Home to over half of Yosemite National Park, there’s no shortage of stunning scenery in Tuolumne County. As the winter’s chill melts away, wildflowers take over the destinations walking trails, meadows and train tracks offering visitors several colourful pathways through the vibrant landscape and past dramatic waterfalls roaring back to life.
Painting the landscape with vibrant shades of yellow, blue, purple, and orange, the wildflower season lasts several months thanks to the varying elevations across the county so visitors can enjoy wildflowers from March to September. The arrival of Spring also sees the return of the seasonal Sonora Farmers Market, offering farm-fresh goods, flowers, and products from local merchants..
Walk amongst Wildflowers in Tuolumne Meadows
Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is a large, open subalpine meadow graced by the winding Tuolumne River and surrounded by majestic peaks and domes. Rich blue gentians, alpine goldenrod, corn lilies, red columbine, and fireweed bloom here from August to September and create a carpet of colour on the meadow floor. The Meadows is the perfect place to take an easy hike and take in the stunning scenery and wildlife of the iconic national park.
Enjoy a Scenic Train Ride
Take one Wildflower train ride through California’s scenic Gold Country at Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, go back in time and take in beautiful views of the Gold Country on a historic steam or diesel locomotive. The wildflower rides run throughout April and take riders on a six-mile, 45-minute round trip journey through the rolling foothills with an Interpretive Park Ranger.
Discover waterfalls in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
As the snow melts from the mountains, waterfalls come back to life, the Wapama Falls trail through the Hetch Hetchy valley is one of the lesser trodden paths in Yosemite and the perfect hike to get away from the crowds. The 5.5 mile hike takes visitors along the reservoir, over footbridges and finishes at the impressive 420 metre long Wapama falls. Spring also brings native wildflowers to the valley including lupine, wallflower, monkey flower, and buttercups.
Kennedy Meadows
Kennedy Meadows is located 60 miles East of Sonora, and nestled high in the beautiful scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The seasonal resort reopens in the Spring and a great place to start an adventure.. explore the peaceful surroundings on foot or on horseback, the resort has guided trail rides on offer that take riders through the meadows and to nearby lakes and streams. Visitors can choose from an hour’s ride up to a full day exploring the wilderness. Alternatively, visitors can come for the day, camp out in one of the campsites or stay in one of their cosy cabins.
Learn more about native Sierra Nevada wildflowers in Stanislaus National Forest
As the wildflower season approaches Stanislaus National Forest is hosting an event in March to share more about the native plants that grow in the area. Visitors can learn about the wildflower species they might see as they explore the different elevations of the Stanislaus National Forest and get to know the best places to search for wildflowers and what to look for when they are out and about in the forest.
