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< PreviousPioneer Spotlights At the height of the California Gold Rush there were over 100 wineries in the Sierra foothills. It is believed that the primary varietal during the time was Zinfandel. Now with four wineries, Tuolumne County has kept the wine legacy alive in Gold Country. In addition, Tuolumne County offers three breweries and a cidery. If you are someone who loves enjoying a glass of award-winning wine, craft beer, or hard apple cider, then hop on the Tuolumne County Craft Beverage Trail, and visit one or all of the area’s inviting tasting rooms, breweries, and wineries. Around the Horn Brewing Co. RACHEL SABATINE, OWNER VTC: How long have you been making beer in Tuolumne County? ATH: We opened our doors in July 2020. VTC: Why did you choose this region to start your brewing company? ATH: Who wouldn’t want to live within 25 miles of Yosemite National Park, one of the most beautiful locations in the world?! We are fortunate to brew using water from Hetch Hetchy, the reservoir within Yosemite National Park. It’s some of the cleanest, crispest water on the planet and is an amazingly pure base for our beer. TC: What is your favorite part about making beer? ATH: We love playing with different ingredients to add depth to our beer. For IPAs, that means using unique hop varietals, innovative hopping techniques, and new forms of hops. For sours and stouts we like to push the envelope on fruit combinations and complementary flavors, such as with our award-winning Tip Top Lollipop: Mixed Berry Pie, which used blackberry, black currant, cranberry, cherry, apricot, cinnamon, vanilla, and lactose. VTC: How long does it take to make a batch of beer? ATH: It depends on the type of yeast we’re using. Lagers and Pilsners take a minimum of seven weeks. Ales take approximately three weeks. Ale yeast is used for most of our products: IPAs, sours, blondes, stouts, etc. VTC: What is one thing that you would want everyone to know about Around the Horn? ATH: We believe that there is a beer for everyone (who is 21 or older, of course!). Even if you’re not usually a beer drinker, there is probably something on our draft board that you are going to enjoy, because we’re all about variety. Plus, we make our own hard seltzer and beer slushies in the warmer months. For those who don’t drink, we have plenty of non-alcoholic options. And we also serve food, such as our famous pretzels with homemade beer cheese and our Around the Horn-style Cuban sandwich. Around the Horn Brewing Company Scan code to sign-up for the Craft Beverage Trail! R a c h e l & A n d re w Sab at in e 10 / 2025 TUOLUMNE COUNTY TRAVEL GUIDECredit: Indigeny Reserve Inner Sanctum Cellars Basecamp Credit: Jennifer Rapoza Inner Sanctum Cellars Basecamp KAREN LUCKHARDT, OWNER VTC: How long have you been making wine in Tuolumne County? ISC: Since 2011 VTC: Why did you choose this region to start your winery and tasting room? ISC: We have lived here for 44 years and once in the business we knew the soil of Tuolumne County would grow great grapes, especially Spanish varietals. VTC: What is your favorite part about making wine? ISC: Harvest, actually picking the grapes and helping process them with our winemaker. VTC: How long does it take to make a batch of wine? ISC: It takes six to eight months for our white wines and two years for our reds. VTC: What is one thing that you would want everyone to know about Inner Sanctum Cellars? ISC: All of our wines are made with grapes grown here and along the Highway 49 (Gold Country) corridor. We specially choose small vineyards (three to five acres) because the growers have more time to watch the growth of the grapes. Inner Sanctum Cellars Basecamp not only has wine, but a taproom with eight taps with as many local beers as possible. We also carry local cider. Indigeny Reserve JAY WATSON, CO-OWNER VTC: How long have you been producing cider in Tuolumne County? IR: Ten plus years, and many more to go! VTC: Why did you choose this region to start your business? IR: We started with the intention of preserving of old apple orchards. VTC: What is your favorite part about making cider? IR: Getting into the science of how to create a blend and working in the alcohol beverage industry. VTC: How long does it take to make a batch of cider? IR: It can take six to nine weeks. VTC: What is one thing that you would want everyone to know about Indigeny Reserve? IR: We are on 120 acres of apple orchards, from harvest to bottle the operation is on-site. We are family oriented and offer so many different ways to enjoy our place from cider tasting, picnicking, biking, hiking, disc golf, and more. C r e d i t : In diaS u tt o n P ete& K a r e n L u c k h a r d t J a y W a t s o n VISITTUOLUMNE.COM / 11STANISLAUS NATIONAL FOREST HEADQUARTERS 209-532-3671 19777 Greenley Rd, Sonora SUMMIT RANGER DISTRICT (HWY 108) 209-965-3434 TDD Device for the Deaf: 209-965-0488 1 Pinecrest Lake Rd, Pinecrest GROVELAND RANGER DISTRICT (HWY 120) 209-962-7825 TDD Device for the Deaf: 209-962-6406 24545 Hwy 120, Groveland CALAVERAS RANGER DISTRICT (HWY 4) 209-795-1381 TDD Device for the Deaf: 209-795-2854 5519 Hwy 4, PO Box 500, Hathaway Pines Ask for informational guides: ◆ Wilderness Permits and Tips ◆ Camping in the National Forest ◆ Accessible Recreation Opportunities ◆ Fuel Wood Cutting ◆ Hiking Trails ◆ Horseback Riding ◆ Whitewater Rafting ◆ OHV Use ◆ Hunting Tips ◆ Fishing Tips Stanislaus National Forest and Tuolumne County’s High Sierra offer magnificent vistas, trails, lakes, rivers and streams that create endless opportunities for camping, hiking, biking, boating and rafting, fishing, horseback riding, and winter sports featuring breathtaking scenery and fresh mountain air. fs.usda.gov/stanislaus Stanislaus National Forest Experience the High Sierra Stanislaus National Forest Credit: @Honeytrek 12 / 2025 TUOLUMNE COUNTY TRAVEL GUIDEAspen Meadow Credit: Emily Taylor The history of packers in Tuolumne County dates back to the 1800s, when packers had an essential role in the California Gold Rush. Packers were used to bring supplies to gold mining camps throughout the Sierra Nevada mountains and Gold Country. Following the Gold Rush, the High Sierra saw an exploration and recreational boom that continues today. Tuolumne County embraces its packing history with two pack stations, Aspen Meadow and Kennedy Meadows. Both are open seasonally, May-October, and provide horseback trail rides and pack trips. Aspen Meadow Pack Station SETH DIEMEL, CO-OWNER VTC: How long have you been packing in the High Sierra? AM: Aspen Meadows Pack Station Inc. was established in 1929 and has been packing into the Emigrant Wilderness ever since. It has changed ownership multiple times over the years but has always provided day rides along with overnight pack trips into the Emigrant Wilderness. VTC: What is your favorite part of packing? AM: This type of work is extremely rewarding because we get to provide access to a wide range of people who all want to use this wilderness. You are fortunate enough to take kids on their very first horseback ride or take families on backcountry trips. The memories created by these adventures are incredible and often become yearly traditions for families. VTC: How long does it take to prepare for a pack trip? AM: Pack trips are completely custom for each group. So, trips vary depending on if the party is just using us for transportation to their destination, or if we will be providing the entire camp along with a cook and gear. Typically, customers book their trips at least a month in advance, but we operate seven days a week all summer so there are always options. VTC: What is one thing that you would want everyone to know about packing? AM: Packing into the Sierra allows families to experience their public lands in an extremely unique way. Riding horses is an experience people never forget, and camping at High Sierra lakes is unmatched. Pioneer Spotlight VISITTUOLUMNE.COM / 13Twain Harte High Sierra Itinerary Explore Tuolumne County’s High Sierra Highway 108 is the path for the explorer and adventure seeker alike. Known for lovely waterfalls in spring, colorful wildflowers in summer, vivid foliage in fall, and snow adventures in winter, the trip is full of beauty year-round.* The Highway 108 corridor is one that is nostalgic for families that have ascended to their favorite spots for generations. Traveling east on Highway 108, you’ll go through the towns of Jamestown and Sonora, where you can stop to explore, grab some food and water, and top off the gas tank. As you venture up in elevation, see the landscape change from rolling oak- covered hills to steeper, forested mountains, and granite peaks. Places to Visit: TWAIN HARTE The town named for authors Mark Twain and Bret Harte is small but has much to offer in the way of unique shops, restaurants, distinctive lodging options, activities, and charm. Twain Harte is an ideal option as a basecamp for your road trip with easy access to all sorts of recreational activities on the Stanislaus National Forest, which frames much of Highway 108. Putting a round at Twain Harte Miniature Golf is a must-do. It’s a simple and cute vintage course that’s over 65 years old, but don’t be fooled–you’re in for a challenging and very fun game! Take a selfie at the iconic giant root beer mug in the center of town, browse the town’s quaint shops, and stay locally in a vacation rental or bed and breakfast inn. During the summer months, the lively Thursday night “Mountain Air Market” features local artisans, food vendors, and live music. On Saturday nights, the “Concerts in the Pines” live music series in Eproson Park will get you dancing or at least singing along. Both events are free! PINECREST LAKE Take your time to soak in the scenery and the smell of the pine trees as you wind your way up the mountain through small villages to Pinecrest Lake, a family-favorite destination for generations. It’s easy to see why it’s special…there’s not much that you can’t do there. Hike around the lake, fish, rent a boat (there are several types to choose from), picnic, swim, sunbathe, bird watch (bald eagles are often spotted), and camp. A real treat is taking in a ranger program then catching a current movie at the outdoor Pinecrest Theater under the stars during the summer! Tip: On weekends during summer months, plan to arrive early. Parking can become full. That’s not all! Near Pinecrest you can play disc golf or mountain bike at Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort or get in the saddle for a guided trail ride into the wilderness at Aspen Meadow Pack Station. 14 / 2025 TUOLUMNE COUNTY TRAVEL GUIDEHighway 108 Credit: Carsten Sevier @carstensevierphoto Donnell Vista Credit: @Honeytrek Pinecrest Lake Credit: @Honeytrek Kennedy Meadows STANISLAUS NATIONAL FOREST Pinecrest Lake and most of the land surrounding Highway 108 is part of the sprawling Stanislaus National Forest. Before continuing up the highway, stop by the Summit Ranger Station located right on Highway 108 and Pinecrest Lake Road. Knowledgeable rangers provide useful information and maps to help you get the very most of your time, including up-to-date trail and road information. Here are just a few ideas for things to do on the Stanislaus National Forest... ◆ Start with a look into the culture of the original inhabitants of the area, the Me-Wuk. The Shadow of the Mi- Wok Trail is directly across the street from the Summit Ranger Station and offers an easy ¼ mile walk through an outdoor exhibit showing the Me-Wuk Indians’ way of life. ◆ If you’re up for an unusual hike, try the Trail of the Gargoyles off Herring Creek Road near Strawberry. The trail winds through some interesting volcanic features that resemble gargoyles. Take in the views and the feeling that you may be on another planet. ◆ Stop at Donnell Vista to take the short, leisurely walk to a dramatic scenic overlook safely perched high above Donnell Reservoir. Sweeping views of the reservoir below and the peculiar rock formations off in the distance, the Dardanelles, will have you mesmerized. KENNEDY MEADOWS Heading toward Sonora Pass, the summit of Highway 108 at 9,623 feet, you’ll come to Kennedy Meadows before the final ascent. This is where you’ll truly feel like a mountaineer. The remoteness and beauty resonate with adventure seekers, but you don’t need to be a hard-core outdoors person to enjoy this area. The team at Kennedy Meadows Resort and Pack Station will make you feel right at home with extensive amenities and activities. The amenities at the rustic cabin resort include a full-service restaurant, saloon, and general store–all open to the public. A popular activity at Kennedy Meadows is horseback riding. Join a guided trail ride into the wilderness and see the mountains the way the pioneers did. A trip to Relief Reservoir or beyond into the Emigrant Wilderness is one-of-a-kind. Fish until your heart’s content and your limit is met on the Stanislaus River, which runs through the resort and surrounding forests and meadows. It is excellent for trout fishing. Or, pack a daypack and venture out on your own on a nearby trail. QUE DE PORKA OVERLOOK For a short and fun addition to your trip, drive a mile east of the Kennedy Meadows turnoff on Highway 108 and wind through the interesting rock feature, “Que de Porka” which translates to “pig’s tail.” Just beyond it is an overlook that offers a high vantage point of Kennedy Meadows making for an obvious photo opportunity. SONORA PASS One of the most spectacular mountain passes you will ever experience, Sonora Pass offers incredible vistas, late spring waterfalls and brilliant fall color. This pass closes for winter, but spring welcomes the season’s first road trippers, many on the Epic High Sierra Loop driving Sonora Pass to Highway 395 to Highway 120, Tioga Pass, back through Yosemite National Park. Put this one on your bucket list! COME IN THE WINTER FOR “SNOW” MUCH FUN Not only is the Highway 108 corridor full of fair-weather adventure and fun, but it also provides the closest snow to the San Francisco Bay Area in the winter. Come up and ski or snowboard at Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort, or enjoy safe, family-fun snow tubing at Leland Meadows High Sierra Snowplay and ice skating at The Long Barn Lodge Ice Rink. Tip: Check the road conditions before you go at roads.dot.ca.gov or call 1-800-427-7623. *Highway 108/Sonora Pass closes for the winter, generally November through May, beyond Leland Meadows every year. Donnell Vista, Kennedy Meadows, the Que de Porka Overlook and other areas above 6,300 feet elevation are not accessible during that time. VISITTUOLUMNE.COM / 15Top 10 tips for visiting Yosemite National Park Explore Yosemite National Park and Nearby Areas Day-Use Reservations May Be Required Get more information about day-use reservation requirements for the last three weekends of February and peak season in 2025 at nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm 95% of visitors only see 5% of Yosemite. Explore the less visited and uncrowded areas outside the Valley Floor – like Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. Visit the park November through March when it is much less crowded, and you’ll get the best of fall colors and beautiful winter scenes. Take alternate transportation like YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) or tour guide providers, and you will not need a day-use reservation! Plan ahead and reserve area lodging for peak season and weekends early. Sign up to receive text alerts from the park. Text YNPTraffic to 333111. While in Yosemite Valley, once parked, travel around by foot, free shuttle, or bike (bike rentals available seasonally). Dogs are allowed on paved trails, roads, in campgrounds (except walk-in campgrounds), and in parking lots where indicated. Dogs must be on a leash at all times and picked up after. Do not leave dogs unattended. Call ahead for current road and weather conditions, especially in winter: 209-372-0200. GPS is unreliable in and around the park; utilize paper maps to get around. The southern area of Tuolumne County has its crown jewel, Yosemite National Park, but there’s so much more than that. Spend some time in the quaint and friendly town of Groveland where there are unique shopping opportunities, lodging options, and delicious dining with world-class recreational opportunities like golf, mountain biking, fishing, and whitewater rafting. Read more about this area at visittuolumne.com/yosemite. 16 / 2025 TUOLUMNE COUNTY TRAVEL GUIDEHetch Hetchy Reservoir Tuolumne Meadows Credit: Jackie Matthews/Fun Light Photography Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias Nearby Areas Park Information & Roads: 209-372-0200 Lodging Reservations: 888-413-8869 Camping Reservations: 877-444-6777 TDD Device for the Deaf: 877-833-6777 PO Box 577, Yosemite nps.gov/yose Over half of Yosemite National Park is located in Tuolumne County—it’s the least crowded half too. Walk amongst majestic towering trees in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias or explore the unmatched scenery of Tuolumne Meadows and Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Highway 120 leading into the park is designated by the State of California as the Northern Yosemite Highway and is the shortest and most direct route to Yosemite from the San Francisco Bay Area and all points north. The route is open year-round into Yosemite Valley. As you head towards Yosemite, be sure to stop in Groveland at the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum, which is open year-round, the museum is a great place to learn about the area’s cultural and natural history and to pick up some souvenirs. Accommodations are available along Highway 120 in Groveland and beyond. Plan Your Trip! VISITTUOLUMNE.COM / 17Downtown Groveland Credit: Local Freshies and High Sierra Visitors Council The Highway 120 corridor is the most direct route to iconic Yosemite National Park from the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. Not only does it provide convenient passage to the park, it also offers a road trip where there’s something for everyone in your party, from the history buff to the outdoor adventurer. This itinerary begins from the west and heads east along Highway 120. It can certainly be done in reverse from the east, heading west. LAKE DON PEDRO Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Lake Don Pedro offers 160 miles of shoreline and thousands of acres of water surface for a plethora of activities. Fish from the shore or on the water, rent a ski boat, kayak, or paddle board. Rent a houseboat for a relaxing, star-studded overnight stay. Developed trails, day-use areas, and campgrounds provide land-based fun. Continuing east toward the town of Groveland, make a stop at Around the Horn Brewing Company, a popular destination for visitors and locals. Relax with a glass of one of their continuously changing craft brews (there’s even some for non-beer lovers) a tasty meal, and maybe a cornhole game in the shaded beer garden. GROVELAND AREA DOWNTOWN GROVELAND Groveland, a gateway town to Yosemite, played a key role in the California Gold Rush, and in the history of Yosemite and even the city of San Francisco, 145 miles away. Discover the cultural and natural stories of the area at the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum, located at Mary Laveroni Park and open year-round. The town isn’t very large, so leave the car parked and wander on foot if you would like. Explore Main Street to find unique shops, including recreation supplies stores, restaurants, coffee shops, nursery (with California native plants), and the longest continuously operating saloon in California, the Iron Door Saloon. PINE MOUNTAIN LAKE Visit Pine Mountain Lake on the outskirts of town to play a round at the public, championship Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course that boasts spectacular views of Yosemite’s peaks (club and cart rentals are available), and enjoy a meal at the adjacent Grill, also featuring great views. For a mild Wild West adventure, saddle up for a horseback ride at the Pine Mountain Lake Equestrian Center. STANISLAUS NATIONAL FOREST Continuing on, Highway 120 passes through the Stanislaus Yosemite Area Itinerary Experience Tuolumne County’s Yosemite and Beyond 18 / 2025 TUOLUMNE COUNTY TRAVEL GUIDELake Don Pedro Yosemite Pines RV Resort and Family Lodging Carlon Falls Credit: Local Freshies® High Sierra Visitors Council Pine Mountain Lake Equestrian Center National Forest, which borders Yosemite National Park. The national forest is a haven for adventure seekers with choices of activities like whitewater rafting, biking, fishing, hiking, and camping. Stop by the Groveland Ranger Station, where helpful rangers can answer questions and provide maps and current information about trails and more. Here are a few ideas to make the most of your visit to the national forest: ◆ Whitewater rafting with up to Class V runs on the Wild and Scenic Tuolumne River is thrilling and creates life-long memories. There are several local outfitters ready to take you on an exciting, world-class rafting adventure, each offering their own specialties. ◆ The Tuolumne River also has optimal water for fishing. If you’ve tried fly-fishing or are an avid angler, you know the exhilaration that comes with being stream-side, casting a line. If you haven’t tried it or would just like to go out with a local guide, ECHO Adventure Cooperative can take you for a couple hours or a whole day. ◆ Get your gears moving on two wheels. New, exciting mountain bike trails are being built and expanded on a regular basis by a team of devoted volunteers of Groveland Trail Heads. Within the Ferretti Road Non-Motorized Trail Network, just outside of Groveland, is a 1.3-mile bike-only trail that features long drops, log ride, jumps, berms, and rollers. The features have go-arounds so they can be avoided, making the trail accessible for all skill levels. Don’t have bikes with you? Rent some in town. ◆ Miller’s Off-Road Adventures offers Jeep tours that will fill your sense of adventure as you take off on dirt roads and through creeks and streams. YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Day-use reservations may be required during peak season periods. Get information at nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm Top off your gas tank, or charge up, grab some snacks and water, and head to Yosemite National Park. Famous for its iconic granite monoliths like Half Dome and the gushing waterfalls in Yosemite Valley, the park has a quieter, less crowded side. Over half of the park is in Tuolumne County where there’s room to roam in less crowded surroundings at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, and Tuolumne Meadows. HETCH HETCHY RESERVOIR Head east on Highway 120 toward Yosemite, turn left on Evergreen Road and venture to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. You’ll get glimpses of it from the road but once there you will find the expansive deep blue lake, which is the water source for much of San Francisco, surrounded by impressive granite peaks. Cross the O’Shaughnessy Dam, walk through the tunnel, and hike the uncrowded lake-side trail to waterfalls that are comparable in beauty to their more famous rivals in Yosemite Valley. (Visit website to check if day- use reservations are required to enter this area.) Tips: Arrive early as parking is limited and the road is open for limited hours (varies seasonally). Bring plenty of water and sturdy shoes. TUOLUMNE GROVE OF GIANT SEQUOIAS Head through the Big Oak Flat entrance of the park, take Highway 120 east at Crane Flat, and park at the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias trailhead (1 mile east of Crane Flat). Enjoy a peaceful hike to and through the grove of massive thousands-of-years old trees. Although it is the smallest of Yosemite’s three Sequoia groves, the trees and landscape plus the wildlife you may see are inspiring none-the-less. TUOLUMNE MEADOWS If you have time to travel farther, continue east on Highway 120 (Tioga Road) to Tuolumne Meadows, you won’t be disappointed with the drive and the views. This historic road winds through the higher elevations of Yosemite offering unbelievable views of Half Dome and Tenaya Lake along the way. Suddenly the forest and surrounding granite cliffs open up and the expanse of spectacular Tuolumne Meadows is in front of you. Beautiful trails around the meadow and along the crystal- clear Tuolumne River await hikers of all skill levels. Note: Tioga Road is closed during winter. GET MORE IDEAS AT VISITTUOLUMNE.COM/YOSEMITE VISITTUOLUMNE.COM / 19Next >