Yosemite’s Tuolumne County expands over California’s Gold Country, High Sierra and the lion’s share of the northern portion of Yosemite National Park. With an area of just over 1.45 million acres, Tuolumne County is recognised for pristine, scenic vistas reaching into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains providing miles of trails for hikers in the great outdoors and a paradise for those looking to reconnect with nature, fresh mountain air and wide-open spaces.
A wealth of experiences are on offer for winter travellers including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and hiking as well as activities for those who enjoy playing and sliding in the snow. The Family friendly Dodge Ridge Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding minus the crowds of massive ski complexes for a more relaxing holiday on the slopes. Just next door is Leland High Sierra Snow Play’s groomed tubing hill – ideal for families with young children. Those seeking a more remote adventure can head into the wilderness of the Stanislaus National Forest and enjoy guided snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails. Further northeast, in Yosemite National Park, a visit to Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is a must for a wander amongst pine giants with a pretty frosting of snow and for hikers, there are several routes around the majestic Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
For UK travellers, British Airways flies nonstop to San Francisco International from London in just under 11 hours and from Ireland, Aer Lingus’ nonstop to San Francisco from Dublin will restart on 12 December 2021 with four times weekly
New Hotels in Sonora
Opened by longtime Tuolumne County locals, Steve and Cindy Zelinsky and their daughter Parkyre Zelinksy-Salcedo, the Royal Olive Manor is rich with local history. Located in downtown Sonora – one of Tuolumne’s seven authentic gold rush towns – each room in the Royal Olive Manor is named after a captivating woman who once lived on site, since it was built with local lumber in the late 1800’s. Zelinsky’s goal is to keep this history alive, retaining the original décor that holds a special place in Tuolumne County’s history, whilst also adding modern day touches like a pizza oven. Like most accommodation in Tuolumne County, there are some residents that can be seen and not heard…a friendly spirit who goes by the name of Peter often leaves handprints around the property.
Hotel Lumberjack is the newest kid on the block in downtown Sonora. The renovated motel is inspired by East European Design and focuses on functionality with a sleek design. Each of the 34 newly designed rooms have multiple seating areas and were designed with the understanding that Californians (alongside the world) are moving towards a hybrid work-travel lifestyle. Each room’s design supports this lifestyle, whereby families and friends have their own working spaces to take a video call or just sit and relax. Longer stay guests will appreciate the in-room facilities, including a coffee maker, fridge and microwave. The exterior provides a Mediterranean feel with lots of outdoor spaces in which to relax and enjoy the mountain surroundings.
New Experiences
Located in Yosemite National Park, in 2021 Rush Creek welcomed a brand new indoor/outdoor spa filled with experiences and treatments inspired by the natural beauty and power of Yosemite. Rush Creek Spa have reImagined Yosemite’s magnificent waterfalls, granite formations, glaciers, hot springs, fragrant wildflowers and the stirring sounds of wildlife, into one beautiful spa experience overlooking the park. A multitude of ‘a la carte’ treatments are available to treat weary hikers’ limbs and restore energy, including the custom Warm Waterfall Rejuvenation Station. The innovative experience was inspired by an experience the Spa Director had in nearby Carlon Falls, a favourite hike amongst the locals.
En route to Yosemite is Grovelands newest brewery, Around the Horn Brewing Company, which offers a rotating beer selection with quirky names, including the Tip Top Lollipop, Hetch Hetchy Haze and Sentinel Sunrise. Born in Yosemite and brewed in the Gold Country, the craft brewery shows their commitment to preserving the history of the building and surrounds using local artisans to restore much of the brewery, including the bar. In addition to serving innovative small plates, the brewery sells “Crowlers” (their take on the craft-beer-growler), allowing visitors to take their favourite beer on a hike through Yosemite.
For more information on travel in Yosemite’s Tuolumne County, visit www.visittuolumne.com
