Discover Tuolumne County, California

Nestled in the heart of California’s historic Gold Country where the biggest gold rush in American history began, Tuolumne County is the recreational and cultural center of the Mother Lode near Yosemite National Park (pictured) and Stanislaus National Forest. Tuolumne County is rich in history from the days when the west was wild and sought out by those with “gold fever”.

During the gold rush days, Tuolumne County once had the largest population of people in the nation. Today, this is strongly reflected within the towns throughout the county. Incorporated in 1851, Sonora (pictured) is one of the oldest cities in California, and is still referred to as the "Queen of the Southern Mines." Established in 1945 by the state legislature as Columbia State Historic Park, and acting as a living history museum, Columbia is California’s best preserved town giving visitors the opportunity to back in time and experience the gold rush era of the 1850’s. The gateway to Yosemite National Park, Groveland is a historic town that experienced two gold rushes, cattle ranching, and more. The first gold discovered in Tuolumne County was found in Jamestown. This historic town’s other claim to fame is being home to the Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Tuolumne City is located in the heart of Tuolumne County, near the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, near the historic gold rush towns of Sonora, Jamestown and Columbia. Nestled in the heart of Tuolumne County, Twain Harte borders the Stanislaus National Forest and is about an hour from Yosemite National Park.

Home to Yosemite National Park, Stanislaus National Forest and lakes, there are an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities to enjoy including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, snow skiing, boating, fishing, water skiing, nature trails, birding and wildlife viewing, and more. There are wineries to visit, specialty shops and galleries to browse, a lively cultural scene with live theatre, and plenty of annual festivals to enjoy. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants and comfortable lodgings ranging from historic B&Bs to resorts, and cabins to camping facilities to choose from.

Nanci Sikes, Executive Director of the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau was a featured guest on ‘Champagne Sunday’s, Online Radio Show. The show was a special Travel & Leisure Show that aired on Sunday, April 13^th, 2008. To listen to Nanci’s interview, please Double Click on the Play Button below.



Nanci Sikes has been employed by Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau since 1988.  She served three years as Director of Sales & Marketing, and 15 years as Executive Director. Nanci also serves on the California Rural Tourism Marketing Committee representing California’s Gold Country Region, 2002 to present. She is the Charter President of Gold Country Visitors Association, a regional marketing organization made up of 8 California foothill counties.

For more about the Tuolumne County region, visit these Town & City Links:
Columbia, CA    
Groveland, CA  
Jamestown, CA   
Kennedy Meadows, CA  
Long Barn, CA  
Mi Wuk Village, CA    
Pinecrest, CA   
Sonora, CA     
Soulsbyville, CA  
Strawberry, CA       
Tuolumne City, CA   
Twain Harte, CA 

Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau: Tuolumne County is the recreational and cultural center of the Mother Lode near Yosemite National Park. Visit the historic Gold Country where the biggest gold rush in American history began. For Tuolumne City and area information, please click here.