Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau

Nestled in the heart of California’s historic Gold Country where the biggest gold rush in American history began, Tuolumne County is the recreational and cultural center of the Mother Lode near Yosemite National Park (pictured) and Stanislaus National Forest. Tuolumne County is rich in history from the days when the west was wild and sought out by those with “gold fever”.

During the gold rush days, Tuolumne County once had the largest population of people in the nation. Today, this is strongly reflected within the towns throughout the county. Incorporated in 1851, Sonora is one of the oldest cities in California, and is still referred to as the "Queen of the Southern Mines." Established in 1945 by the state legislature as Columbia State Historic Park (pictured), and acting as a living history museum, Columbia is California’s best preserved town giving visitors the opportunity to back in time and experience the gold rush era of the 1850’s. The gateway to Yosemite National Park, Groveland is a historic town that experienced two gold rushes, cattle ranching, and more. The first gold discovered in Tuolumne County was found in Jamestown. This historic town’s other claim to fame is being home to the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Tuolumne City is located in the heart of Tuolumne County, near the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, near the historic gold rush towns of Sonora, Jamestown and Columbia. Nestled in the heart of Tuolumne County, Twain Harte borders the Stanislaus National Forest and is about an hour from Yosemite National Park.

Home to Yosemite National Park, Stanislaus National Forest and lakes, there are an abundance of year-round outdoor recreation opportunities to enjoy including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, snow skiing, boating, fishing, water skiing, nature trails, birding and wildlife viewing, and more. There are wineries to visit, specialty shops and galleries to browse, a lively cultural scene with live theatre, and plenty of annual festivals to enjoy. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants and comfortable lodgings ranging from historic B&Bs to resorts, and cabins to camping facilities to choose from.

Tuolumne County, 133 miles east of San Francisco, is a pristine, scenic expanse reaching to the crest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The main highways leading to this picturesque, two-to-three-hour drive from the Bay Area are Highways 108 and 120 from the west the latter considered to be the most scenic and direct route to Yosemite National Park and Highway 49 from the north.

Let the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau help you plan the perfect weekend getaway or vacation in the heart of the Central Sierra Gold Country and home of Yosemite National Park. Enjoy strolling through its unique small towns of Sonora, Columbia, Jamestown, Twain Harte and Groveland. You'll also find all the Sierra Nevada’s outdoor activities you love and dream of taking part in . . . skiing, hiking, biking, river rafting, fishing, camping, gold panning, sightseeing and more. The arts, live theater, museums, festivals and entertainment are plentiful in the beautiful Sierra Foothills. There are so many different things to do while visiting the historic Gold Country where the biggest gold rush in American history began. Here you can have a comfortable stay at a more than comfortable price.