As a photographer I have the opportunity to travel to various places on assignment and as often as I can I will search out a local hike or point of interest. This is one way I find stunning places for future photoshoots. This compilation is for Tuolumne County in Northern California. Perhaps made famous by being the backdrop in many western and Hollywood films or by its crown jewel Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne County has a charm that is unique and all its own. These hikes are not in any particular order of favoritism, but are all noteworthy for one reason or another.
South Middle Fork Tuolumne Confluence
Located off of Highway 120 near Rainbow Pool, this neat little 2 mile out and back hike takes you down to the confluence of the south and middle forks of the Tuolumne River. Start by passing through a vehicle gate marked 1528B. As you descend into the canyon, you will pass by a seasonal spring and waterfall and marvel at the road blasted out of the granite in the 1910’s. The trail dead ends at the audit portal for the Hetch Hetchy Mountain Tunnel constructed over almost 100 years ago. A railing prevents hikers from falling from the portal parking area and provides a nice flat fishing platform to catch a rainbow trout or two. Park at the Rainbow Pool Day use area or on Old Big Oak Flat Road (Forest Route 1N07) at the pullout past the day use parking area and bridge. During the winter park at Cherry Lake Road/Forest Road 1N07 parking lot on the side of Highway 120. Google Maps Link
View from the trail overlooking the Tuolumne River.
Indian Creek Trail
Located off of Clements Road in Groveland, the 4 mile long Indian Creek Trail parallels a seasonal creek that is its namesake and dead ends at the wild and scenic Tuolumne River. To locate the trailhead, drive down Clements Rd. past the Graham Ranch gates onto the gravel road and look out for the handmade signs that point to the forest road. Park at Clements Road off to the side making sure to not block the gate to the trailhead or any private driveways. Walk past the locked vehicle gate and begin your decent to the river on the the access road to the official parking circle (road closed since the 2013 Rim Fire) remembering to stay on the trail and off of private property. Keep in mind that when the gate is open for vehicle travel even in the best of times it is 4WD only. If the gate is closed and walking to the trailhead is necessary, it will add an additional 2 miles for a total of 6 miles roundtrip. Google Maps Link
Hamby Trail
coming soon…
Red Hills
coming soon…
West Side Rail Trail
coming soon…
View from the former Hetch Hetchy Railroad grade, now a rustic trail overlooking the South Fork of the Tuolumne River.
Hetch Hetchy Railroad Trail
coming soon…