As spring approaches wildflowers bloom in Tuolumne County, painting the landscape with vibrant shades of yellow, blue, purple, and orange.
The season lasts until September thanks to the varying elevations across the county including Yosemite National Park, the High Sierra and the Gold County.
All aboard the Wildflower Express
Taking place across two weekends in April (April 21 – 22, 28 – 29), Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown, hosts Spring wildflower rides aboard a historic steam or diesel locomotive. Riders will enjoy a 60-minute round trip, spanning six miles through meadows and rolling hills accompanied by a wildflower guide, checklist and poppy seed packet giving the riders the opportunity to sow their own seeds.
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. Rich blue gentians, alpine goldenrod, corn lilies, red columbine, and fireweed bloom here in August and September. The Meadows is the perfect place to take an easy hike and admire the stunning scenery and wildlife.
Discover waterfalls in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
As the snow melts, 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 trail 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
Located 60 miles East of Sonora, and nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Kennedy Meadows is a seasonal resort that reopens in the early spring. Visitors can explore the peaceful surroundings on foot or horseback with guided trail rides taking trekkers 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.
UK travelers can fly direct to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) from the UK with British Airways . Tuolumne County is located 2.5 hours east of the Bay Area by car.
