Tuolumne County, California
Tuolumne County, California is a great destination for outdoor activities and attractions. With its breathtaking views, abundance of outdoor leisure activities, and plethora of activities to explore, it caters to a diverse range of visitors. From hiking and biking to kayaking and skiing, there are plenty of ways to explore the area. The best trails and outdoor activities in the area include Yosemite National Park, Pinecrest Lake, and the Stanislaus National Forest. For a more laid-back experience, Tuolumne County also provides excellent fishing spots, and wineries. Whether you're looking for an exciting vacation or a relaxing retreat, the Tuolumne County has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Tuolumne County
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Tuolumne County, California
Hike the South Grove Trail in Big Trees SP
3.75 mi / 560 ft gainThe South Grove Trail of Calaveras Big Trees State Park sees far less traffic than the North Grove due to its increased mileage and distance from the park entrance. The trail starts at the South Grove Trail head which is located nine miles east of the entrance on the main park road. The trailhead...Read more -
Arnold, California
Hike the North Grove Trail in Calaveras Big Trees SP
5.01.7 mi / 40 ft gainWhen thinking of the iconic Sequoias of the Sierra Nevada, one usually thinks of Yosemite and Sequoia National Park. However, there is a often forgotten area of Giant Sierra Redwoods that gets far less traffic than the more popular groves. The North Grove Trail takes you through a grove of over 1...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Hike to Cleo's Bath
4.56.5 mi / 1263 ft gainThis 6+ mile hike is located at Pinecrest Lake in the Stanislaus National Forest located in Tuolumne County and features a lake, river, forest, waterfall, and swimming hole. It is accessible year-round, in winter there will be snow, and the hike is dog friendly except between May 15th-September ...Read more -
Sonora, California
Bouldering at Columbia College
Get your hands on some limestone bouldering at this spot. There's actually two locations for bouldering in this area, Columbia College and Columbia State Park (about less than a 10 min. drive from Columbia College), but I made this specific adventure for climbing on the college. GPS Coordinates f...Read more -
Angels Camp, California
Upper Natural Bridge Trail
1.9 mi / 410 ft gainUpper Natural Bridge Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Columbia, California.Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Backpack to Bear Lake (Emigrant Wilderness)
4.28.34 mi / 705 ft gainStart by picking up your wilderness permit at the Summit Ranger Station near Pinecrest - (209) 965-3434. There's no quota for this area, so no need for reservations in advance. To reach the trailhead, make your way south from the Ranger Station and turn left onto Crabtree Rd. Drive along this ro...Read more -
Arnold, California
Backpacking to Sword Lake
5.0Getting There Take 108 to Pinecrest Lake to pick up a free backcountry permit at the Summit Ranger Station. (If you reach Strawberry you've gone too far.) Continue past Beardsley Lake to Clark's Fork Road on the left. Cross two bridges and Forest Route 6N06 will take you to the trailhead (County ...Read more -
Bear Valley, California
Snowshoe Bear Valley
5.0Bear Valley is a family friendly destination for snowshoeing and snow play. There are numerous trails to explore while snowshoeing. Don't be afraid to take a break and start a snowball fight! There are shops located near the resort to rent snowshoes and other snow play accessories. There are s...Read more -
Bear Valley, California
Ski or Snowboard at Skyline Bear Valley
5.0Bear Valley is nestled in the high Sierra between Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. It is a popular destination for families and nature lovers. It boasts 1,900 vertical feet over 1680 acres for skiing and snowboarding. Winter is a popular time at Bear Valley. Most visitors come to ski or snowboard, but...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Backpack Chewing Gum Lake
3.34.5 mi / 1000 ft gainChewing Gum Lakes is located in Emigrant Wilderness, South of Lake Tahoe and North of Yosemite, with stunning valley views and gorgeous granite faces, peaking through the tree lines of the Stanislaus National Forest. Sitting just north of Yosemite allows you to take in a portion of the beauty of ...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Climb Cracks at the Gianelli Edges
We first found the Gianelli Edges mentioned in the Climbers Guide to the Sonora Pass Highway. A short 2.5-3 hour drive from our place in Oakland, it's a great spot for a quick single day or overnight climbing excursion. Just head out 120 toward Yosemite and pull off on the 108 toward Burst Rock/G...Read more -
Arnold, California
Snow Camp at Bull Run Lake
15 mi / 2400 ft gainThis is a long, beautiful snowshoe to a lake that is very accessible in the summer but almost untouched in the winter! There are a couple of ways to access the lake during the winter, but this is the most interesting: Starting at the easternmost sno-park along Highway 4 going east of Bear Valley,...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Backpack to Chain Lakes
4.4 mi / 864 ft gainThis trip begins at ~7500 feet at the Box Springs Trailhead This trail is at the end of Forest Route 3N20Y. The trail, which is not regularly maintained and may at times be hard to follow, initially descends slightly to 7300', then stays mostly flat before rising just before the lakes. You will p...Read more -
Jackson, California
Lake Tabeaud Loop
2.31 mi / 433 ft gainLake Tabeaud Loop is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Jackson, California.Read more -
Arnold, California
Backpack To Wheeler Lake
5.07.8 mi / 1000 ft gainThe trail to Wheeler Lake begins at the Woodchuck Basin Trailhead. This trailhead is located a little over a mile east of Lake Alpine on Highway 4. The trail starts off relatively flat and winds through forests and meadows, taking you into the Mokelumne Wilderness. Time it right and you'll be met...Read more -
Arnold, California
Hike To Bull Run Lake
4.3The hike to Bull Run Lake is about 7.8 miles, roundtrip, and begins at the Stanislaus Meadows Trailhead, located about 10 miles West of Ebbetts Pass. There is plenty of parking near the trailhead, off of the South side of CA 4. The trailhead GPS coordinates are: N38 30.376' / W119 56/617'Once you...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Tuolumne County
Big Meadow Cmpg
Lake Alpine Lodgepole Group
Overview
Lodgepole Group Campground is located just two miles west of Lake Alpine in northern California. The campground affords breathta...
Big Meadow Cmpg
Big Meadow Stanislaus Natl Fs
Overview
Big Meadow Campground lies at about 6,400 feet elevation on the Stanislaus National Forest. It is located 21 miles east of Arnol...
Pinecrest, California
Pinecrest
Overview
Pinecrest features a large campground by Pinecrest Lake, just 30 miles east of Sonora, at an elevation of 5600 feet. The area in...
Pinecrest, California
Pioneer Trail
Overview
Pioneer Trail Group Campground offers groups of up to 100 people the opportunity to camp near the beautiful Pinecrest Lake. The ...
Bear Valley, California
Bear Valley Resort Glamping
Imagine waking up in the comfort of a hotel room with the serenity of a campsite. Our glamping tents face the breathtaking canyon of the ...
From $129 / night
Pioneer, California
South Shore Campground
Overview
South Shore Campground is located next to Lower Bear River Reservoir in the Eldorado National Forest the central Sierra Nevada M...
