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  • 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

    • Tuolumne County, California

      Hike the South Grove Trail in Big Trees SP

      3.7
      5 mi / 560 ft gain
      The 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...
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    • Arnold, California

      Hike the North Grove Trail in Calaveras Big Trees SP

      5.0
      1.7 mi / 40 ft gain
      When 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...
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    • Pinecrest, California

      Hike to Cleo's Bath

      4.5
      6.5 mi / 1263 ft gain
      This 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 ...
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    • 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...
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    • Angels Camp, California

      Upper Natural Bridge Trail

      1.9 mi / 410 ft gain
      Upper Natural Bridge Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a river located near Columbia, California.
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    • Pinecrest, California

      Backpack to Bear Lake (Emigrant Wilderness)

      4.2
      8.34 mi / 705 ft gain
      Start 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...
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    • Arnold, California

      Backpacking to Sword Lake

      5.0
      Getting 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 ...
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    • Bear Valley, California

      Snowshoe Bear Valley

      5.0
      Bear 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...
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    • Bear Valley, California

      Ski or Snowboard at Skyline Bear Valley

      5.0
      Bear 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...
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    • Tuolumne County, California

      Backpack Chewing Gum Lake

      3.3
      4.5 mi / 1000 ft gain
      Chewing 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 ...
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    • 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...
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    • Arnold, California

      Snow Camp at Bull Run Lake

      15 mi / 2400 ft gain
      This 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,...
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    • Pinecrest, California

      Backpack to Chain Lakes

      4.4 mi / 864 ft gain
      This 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...
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    • Jackson, California

      Lake Tabeaud Loop

      2.31 mi / 433 ft gain
      Lake Tabeaud Loop is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Jackson, California.
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    • Arnold, California

      Backpack To Wheeler Lake

      5.0
      7.8 mi / 1000 ft gain
      The 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...
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    • Arnold, California

      Hike To Bull Run Lake

      4.3
      The 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...
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    Camping and Lodging in Tuolumne County

    Lake Alpine   Lodgepole Group
    Big Meadow Cmpg

    Lake Alpine Lodgepole Group

    Big Meadow Stanislaus Natl Fs
    Big Meadow Cmpg

    Big Meadow Stanislaus Natl Fs

    Pinecrest
    Pinecrest, California

    Pinecrest

    Pioneer Trail
    Pinecrest, California

    Pioneer Trail

    Bear Valley Resort Glamping
    Bear Valley, California

    Bear Valley Resort Glamping

    From $129 / night

    South Shore Campground
    Pioneer, California

    South Shore Campground

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Tuolumne County

    Confronting Our Egos through Travel

    Confronting Our Egos through Travel

    Ryan Longnecker

    23 Things I Learned in 23 Days on the John Muir Trail

    23 Things I Learned in 23 Days on the John Muir Trail

    Girls Who Hike

    Why Backpacking Clouds Rest Should Make Your Permit Application Lineup

    Why Backpacking Clouds Rest Should Make Your Permit Application Lineup

    AJ Johnson

    10 Ways to make camping in Yosemite National Park even better

    10 Ways to make camping in Yosemite National Park even better

    Meghan White

    Review: Danner Mountain Light boots in Yosemite National Park

    Review: Danner Mountain Light boots in Yosemite National Park

    Hannah Sibley