In California's Tuolumne County, High Sierra outdoor adventure meets Gold Country history alongside the epic landscapes of Yosemite National Park. This impossibly scenic region, stretching from the Sierra Nevada foothills to Gold Rush–era landmarks, preserves a slice of authentic California where bucolic towns, winding mountain roads, and pristine wilderness create an irresistible escape from big-city hustle and bustle. Here’s a jam-packed 24-hour itinerary that will inspire you to extend your visit.
Start with a Cozy Breakfast in Twain Harte
Begin your Tuolumne County adventure in Twain Harte, a charming community named after beloved authors Mark Twain and Bret Harte. This picturesque town, with its towering pines and elevation of 3,648 feet, welcomes early risers at The Sugar Shack, where housemade pastries and hearty breakfast dishes have earned a devoted following. The cozy, cabin-like atmosphere sets the perfect tone for a mountain morning, while specialties like the loaded breakfast burrito and the “Shack Scramble” fuel adventures ahead. During summer months, enjoy your breakfast on the deck, where the crisp mountain air mingles with the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee.
Step Back in Time at Columbia State Historic Park
A 16-mile drive west brings you to Columbia State Historic Park, the best-preserved Gold Rush town in California. This living history museum features dozens of 1850s-era buildings where costumed docents demonstrate what life was like during the gold-mining heyday. Take a ride on an authentic stagecoach, feeling the sway and bounce just as travelers did 170 years ago. Try your luck panning for gold in the same streams where prospectors once struck it rich (guides provide hands-on instruction and share tales of the mother lode).
While in Columbia, don’t miss Nelson's Columbia Candy Kitchen, a family-owned institution for five generations. Here, confectioners use original equipment and recipes to create hand-dipped chocolates and old-fashioned candies. The marble counters and vintage displays transport visitors back to a sweeter time. For additional historical immersion, enjoy a sarsaparilla at the What Cheer Saloon or catch a show at the Fallon House Theatre, home to the award-winning Sierra Repertory Theatre.
Shop and Stroll Around Sonora
Continue your journey to downtown Sonora, the county seat and a testament to thoughtful historic preservation. Known as the "Queen of the Southern Mines" during the Gold Rush, today's Sonora captivates visitors with its Victorian architecture and eclectic shopping scene. Washington Street, the main thoroughfare, offers a delightful collection of antique shops, boutiques, and galleries housed in buildings dating back to the 1850s.
Make time to visit Local Collective, a modern gathering spot created by two local families, the Wolds and Broxhams. Their craft milkshakes and small-batch ice cream are a perfect complement to area hikes or marathon retail-therapy sessions. And if you still have room in your suitcase, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of artisanal jewelry, pottery, and gifts crafted by regional makers.
Grab a Drink at California’s Oldest Saloon in Groveland
The 30-minute drive to Groveland follows Highway 49 through rolling foothills to this vibrant mining town, now a gateway to Yosemite’s majestic offerings. Step through the swinging cast-iron doors of the Iron Door Saloon, California's oldest saloon, and feel like you’ve traveled through time. Established in 1852, the tavern's ceiling is famously adorned with thousands of dollar bills, each representing a visitor's wish for good luck. According to local legend, the tradition began when miners would sign their names to dollar bills and stick them to the ceiling, ensuring they'd have money for their next drink when they returned from the mines.
Today, the saloon serves up hearty pub fare alongside cold beers, colorful stories, and live music most weekends. Order one of the many burger options while soaking in the authentic Gold Country atmosphere, complete with original wooden bar and historic mining implements decorating the walls.
Unwind in Nature at Evergreen Lodge Near Yosemite
Round out your visit by checking in at the Evergreen Lodge, a resort that's been welcoming travelers since 1921. Scattered throughout 20 acres of towering pines, the property's cozy cabins combine rustic charm with modern comforts. The resort offers a range of onsite activities, from guided naturalist hikes and astronomy sessions to s'mores by the outdoor firepits and an expansive play area. The restored Main Lodge houses Evergreen Restaurant, which serves elevated comfort food, and an adjacent tavern serving craft cocktails and local wines. Don't miss the nightly programs in the recreation center, where guests can learn about local wildlife or the area's rich history while planning their next day's adventures.
From mountain towns to Gold Rush history to historic saloons, Tuolumne County offers visitors an authentic slice of California that feels worlds away from the state's urban centers. While one day only scratches the surface of what this region has to offer, it's enough time to understand why visitors find themselves drawn back to this remarkable corner of the Sierra Nevada.