV Resort and Family Lodging. Or if you would rather not rough it, stay in town and check in to the historic, but modernly appointed Groveland Hotel. Enjoy a craft cocktail and relax on the balcony or in the pretty patio.
Evening
Have a wonderful dinner at The Grill at Pine Mountain Lake, which has magnificent views of a scenic golf course and the peaks of Yosemite National Park in the distance.
Head back to your lodging to call it a night.
Day 4: Departure Day
Morning
Check out of your lodging then head east to Firefall Ranch Yosemite for breakfast at The Tavern before heading off on a guided horseback ride through the meadows and woods surrounding the property.
- Book Guided Trail Ride in Advance
- Wear Proper Footwear
Afternoon
Explore Firefall Ranch Yosemite, and pick up to-go Lunch at the General Store before heading home.
Thank you for choosing Tuolumne County to live like a pioneer! We can’t wait to have you here again!
