California’s Tuolumne County is the heart of Gold Country where thriving Gold Rush towns put the region on the map.

Beside the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, expect epic landscapes but also the spirit of the Old West. There is no better place to climb in the saddle and live out your cowboy dreams.

Explore the Saloons

Tuolumne County is home to several Gold Rush era towns that will take visitors back in time> The saloons in these towns have remained much the same as if frozen in time, but luckily, they have modern menu updates. Iron Door Saloon in Groveland is California’s longest continually operating saloon, and a must see for visitors. It was founded in 1852. The bar’s most unique feature is the dollar bills pinned to the ceiling. Hopeful gold rushers used to pin their cash to the ceiling before heading out in search of a fortune, so that they would always have enough money for one last drink if they returned.

Head out on a trail ride

Visitors can experience the High Sierra and Emigrant wilderness the way the settlers first saw it on horseback. Pack stations offer visitors the chance to experience the cowboy lifestyle with weeklong pack trips into Tuolumne County’s wilderness. Shorter trail ride options are also available. Kennedy Meadows Pack Station sits high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and offers visitors trips up to 14 days with stops at peaceful lakes and the chance to try out trout fishing.

Discover Gold Rush history

Thanks to its perfectly preserved Gold Rush towns, Tuolumne County is a treasure trove of history. Jamestown is where gold was first discovered in the county and the first town visitors will encounter when coming into Tuolumne County from the west. Several of the buildings here date as far back as the 1870s. Stay in one of two historic inns, pan for gold on the high street or visit Railtown 1897 State Historic Park for a ride on one of the vintage steam trains.

Make your own stetson

No cowboy is complete without his hat, and in Tuolumne County visitors can personalise their very own at Heart Valley Mercantile and Ranch Wear located the heart of historic Downtown Sonora. The boutique fits seamlessly into the historic area and was inspired by a dear friend of the owners; an old cowgirl with family roots in Tuolumne County dating back to the 1800’s. Visitors can enjoy craft beer and cocktails as they try on their chosen headwear.

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