A view of a trail in a forest surrounded by tall trees

Places to Visit Near Yosemite:

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The city of Groveland is one that is full of history; from the gold rush miners who stayed in the city and built it up, to the creation of Yosemite National Park nearby. Here are some of our favorite things to do out and about that are perfect for the entire family.

Hike through a tree.

Yes, you heard us right, you can hike through a giant redwood tree with a stop by the Giant Redwood Tunnel in Tuolumne Grove. An easy hike through the beautiful redwoods will lead travelers to this beautiful stump: where you can walk through the very heart of this old retired giant.

Originally carved out to allow tourists to drive their horse-drawn buggies through, now this easy hike takes visitors down an old road through the very heart of this beautiful tree, with helpful placards and signs along the way explaining the significance of the area and the process of carving history through the redwoods.

Explore the Moaning Caverns.

The amazing Moaning Caverns were first explored by gold miners in the 1840s and 1850s and are now a very popular activity for the entire family. Explorers will descend into these magical and mysterious caves by way of narrow spiral staircases, and then expert tour guides will teach you the history of these caves as you explore further below the earth's surface. Learn about the various minerals that make up the dripping walls, or go spelunking in unit areas if you’re feeling brave.

Above the surface, other activities include axe throwing, panning for gemstones and exploring the visitor center where you can see old arrowheads and even a necklace that is estimated to be over 8,000 years old.

Visit the Yosemite History Center.

While many people come to Yosemite, few take the time to learn the history of this beautiful park or see some of its more special artifacts and treasures. Stop by the Yosemite History Center year-round to see some of the original buildings that were in the park, from a Chinese Laundry to a blacksmith’s forge.

It took a massive coordinated effort to preserve Yosemite for future generations to enjoy. The History Center truly commemorates the efforts of people, the events they experienced, and the issues they faced during the establishment of Yosemite as a national park.

Explore the Groveland Museum.

Groveland and big Oak Flat were instrumental towns in the 1850s as gold rush towns, and later both served as gateways to the newly established Yosemite National Park. Explore the Groveland Yosemite Gateway museum to leam more about our beloved town, the local residents, see artifacts from around Groveland, and more.

This museum is a perfect opportunity to learn more about the life and history of southern Tuolumne County. and if you look carefully you may even be able to see a photograph or two of the Groveland itself. We are proud to be members of the city of Groveland’s beautiful and unique history.

Easy Day Hikes Near Groveland, CA & Yosemite National Park

Over 4 million visitors visit Yosemite each year, mostly in the summer months, and the majority stay in the seven-square miles of the Yosemite Valley. We would like to encourage you to visit Yosemite, hike its trails, and then explore some other nearby trails – without crowds.

Little Golden Forest Trail.

Easy 2-mile loop. From the Groveland Hotel go 8.1 miles east on Hwy 120 to the Stanislaus National Forest Groveland District Ranger Station turnoff on the right. Park at the Ranger station and look for the trailhead sign. The Little Golden Forest Trail is co-sponsored by Little Golden Children’s Books and the National Arbor Day Foundation and was built to restore an area along Hwy 120 destroyed in the 1987 Stanislaus Complex Fire.

These 150 acres have been planted, and the trail built, in part by children in the local area, with funding coming from donations made by children to Little Golden Books. Pay a visit to the Ranger Station before you leave and check out their resources.

Rainbow Pools.

Not a hike, but a lovely place to play in the water. At one time the Cliff House welcomed guests here until is burned in 1939. 13 miles east on Hwy 120 from the Groveland Hotel, just before the bridge over the South Fork of Tuolumne River (if you reach the Cherry Lake turnoff to the left, you’ve gone too far) turn right into the parking area where you’ll find picnic benches and restrooms.

This area does get busy in the summer because who doesn’t enjoy a cool swim on a hot summer’s day?

Carlon Falls Trail.

From the Groveland Hotel head east on Hwy 120 for 23 miles and turn left on Evergreen Road, just half-mile before the main entrance into Yosemite National Park. Drive for 1 mile to the parking area on the right. The easy 4-mile round trip trail follows the river upstream to the falls where you can have your picnic lunch and enjoy the view.

At the parking, you can also cross the road and head down-stream to an old forest service office parking area, with picnic tables and sweet spot to wade in the cool water. Be cautioned that there was quite a bit of storm damage this past winter and the trail currently has areas where you must go over, under or around downed trees.

Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.

Not to be missed is the part of Yosemite National Park known as the Hetch Hetchy Valley, which receives far less visitors than Yosemite Valley. In a controversial move, the O’Shaughnessy Dam was built to supply San Francisco with its water supply. Exactly an hour from the Groveland Hotel, take Hwy 120 to Evergreen Road and follow it to the parking area at the Dam.

Hike over the dam, through the tunnel, and along the edge of the reservoir where the waterfalls will be cascading above you and Wapama Falls rage ahead of you. Walk as far as you’d like on this easy hike. To Wapama Falls and back is under 5.5 miles round trip. Hetch Hetchy is open in the summer from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm daily and as part of the National Park, you do pay the entrance fee, which is also valid at the main entrance to the park.

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