#VisitTuolumne - Get Connected
Thank you for your interest in visiting Tuolumne County! There are three ways to access the Tuolumne County Travel Guide: View the Digital VersionDownload a PDFOr, fill out the form below
#VisitTuolumne - Get Connected
#VisitTuolumne - Get Connected
#VisitTuolumne - Get Connected
#VisitTuolumne - Get Connected
Pay a visit to this extraordinary natural wonder in Northern California and you'll be able to say you've seen the oldest juniper tree in the nation!
Our favorite hike around Pinecrest Lake passes the trail junction to a very famous swimming hole on the Stanislaus River, Cleo's Bath. The summer before last I tried to find it, but the river was a raging torrent and I figured I missed Cleo's because it was under 10-20 feet of water. Well, no. Here's the rest of the story..... After an early stop at Andy's in Miwok to fortify ourselves with Cinnamon Rolls for the day ahead, we (Super Nephews S and G and me) arrived at Pinecrest. It was a lovely morning hike around the lake to the trail junction to Cleo's bath. Not far along we met a group of backpackers heading up the trail. Like a complete dummy I told them I had missed Cleo's on my hike the summer before. They said, no, the trail ENDS at Cleo's. That should have been my first clue, but we continued happily on our way. Intrepid explorers! The river is barely running now, waiting for winter to be replenished. G led the way around many wind falls. The trail is mostly a gradual climb. Ummm, I remember all of this, but where is Cleo's? Not far ahead the river flows over a steep mountain. When it's really roaring the water falls are visible way down the trail. I said to S, Cleo's can't be up there, I'm not climbing that mountain! The trail guides warn to expect some boulder hopping. I assumed that meant 'horizonal' boulder hopping, as in from the trail over to the river. No problem! What soon became clear even to me was the the boulder hopping would be VERTICAL! This was fast becoming a great adventure to S and G; not so much for me, but there was no turning back. G scrambled ahead and then waited to help me up the many crevices that passed for a trail. Lucky for us there were strategically placed ducks (piles of rocks) to mark the way; along with some faded green spray painted arrows on the granite. (I know, it's bad to spray paint granite; still I was grateful!). We climbed for what seemed like an hour, but in hind sight was probably only 15 or 20 minutes to a table with a great view back to Pinecrest. (It's that tiny blue dot in the middle of the pic!) Finally there was the trail to the river. As expected, it was very low with virtually no flow. The green arrow (only appropriate!) marks what appears to be the normal water line. It was clear this would be a spectacular swimming hole earlier in the season. (That's Pinecrest again in the distance). We weren't disappointed; it was fun to see the granite formations that would normally be under water. Looking up stream across the pool the water backs up into a narrow canyon. Above the little canyon, the water falls steeply creating 'holes' in the granite as it swirls through. Most rivers in the high Sierra have these same holes and are the best fun to sit in on a hot day! And we even found a tiny trickle of water. After some more exploring and a near miss with my walking stick (and G!) sliding off the slick rock, it was time to test the water. S sat on a rock dangling his feet, while G dived right into the pool. It was cold! I'm wondering what the water temps are earlier in the season. It's down in the 30s at night now, so am guessing that's why the water in these small pools is so cold. The hike up had taken longer than we expected and it was pushing lunch so we headed back down the trail. Surely it would be easier than the climb up! As S walked under a very cool balanced rock, it sorta looks like a dinosaur peaking over the mountain. Climbing back down the steep section, G and S were a great team. Two rocks created a squeeze too narrow to pass wearing a pack, so G passed them down to S. And then waited to help me down too! This was really the hardest climbing I have done for a long, long time. Lots of lifting with arms and long reaches with legs. It's not for a solo hiker. Or for dogs. The depth perception is lost in the pics; just try to imagine a 8 - 10 foot drop here. It was 1 pm by the time we hit the junction at the lake trail. G decided to run back. S stuck with me for awhile but then took off too. Couldn't blame them, Grandma and Auntie were waiting at the picnic area with sandwiches, chips and cookies! And that's the rest of the story.
Humans, treat your dogs to a vacation where wide open spaces, fresh mountain air, and off the grid adventures come together--in Tuolumne County. Located 2.5 hours from the Bay Area,
Spooky Season is officially here! 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
Tuolumne County is loaded with incredibly preserved historic hotels. With buildings dating back to the late 1800s, it’s no surprise that chilling vibes, spooky stories, and shadows are said to
Read 2021 Tuolumne County Inspiration Travel Guide by Visit Tuolumne County on Issuu and browse thousands of other publications on our platform. St...
Looking for maps of Yosemite Mariposa County’s regions. Discover our region by region guide and check out resources like maps and historic site guides today. Plan your trip to Yosemite Mariposa County.
Explore The Gomes Family's 38374 photos on Flickr!
Discover some of the best things to do in Gold Country, California. A travel guide to Tuolumne County including what to do, where to eat and places to stay
Nature travel can take you to the world’s most beautiful, biodiverse places. Plan your outdoor adventure or ecotourism stay with the latest news and guides.
There are campgrounds all over Tuolumne County! Get inspired and find the right one for you!
The combination of Yosemite National Park and Gold Rush era towns make Tuolumne County, California one of the most interesting places to visit.
Follow our jam-packed road trip through Sacramento, Folsom, El Dorado, Tuolumne County, and San Francisco. There’s so many amazing things to see and do in the gorgeous part of California, and the best way to explore is by road.
Discover some of the best things to do in Gold Country, California. A travel guide to Tuolumne County including what to do, where to eat and places to stay
California’s Gold Country is the perfect weekend escape from the Bay Area. We recently spent a weekend visiting Tuolumne County and Yosemite National Park, and the fall colors were almost at their peak. We had such a fun weekend exploring this beautiful and unique region of California and learning about its rich history, we’re
Smaller crowds, lighter traffic, cooler temperatures—autumn is the perfect time to plan a rollicking road trip to the Sierra Nevada, where you can walk among the giant sequoias at the base of Lower Yosemite Falls. To herald our October issue about unforgettable fall escapes, we partnered with Tuolumne County, the gateway to Yosemite, to offer […]
Hollywood gets its inspiration from all walks of life, history included. Gold Country is loaded with history, so it makes sense the two would cross paths. Many movies and television shows have called Gold Country home, but along with making some fun movie buff trivia, Tinseltown helps bring history ...
Discover some of the best things to do in Gold Country, California. A travel guide to Tuolumne County including what to do, where to eat and places to stay
Discover some of the best things to do in Gold Country, California. A travel guide to Tuolumne County including what to do, where to eat and places to stay
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. Your ultimate fall California road
Discover some of the best things to do in Gold Country, California. A travel guide to Tuolumne County including what to do, where to eat and places to stay
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
#VisitTuolumne - Get Connected
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
Capture the excitement of visiting Tuolumne County at home! Until we see you next, here are some of the many ways you can still connect with us and be part
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
Important note about visiting Yosemite National Park in 2022: A reservation will be required to drive into Yosemite National Park through September 30, 2022, for those driving into the park between
Spooky Season is officially here! 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
Thank you for your interest in visiting Tuolumne County! There are three ways to access the Tuolumne County Travel Guide: View the Digital VersionDownload a PDFOr, fill out the form below
World-famous whitewater rafting offers everything from float boats to Class 5 runs on the Tuolumne River. The wild and scenic Tuolumne, named #1 rafting river by the San Francisco Chronicle,
1. Hiking or biking around Yosemite Valley. Autumn days are warm but short, in Yosemite Valley, and evenings often call for sweater weather. Conditions are perfect
Follow our jam-packed road trip through Sacramento, Folsom, El Dorado, Tuolumne County, and San Francisco. There’s so many amazing things to see and do in the gorgeous part of California, and the best way to explore is by road.
Discover a diverse range of attractions and activities in Tuolumne County, perfect for an unforgettable adventure in Gold Country.
Highway 395/120E 2024 SUMMER SEASON Reservations are now available! 2024 Summer Service operational dates: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024 Runs 395-1 and 395-2 operate July 1, 2024 – August 31, 2024 Please follow YARTS on social media for updates: YARTS Highway 395/120E service offers convenient travel to and from Mammoth Lakes, June Lake,... Read more »
