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Tuolumne, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Tuolumne, California offer a variety of outdoor adventures. The top must-visit is the Westside Trail, a moderate 6-mile hike that features the historic Sugar Pine Railroad grade and stunning views of the Middle Fork Stanislaus River. The trail is well-marked and offers a mix of shade and sun, making it a great choice for all seasons. For a more challenging hike, try the Pinecrest Peak Trail. This 12-mile trail is steep and rocky, but the panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains are worth the effort. If you prefer water activities, the Clavey River is perfect for whitewater rafting and fishing. Remember to pack your camera to capture the scenic beauty of these natural attractions.

Top Spots in and near Tuolumne

  • Bridgeport, California

    Climb Matterhorn Peak via the East Couloir

    10 mi / 6000 ft gain
    Matterhorn 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...
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  • Wawona, California

    Lembert Dome via Dog Lake Trail

    4.0
    3.98 mi / 750 ft gain
    Lembert Dome may seem impossible to scale when observing it from the trailhead, but it is actually a relatively easy hike up to the summit. It is by far the best way to see and admire Tuolumne Meadows, not to mention the granite top, which is a wonderland to explore. There are a few ways to reac...
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  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Young Lakes

    4.7
    14.14 mi / 1700 ft gain
    The Young Lakes trail starts from the Lembert Dome parking area and then winds up around 6 miles into the high country past alpine meadows and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Lower and Middle Young Lakes are beautiful, but you're going to want to push on to Upper Young Lake, where y...
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  • Tuolumne County, California

    Rock Climb Lembert Dome, Yosemite NP

    Lembert Dome stands out clearly as it is right along the road with a fairly large parking lot, about 1/4 mile past the Toulumne Store. There are multiple routes on this dome and for detail on all climbs, pick up the Tuolumne Free Climbs climbing guide. The area around this dome is gorogeous with ...
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  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Mt. Conness

    5.0
    19.03 mi / 5400 ft gain
    This trip is best done as a 3 day, 2 night backpacking trip making camp at Young Lakes, however it is possible to do it in a single day long haul. Start at the Lembert Dome Parking Lot and take the trail via the Dog Lake route towards Young Lakes. It's about 7 miles to the upper of the three You...
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  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Dog Lake Loop

    3.0
    3.71 mi / 740 ft gain
    This 3.7 mile roundtrip hike begins at the center of Tuolumne Meadows (shuttle stop #2) at the Lembert Dome/Glen Aulin trailhead parking lot. There are restrooms and picnic tables at the east side of the lot, there you will also find the trailhead to Dog Lake.  The trail begins at 8,500 ft and c...
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  • Bridgeport, California

    Hike to Barney Lake in Hoover Wilderness

    3.0
    Barney Lake makes for an incredible day hike or trail run, but is also very accessible for camping.Start at the trailhead near the Mono Village Resort at Twin Lakes and follow the Robinson Creek Trail. If you plan on hiking during the winter, the resort will be closed and you will have to park at...
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  • Markleeville, California

    Backpack to Grouse Lake

    4.7
    11.43 mi / 2283 ft gain
    It is a 6 mile hike to Grouse Lake. You begin at the trailhead which is right by Damsite Campground at Upper Blue Lake. Park in the dirt parking area and then cross the metal footbridge, and you will see the trailhead marker on your left. The trail takes you into the Mokelumne Wilderness. Follow...
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  • 37.876736,-119.346085

    Glen Aulin

    4.8
    12.19 mi / 600 ft gain
    Start your hike to this waterfall oasis in the heart of the sierra at the parking lot for the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. The Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp sits along the beautifully winding Tuolumne River. White Cascade an 80ft waterfall sits at the edge of camp and provides an excellent swim...
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  • Pioneer, California

    Camping at The Pots

    4.2
    This fantastic camping or chilling spot has beautiful granite pools and slides of all sizes. The area consists of a river flowing over a granite slab creating pools some of which are over ten feet deep. The water cascades down the granite in small water falls. The area is located next to Silver L...
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  • Pioneer, California

    Hike to Granite Lake

    Take the road to Kit Carson Lodge. When the road turns to dirt, take this one-lane dirt road as far as you can go. The road terminates into a round parking area, however, as of the writing of this post, there was a large tree blocking the road about 250 ft before the end.The Trailhead is clearly ...
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