Five sure signs that spring has returned to Tuolumne County, plan now for a spring getaway or a summer vacation.
Spring in Tuolumne County means rafting on the Tuolumne River, stargazing at the new Under Canvas, and Wapama Falls at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
With the longer days and warmer temperatures, Tuolumne County’s menu of outdoor recreation naturally changes to a robust array of activities for spring, summer and fall. Visit Tuolumne County can guide visitors through planning a seasonal trip to this destination that blends the High Sierra, Yosemite National Park and the Gold Country.
Wildflowers are the surest sign of spring. Tuolumne County boasts a very long wildflower season – through September in some places – thanks to its varying elevations. Visit Tuolumne County offers a guide to the best places to enjoy the wildflower blooms here.
Waterfalls are flowing in Yosemite National Park and throughout Tuolumne County. Some can be viewed right from the road, like at the Donnell Vista Point on Highway 108, while many in Yosemite National Park can be reached on trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Find a guide at www.visittuolumne.com/find-waterfalls.
Horseback riding is one of the best ways to feel at one with nature. The horses are ready to saddle up now with Smith Station Stables at Firefall Ranch. Pack stations and outfitters like Kennedy Meadows and Aspen Meadow are booking now for trail rides and overnight trips beginning in May. Find resources at www.visittuolumne.com/horseback-riding.
Whitewater rafting season has already begun on the Tuolumne River. Water released from upstream sources like Hetch Hetchy Reservoir guarantees a robust flow for up to Class 5 rapids through Labor Day. Expert and reputable guide services each provide a unique specialty to the river experience, from mild to wild and one day outings to overnight adventures in California’s premier whitewater wilderness. Learn more at www.visittuolumne.com/whitewater-rafting.
Fishing Season is here. Trout season is April 25-November 15, 2026. In Tuolumne County, you can also cast a line for bass, kokanee, salmon, catfish, crappie, and bluegill across more than 78 lakes and waterways. Need gear? Book a guided fishing trip with an experienced local fishing guide who can provide gear, navigate the best fishing spots, and even clean your catch. No boat? Rentals are available at Pinecrest Lake Marina, and at both Suntex and Moccasin Point Marinas on Lake Don Pedro. Learn more at www.visittuolumne.com/fishing-boating.
What’s New in Tuolumne County
Under Canvas opened its first resort in California on April 16, just 10 minutes from Yosemite National Park’s Big Oak Flat entrance station with a designated YARTS transportation stop on site. The safari-inspired camp includes café dining, West Elm furnishings, en suite bathrooms, an Adventure Concierge on site and a nightly firepit and s’mores. Reservations are open through October 26 (and April 15-October 27, 2027).
Yosemite National Park will not require reservations to visit Yosemite National Park. Most visitors will need a digital Entrance Pass, which can be purchased online in advance at Recreation.gov. Cash is not accepted at the gates so purchasing the pass online in advance is advised.
The Park Superintendent is implementing innovative, real-time, boots-on-the-ground management to reduce crowding, but research shows that 75% of park guests only visit 5% of the park.
Beyond Yosemite Valley, a printable online brochure, provides locations and directions to 30 trails apart from the famous valley. See www.visittuolumne.com/explore-beyond-yosemite_valley_map_2025_web_version.pdf
Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) offers numerous pickup spots in Tuolumne County, located near popular hotels, resorts, parks and campgrounds. YARTS tickets include the park entry fee. Passengers ride in modern, comfortable motorcoaches and are free to watch the scenery, not the traffic and parking. Inside the park, the choices of destinations include the north route to Tuolumne Meadows and beyond, or south to Yosemite Valley. See www.YARTS.com
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. 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.
