July 2024 - The economy is always a hot topic in an election year.  In times of uncertainty, the search for gold - that elusive substance that is the basis of U.S. currency - is a popular activity, especially in the heart of California's Gold Country, Tuolumne County.

The where and how are easy to discover.  Start at Columbia State Historic Park to learn about California's Gold Rush and how prospectors worked the land and the waters in the hopes of finding a fortune.

Matelot Gulch Mining, at the end of the main street, offers gold panning activities that are informative and fun for all ages.  Prices for panning adventures are good for the whole day so visitors can spend as much time as they like searching for real natural gold and gemstones.   

The shop was built in the mid 1800's and was originally a beekeeper's cabin. The cabin was originally located on Shaws Flat Road and was relocated about three miles to Columbia State Historic Park in the mid 1900's. To this day, the structure remains the only privately owned building in Columbia State Historic Park and has been family owned and operated for more than 50 years. (Photo courtesy of Matelot Gulch Mining)

To dig deeper, literally and figuratively, book a visit to “Nugget Nick” Prebalick and his team at California Gold Panning in Jamestown.  The website alone is like hitting paydirt, with information about the Gold Rush, gold in Tuolumne County and the history of Wood's Creek, where the company operates.

From school groups and field trips to corporate and team building events, the goal is to get everyone into the act of panning and sluicing. Experiences can last from one to four hours or even a full day. The two-day adventure is designed for novice or expert gold miners who want to learn more about mining or just want more time at the claim.  Their motto: “You will get dirty, you will get muddy, you will have fun!” (Photo courtesy of California Gold Panning)

NEW ROOMS ARE READY AND THERE'S PLENTY OF SPACE

Travel is expected to reach new heights this year.  Bagging a hotel reservation inside a National Park may be next to impossible (see the item below about hacking Yosemite reservations), but availability isn't a problem just outside park boundaries in the rolling hills, tall pines and clear Sierra air of Tuolumne County. 

“Occupancy rates are running below average for the season so it's an excellent time to visit,” said Lisa Mayo, president and CEO of Visit Tuolumne County. “Yosemite is an iconic draw but there is also an abundance of unforgettable scenery and recreation throughout the 1,467,300 acres of this county.”

Two new hotels are welcoming guests:

Firefall Ranch opened in May 2024 with 55 thoughtfully designed, stand-alone cottages and villas dispersed amongst 300 acres of serene meadowland and forested rolling hills.  Located on Highway 120 between Groveland and the entrance to Yosemite National Park, rotating seasonal and daily activities include nightly fireside s'mores, stargazing, crafts, wine tastings, and more. The heated pool and hot tubs offer family-friendly fun in the summer and romantic sunsets in quieter seasons. Outdoor activities include bocce ball, horseshoes, ping pong, hammocks, and serene scenic vistas. The signature Restaurant at Firefall Ranch presents an upscale yet playful approach to modern mountain cuisine.  (Photo courtesy of Firefall Ranch)

Chicken Ranch Casino Resort in Jamestown started welcoming guests on July 15 to what is now the largest hotel in Tuolumne County.  The messaging may be lighthearted (it's an all-new egg-citing “cluxury” casino resort, where the ordinary flies the coop) but design and hospitality are serious business at the nine-story resort with 197 hotel rooms and suites, a collection of restaurants and bars, more than 100,000 square feet of gaming and 12,000 square feet of meeting space. (Photo courtesy of Chicken Ranch Casino Resort)

A fun new pool area awaits guests at the Black Oak Casino Resort, with a dedicated kids' play area featuring a full play structure complete with exciting slides and a splashing water bucket. The kids' pool is up to three feet deep, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for children of all ages.  The resort also offers a 57' traditional pool where adults can relax too.  It's the latest upgrade to the family fun offerings, including the new and improved Black Oak Lanes, the only bowling alley in Tuolumne County, now featuring Spark technology for a truly interactive bowling experience.  Elevate, an indoor action park, includes Trampoline Jumping, Dodgeball, Battle Beam, Junior Jump Zone, Ninja Course, two Axe Throwing Stations, four Golf/MultiSport Simulators and new batting cages for an unforgettable visit.  (Photo courtesy of Black Oak Casino Resort).

Whether located near the gates to Yosemite, among the woods and waterways of the Stanislaus National Forest or within the charming Gold Rush towns of the Sierra foothills, Tuolumne County offers a variety of lodging options, from modern resorts and quaint B&Bs to rustic cabins, campgrounds and RV parks or anything in between for unforgettable visit.

HOW TO HACK THE YOSEMITE RESERVATION RULES

Millions of people from around the globe visit Yosemite National Park from April through October.  Yosemite Valley is the main destination for most visitors but there are many places to go in the park.

To mitigate the impact of this popularity, the National Park Service has implemented a reservation system for peak periods.

Reservations are required to drive into or through the park daily from 5 am to 4 pm on July 1 through Aug. 16.  Reservations are required on weekends and holidays only on Aug. 17-Oct. 27.  Availability may be limited on some days. 

For more information about Yosemite reservations, including availability, see https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm.

If there are no reservations available – or you just don't like being pinned down – here are four “hacks” to visiting Yosemite this summer.

1. The Hetch Hetchy Hack

You can visit the Hetch Hetchy area of the park when it is open (sunrise to sunset) without a reservation. (However, delays are possible once parking fills.)

Use the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park, located on CA Highway 120 roughly 24 miles (39 km) east of Groveland, CA.

Highway 120 is the most direct route into Yosemite National Park from the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and Northern California locations.  Win-win!

Highway 120 is also the route to other spectacular but less crowded parts of the park.  Walk in the splendor of ancient giant sequoias  in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, which is located just off of Highway 120 East (also known as the Tioga Road) and accessible year-round. Or, travel a bit further during the  summer months and catch your breath in the astounding scenery of Tuolumne Meadows. 

2. The YARTS Hack

If you enter the park on a Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) bus you do not need an additional reservation or permit.

3. The Tour Hack

If you enter the park with a park-authorized tour group, you do not need an additional reservation or permit.

Several companies offer guided tours into the park.  See  https://www.visittuolumne.com/guided-tours-to-yosemite.  Companies like Echo Adventures Coop take tours into the park for activities such as hiking and backpacking.  Some hotels, like Rush Creek Lodge & Spa offer tours for their guests and other visitors.

4. The “Off Peak” Hack

You do not need a reservation if you enter the park before 5:00am or after 4:00pm. You must arrive at an entrance station (other than Hetch Hetchy, which does not require reservations) before 5 am or after 4 pm. If you are planning to visit after peak hours, please do not arrive before 4 pm; vehicles blocking roads will be cited.

ICONIC EXPERIENCES EXTEND BEYOND YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

If peak-hour reservations at Yosemite National Park aren't available for a desired date, it's not the end of the story.

There are plenty of things to do and see in the Yosemite region that will fill the days with fun and make lifetime memories.

1. Enter the park another way. Public transportation on Yosemite Area Regional Transit System(YARTS) is available, and the YARTS ticket includes entrance into the park. Or utilize a guided tour operator, not only do you get into the park, but you'll get a fun tour too.
2. Visit Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. The reservoir inside of Yosemite is accessible without a reservation. Enjoy spectacular scenery while hiking around the reservoir that is the water source for much of San Francisco. Tip: Arrive early--parking is limited, also note that the Hetch Hetchy Road is only open sunrise to sunset.
3. Hike along the Tuolumne River to Carlon Falls. The trailhead is on the Stanislaus National Forest, but the falls, which are a great place to cool off and have a picnic, are located in Yosemite. This hike is moderately strenuous, and parking is $8 per vehicle.
4. Explore Yosemite's neighboring public lands. The Stanislaus National Forestoffers plenty of hiking and biking trails in beautiful scenery.
5. Embark on a whitewater rafting adventureon the Tuolumne River with one of several reputable outfitters. Exciting half-day trips and multi-day excursions paired with great food and company are available.
6. See the area the way the pioneers did—on horseback. Horseback ride through the countryside at the Pine Mountain Lake Equestrian Center.
7. Explore the town of Groveland. Shop, dine, golf, or mosey up to the bar at the longest continuously operating saloon in California, the Iron Door Saloon.
8. Learn about the area at the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museumwhich holds an extensive collection of cultural and natural history exhibits highlighting the area.
9. Rent a boat, swim, fish or hike at Lake Don Pedro, one of California's stunning massive reservoirs. It's dog-friendly.
10. Visit Jamestownwhere several of the town's buildings that date back to the 1870s and 1880s are occupied by quaint historic inns, restaurants, shops, brewery and wine tasting room. Stop by the Jamestown Museum at Rocca Park, and walk along the Walk of Fame, highlighting Tuolumne County's show business history. 
11. See the historic “movie star locomotive,” the Sierra No. 3®, take a ride on the excursion train ride (on weekends), and go on a tour of one of the few remaining working railroad roundhouses in America at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park.
12. Sonora, the county seat, is a great base camp for a visit to Tuolumne County. It's an easy access point to all of the surrounding area with many lodging options. Its historic downtown is home to shops, restaurants, historic buildings and fascinating museums.
13. Step back into California's Gold Rush history in Columbia State Historic Parkwhere you can stroll along wooden sidewalks, ride an authentic stagecoach (dogs welcome), pan for gold, and chat with knowledgeable and friendly townspeople dressed in period attire.
14. Experience the arts in quaint art galleries or enjoy superior live theatre performancesat Sierra Repertory Theatre or live music at outdoor summer concerts and festivals.
15. Relax at Indigeny Reserveon the lush 160 acre preserve nestled in the hills of historic Sonora. Friendly staff serve hard ciders and spirits produced on site. The shaded picnic area and trails are surrounded by organic apple orchards.
16. Get off the beaten path in the town of Tuolumne, where Black Oak Casino Resortoffers entertainment for the whole family. The Westside Trailis an easy hike with scenic views and spectacular spring wildflower displays. Pay respects at the 9/11 & War on Terrorism Memorial.
17. Boat (boat rentals available), swim, camp, hike, fish, and enjoy the scenery at the popular Pinecrest Lake.
18. Visit the town of Twain Harte, a charming mountain town boasting unique shops, dining options and a classic, vintage miniature golf course.  
19. Take a scenic drive through the High Sierra along Sonora Pass on Highway 108. Magnificent vistas, trails, lakes, rivers, and streams create endless opportunities for every outdoor enthusiast and feature breathtaking scenery and fresh mountain air.

ABOUT VISIT TUOLUMNE COUNTY

Visit Tuolumne (“to-all-o-me”) County (VTC) is the official destination marketing organization for Tuolumne County in Northern California.  Tuolumne County is just a 2.5 hour drive east of the San Francisco Bay Area. The destination is known for its pristine, scenic expanse reaching into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Gold was discovered in Tuolumne County in 1848, setting off the major gold rush of 1849. The main highways leading to the picturesque drive from the Bay Area are Highways 108 and 120 from the west and Highway 49 from the north. The State Highway 120 entrance to Yosemite National Park is considered the “front door” of the park for the Bay Area. The Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park and other surrounding areas provide natural vistas and settings for hiking, water skiing, horseback riding, rafting, camping, snowmobiling, boating, snow skiing, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Seven restored historic hotels, four golf courses, numerous and varied dining establishments, historic saloons, four wineries, a hard cider distillery, train rides, casinos, seven museums, two state historic parks, two live theaters, many bed-and-breakfast inns and a variety of Airbnb accommodations are among the many other attributes that make the county a year-round vacation destination. For more information, go to www.visittuolumne.com.

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