The name rolls off the tongue quite easily once you know how to say it, but don’t try to sound it out! Tuolumne (as in follow me) is 117 miles southeast of Sacramento. Most people in the county center around the town of Sonora with 5,200 of the total county population of 55,800.
The main Highways 108 and 120 lead to incredible natural vistas approximately a three-hour drive from the Bay Area. Highway 49 is considered to be the most scenic and direct routes coming from the North and West into the North Yosemite entrance.
The two mountain passes in Tuolumne County, Sonora Pass (9,628-feet) and Tioga Pass (9,941-feet) are the highest in the Sierra Nevada range and are closed from November through May. Tuolumne County’s transit system, TCT, serves the larger communities in Tuolumne County: Sonora, Jamestown, Columbia, Tuolumne, Twain Harte, Sierra Village, and Groveland.

The county is served by 12 public school districts, one main library and 7 branch libraries. Most students (about 1,000) attend Sonora High School, followed by Summerville with about 700 students and Tioga High school with 130 students. There are four private schools in the county with enrollments over 50. Columbia College is located in Tuolumne County and provides access to higher education for 2,700 students. It is located on more than 200 acres of forest land adjacent to Columbia State Historic Park. Board of Supervisor and other government information is here.
Tuolumne County is home to historic gold mining towns, world-renowned Yosemite National Park, and numerous gourmet restaurants and wineries. For more visit the Destination Guide.
For the history of Tuolumne visit the Tuolumne County Museum or choose from the full list of small museums in the area.
The Motherlode Round-up in May features a rodeo and parade bringing people from all around to experience this beautiful County. See the annual events page for more and the recreation guide for all the activities.