You have just arrived in Groveland, CA on the first day of your awesome trip to Yosemite National Park. You've been traveling all day, so getting back in the car just to wait in line at the entrance station to the park is not an option. You enter the Yosemite Basecamp Outfitter and you say, "where can I go hiking close to here". They give you this link and the rest is history...
Carlon Falls Trail | 3 Miles | Moderately Easy | 4,480 to 4,320 = 160 feet change in elevation
A hiking trail along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River into the Yosemite Wilderness Area to Carlon Falls. Trail enters Yosemite National Park and is not pet friendly. This is a fee area, so be prepared to pay a $10.00 day use fee.
From the Yosemite Basecamp in downtown Groveland, travel 23 miles east on Highway 120.
Turn left on Evergreen Road, just passed Rush Creek Lodge Resort.
Drive 1 mile and park near the bridge over the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. This is a fee area, so you will need to pay a fee if you park in the parking lot or to use any amenities.
The trail starts on the west side of the bridge and travels southwest along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River (the river will be on your right hand side).
Evergreen Nature Trail and Disc Golf Course | .75 mile | Easy
Evergreen Lodge near the Hetch Hetchy Entrance of Yosemite National Park offers an onsite nature trail that meanders through the forest surrounding the lodge. The ¾ mile long trail provides a great way to explore the property while learning about the area’s nature, wildlife, and natural history. Stop by the Recreation Desk to receive a trail map brochure for this interpretive walk or to enquire about disc golf! The General Store and Restaurant are also open!
Rush Creek Trails | .5 - 2.7 miles | Easy to Stenuous
Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite is conveniently located near the Big Oak Flat Entrance to Yosemite National Park, and they are excited to share a trio of newly created hiking, biking, and nature trails. Special thanks to a cooperative effort from the Rush Creek Recreation team, the Stanislaus National Forest, Groveland Trail Heads, Tuolumne River Trust, and the California Conservation Corps!
Forgot to get reservations into Yosemite National Park!? Take a walk on the Rush Creek Nature Trail before or after lunch in the Rush Creek Tavern! The National Park will reopen to everyone each day at 4pm and you will be perfectly situated to pop into the park that afternoon!
Trumbull Peak | 1.5 mile | Moderate
This adventure is as much about the journey getting there as it is about walking to lookout tower. Trumbull Peak Special Interest Area not only combines a rich history of fighting forest fires and logging timber, but also offers a haven for rare wildflowers and provides sweeping views of the Merced River Canyon. At the top of Trumbull Peak is an old 45-foot-tall fire lookout tower, one of only a few such towers still standing in California. The peak provides overlooks the Merced River with a clear view into Yosemite Valley. The lookout tower, built in 1934-35, offers a 360 degree panorama of the surrounding countryside. Trumbull Peak is also home to over one hundred species of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.
From the Yosemite Basecamp in downtown Groveland, travel 22.5 miles east on Highway 120.
Turn right before Rush Creek Lodge on Hardin Flat Road and follow that road to the right until it becomes Forest Rte 2S30 (Crocker Ridge Road).
Forest Rte 2S30 (Crocker Ridge Road) that is paved for about eight miles and the pavement ends at a large intersection on Pilot Ridge called Four Corners.
Follow the signs to the left onto Forest Rte 1S12 toward Trumbull Peak for another eight miles.
About a mile past Ned's Gulch, take the right fork of the road onto Road 2S20. continue on 2S20 to the base of Trumbull Peak.
Park here and follow the trail along the railroad grade.
To reach the summit of Trumbull Peak, take Road 3S04, which climbs steeply from this point for about three-fourths of a mile to the top.
Preston Falls | 7.5 miles | Moderate | 2100 to 2500 feet = 400 feet of elevation loss one way
The trail follows the north side of the Tuolumne River past a scenic swimming hole called Granite Gorge. The trail can be incredibly hot during the summer months and the water levels on the main Tuolumne River can raise without notice.
From the Yosemite Basecamp in downtown Groveland, travel 14 miles east on Highway 120.
Turn left just passed Rainbow Pools onto Cherry Lake Road (1N07)
Stay left at intersection with Mather Road (1S02) and continue to bottom of Tuolumne River canyon.
After crossing the river, turn right and travel through a neighborhood and by the waterworks until you reach trailhead parking. This area is narrow is many areas and is home to the Hetch Hetchy Water Power workers. Please obey speed limits, right ways and watch for pets as you are driving through this section.
The trailhead is marked by a sign and a cement bathroom building.
Andreson Mine Trail | 10 miles | Moderate | 2,400 to 2,080 feet = 320 feet change in elevation one way
Hiking and equestrian trail between Holm Powerhouse and Lumsden Road (1N10) along Cherry Creek and Tuolumne Wild & Scenic River is a popular spot for anglers and rafters! Dogs on leash are allowed.
From the Yosemite Basecamp in downtown Groveland, travel 14 miles east on Highway 120.
Turn left just passed Rainbow Pools onto Cherry Lake Road (1N07)
Stay left at intersection with Mather Road (1S02) and continue to bottom of Tuolumne River canyon.
After crossing the river, turn left and travel 1 mile.
Turn left onto 1S23Y.
Continue 1/2 mile and park in gravel parking area on left before crossing bridge. Please do not park in the area immediately to the left of the kiosk where whitewater boaters launch their rafts or kayaks.
Start of trail is located immediately across bridge on left side of road.
Little Golden Forest Trail - Stanislaus National Forest Nature Trail | 2.5 Miles | Easy
The Little Golden Forest was established as a result of the 1987 Stanislaus complex Fire to help restore an area along Highway 120 to a pre-fire condition. This 150 acre forest has been planted in part by children and volunteers from the local area. Self guiding brochure available in the adjacent National Forest Service Office .
From the Yosemite Basecamp in downtown Groveland, travel 8 miles east on Highway 120.
Turn right on toward the Stanislaus National Forest - Groveland Ranger District Office.
Travel .2 miles and park right in front of the Visitor.
The trailhead plaque is directly across from the Visitor Center
Hamby Trail | 4 miles | Strenuous | 1250 to 3100 feet = 1850 feet of elevation loss one way
Trail access travels through private property. The trail joins the Tuolumne River Trail downstream of the Clavey River confluence. Trail has approximately 40 switchbacks so be prepared!
From the Yosemite Basecamp in downtown Groveland, travel .5 miles east on Highway 120.
Turn left on Ferretti Road and travel 8 miles. This road is residential, so please obey the speed limits.
Turn left at the sign to Camp Tuolumne Trails, then follow the signs to Hamby Trailhead. This is an amazing summer camp providing recreation opportunities to children with disabilities. Please drive slow and act respectfully while driving through private property.
More Trails coming every week! Look forward to more on:
Smith Peak Fire Tower and Look Out Trail | 3.9 Miles | Strenuous
Hetch Hetchy's Wapama Falls
Poopaunaut Trail
Tuolumne River Canyon Overlook
Hetch Hetchy's Look Out Point
Ferretti Trails
Hetchy Railroad Walk
Deer Flat Trail Extension Project
Ferretti Non Motorized Trail System
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