Spring brings wildflowers, waterfalls, and longer days to explore the abundance of adventure in California’s Tuolumne County. Capture the painted hills with a hike through the Red Hills and Table Mountain. Be wild and free like the waterfalls that flow in the High Sierra or Yosemite. Pioneer all the bloomin’ areas of Tuolumne County in late spring with the Epic High Sierra Loop, the road trip through the Gold Country and High Sierra via Highway 108 and Highway 120.
Gold Country– A classic Highway 49 road trip will wind through California’s Gold Rush towns with rolling hills that are painted with fresh blooming wildflowers. Explore Columbia State Historic Park‘s authentic springtime event, Columbia Diggins’ 1852. Happening every May, with a small admission price, visitors can wander through the gold diggins’ encampment. Take an adventure in Historic Downtown Sonora, with iconic buildings like the Sugg House, dating back 159-years, it is now home to Motherlode Grown, a local merchant store. Spring welcomes the seasonal Sonora Farmers Market. Jamestown offers wildflower lovers the chance to see the blooming Mother Lode with Wildflower train rides at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and hikes through the Red Hills or Table Mountain.
Yosemite National Park – Tuolumne County’s Highway 120 Entrance into Yosemite National Park will lead visitors to the lesser known areas of Yosemite National Park for some awe-inspiring waterfalls. Hetch Hetchy is home to two well-known waterfalls, Rancheria Falls and Wapama Falls. Visit Tuolumne Meadows in late Spring and experienced adventure hikers can trek along the Grand Canyon of Tuolumne through the backcountry to capture several hidden waterfalls along the Tuolumne River. Rafting experiences start in spring. White water rafting trips are led by experienced guides and are available in packages that range from single to multi-day trips from many local outfitters.
High Sierra – Highway 108 leads up and over the second highest mountain pass in California, the Sonora Pass, which usually opens late-spring, weather permitting. Along the pass, the rivers present many waterfalls that can be seen from the road or with a small trek into the Stanislaus National Forest. The wildflowers put on a show all the way into summer. One of the best ways to see the spring and summer flowers bloom is from horseback, both outfitters Kennedy Meadows and Aspen Meadows lead informative horseback rides into the sprawling colorful backcountry meadows.
On the road? Why not take us with you. Our websites are mobile-friendly! Visit our growing family of exit guides: I-4 Exit Guide, I-5 Exit Guide, I-10 Exit Guide, I-75 Exit Guide, and I-95 Exit Guide. Detailed exit service listings… discount lodging, camping, food, gas and more for every exit along the way!
