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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Mariposa County, California
Grant Lake via Ten Lakes Trailhead
4.012.24 mi / 2000 ft gainThe trail begins at the Ten Lakes trailhead (7600 ft) right beside Yosemite Creek. The first 4 miles start you on the ascent through the wooded forest, however there are portions of the trail that will take you through granite rock valleys marked with only cairns so keep your eyes peeled througho...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike Old Big Oak Flat Road
4.1 mi / 1070 ft gainOld Big Oak Flat Road used to be one of the main entries into Yosemite Valley, before HWY 120, 140 and 41. It was a dangerous road which had to be realigned, reconstructed and maintained continuously and was eventually closed in the 1940’s after a giant rockslide made it completely irreparable. T...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike Mount Tallac
4.99.5 mi / 3255 ft gainThe classic 9½ mile out-and-back day hike to Mount Tallac begins at the trailhead on the southwestern side of Lake Tahoe, between Emerald Bay and Camp Richardson. When driving to the trailhead, make a turn inland at Mt. Tallac Road and follow the well-signed route to the reasonably sized parking ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Turtleback Dome
1.4 mi / 350 ft gainTurtleback Dome will provide you with views of southern Yosemite and the Valley in a less crowded area. This hike on a service road is relatively easy with a slight elevation gain over the entire 0.7 miles. To get to the Trailhead, take Wawona Road north towards the valley. Use the referenced poi...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike the Fallen Leaf Lake Trail
5.08.1 mi / 859 ft gainThe Fallen Leaf Lake Trail is located in South Lake Tahoe, California. It is important to note that there is no trail on the east side of the lake. The trail turns into a paved road when you reach the marina after passing the campground. Additionally, lots of small trails jut out from the main tr...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Photograph Fallen Leaf Lake's Cascading Falls
5.0This amazing waterfall is right off the road near the Fallen Leaf Campground. Once you enter the campground keep driving straight just a bit further and you will see a pull off on the right hand side. Pull off here and you should see the cascading waterfalls between the trees. Park here, get you...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Camp at Fallen Leaf Lake
5.0Fallen Leaf Lake is truly one of the more beautiful places in California. Separated from Lake Tahoe by just a one-mile strip of land, it feels worlds away from the crowds and fuss. The campground has over 200 sites that can be reserved here. There are endless hikes nearby including Mount Tallac a...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Photograph the Milky Way over Fallen Leaf Lake
Fallen Leaf has been my favorite spot in all of Tahoe since I can remember. The beautiful shoreline sits right up against the base of Mt. Tallac with almost zero light pollution. It is one of my favorite spots to go and shoot the stars. There are tons of spots to pick from depending on what you a...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Swim at Fallen Leaf Lake
4.0Lake Tahoe has so many beautiful and breath-taking places to visit, hike, camp, wander around, etc. and Fallen Leaf Lake is definitely one of them. It's free to visit and park too and it is an easy hike from the parking area to the lake. The lake is very tranquil and serene and for those who wa...Read more -
El Dorado County, California
Photograph Black Bears at Taylor Creek, South Lake Tahoe
/ 30 ft gainLake Tahoe is a tourist attraction filled with spectacular views and a plethora of wildlife. However, one species in particular has made a lasting impression on both locals and tourists - black bears. The area around Lake Tahoe is prime bear habitat and cities in the vicinity are seeing a rising ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Photograph Yosemite's Tunnel View
4.3Tunnel View sets you up for an iconic view of some of the major highlights of the Yosemite valley including Bridal Veil Falls, El Capitan and Half Dome in the distance. To access the viewpoint, from Northside Dr., turn right onto Wawona Rd. You'll continue on Wawona Rd. up until you see you parki...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack Yosemite's South Rim
5.018 mi / 2800 ft gainStep 1: Get Wilderness Permit from the Wilderness Office the day before! Permits are free and required. This trail is a Point-to-Point trail so make sure you have a shuttle situation figured out (or you can always hitch hike). The best option is to get dropped off at Tunnel View so that you don'...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Matterhorn Peak
5.012.1 mi / 5036 ft gainMatterhorn Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Bridgeport, California.Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Artist Point in Yosemite National Park
4.82 mi / 500 ft gainPark at the Tunnel View parking lot. The Pohono Trail, which you fill follow for the first half mile, starts on the left side of Wawona Tunnel. You should notice a small path starting from the parking lot. The trail quickly ascends up a series of switchbacks before reaching a junction. If you...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike from Tunnel View to Glacier Point
5.013 mi / 3000 ft gainBeginning at 4400 feet of elevation in the bottom of Yosemite Valley, this trail will take you up about 3000 feet over 13 miles. You'll finish the hike at Glacier Point and be richly rewarded with one of the most spectacular views of Half Dome in the park.If you are interested in seeing landmarks...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Climb Matterhorn Peak via the East Couloir
10 mi / 6000 ft gainMatterhorn Peak in the northeastern Yosemite Wilderness is an SPS Emblem Peak and many regard it as the beginning of the High Sierra, as there are no peaks higher to the north in the Sierra Nevada.There are many routes to the summit, but the shortest and most direct (though not easiest) begins at...Read more
