Gateways to Yosemite

Hetch Hetchy
ReselVoir
~-
Mono Lake
:::J'~ee Vining
East
Gateway;
Yosemite
National
Park
Lake
McSwain
Hornitos
GATEWAY
REGIONS
North and West Gateways
MARIpOSAAND TuOLUMNE COUNTIES
BY KIMBERLY HORG-WEBB
Guarding
Yosemite National
Park on the
County has countless lakes and
rivers throughout
and Tuolumne. This pair of Yosemite Gateway
including one of the largest preserved Gold
the gold mining
towns,
down the streets of Columbia,"
said Sandy
Gordon, Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau
Marketing Manager.
communities is full of places and happenings,
Rush towns in the United States. Stagecoaches
perfect to fill a summer calendar of fun and
filled with spectators rumble down the streets
Dining
events. In geotourism
of Columbia, just as they did a century ago.
followed by a front row seat at the latest
Historic
Sierra Repertory Theatre production
and happenings
jargon
are termed
these places
"assets," both
buildings
with an antique
candy
at
the
City
Hotel
Restaurant,
in the
of the natural and the character or sense-of-
store,
and
historic Fallon Theatre, can be a great way to
place variety. The many scenic roadways here,
sarsaparilla, and a mining sluice just around
spend the evening. There are also five wineries
bordered
expansive
the corner, are but a few attractions worth
within a 15-minute drive.
with several historic
taking a trip back in time to Columbia, now
by majestic
trees and
meadows, are dotted
a saloon
serving
wild
cherry
preserved as a California State Park.
A short distance away is another town full
choose from as well as a variety of activities for
"You will feel like you are living in the 1849
Tuolumne County Museum, which resides in
the entire family or for an adventurous couple.
California Gold Rush days when you walk
the old Tuolumne County Jail. This historic
towns and locations to discover. They have
endless restaurants
52
Tuolumne
north and west are the counties of Mariposa
and lodging options
SIERRA HERITAGE MAGAZINE
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AUGUST 2012
of historic landmarks, Sonora, home of the
to
structure,
listed on the National
Register of
Historic Places, housed outlaws, desperadoes
and criminals
from 1866 until 1961, when
it was turned over to the Tuolumne
County
Historical Society.
"Here you will find an exhibit depicting the
six geographical regions of Tuolumne County,
one of California's
original
counties,
and
during the Gold Rush, the hub of the Southern
Mine
region,"
Joe
Sparagna,
Tuolumne
County Historical Society President, said.
A self-guided tour of the front gallery's 35,000
photographs
of local
people,
places
and
artifacts spotlights the spirit of Tuolumne. The
exhibits of gold mining, ranching, westward
movement, vintage firearms and a walk-in gun
shop are each housed in one of the old cells.
For a complete
description
of the museum,
visit tchistory.org.
In Sonora you will stroll by the Candy Vault
for unique retro candies and gifts in the old
850 N. Highway 49/88 • Jackson, CA· Ph 209.223.0486 • Fax 209.223.2905
mining town. Art galleries, theatres, historic
Toll Free Reservations: 866.333.0486· www.thejacksonlodge.com
churches and Victorian homes add texture to
the charming features of this town.
Heading
Contemporary Fine Art in a
Historic Setting
north on Hwy 49 a couple miles,
road warriors will end up in the quaint city
of Jamestown,
home of the Railtown
1897
State Historic Park. This is a family fun spot
'PSTRO~Ly"pH-S
that features weekend rides on an old-time
GALLERY
steam train and a well-preserved train station,
which has been used in hundreds of Hollywood
movies. Visit rail town 1897.org for more details.
Visitors will enjoy walks past the multitude
of shops on historic Main Street and a variety
of restaurants,
including
the "Locals Make
Good Sandwich Shop" -home
to the largest
collection of cookie cutters in California.
The Historic National Hotel in Jamestown is a
must-see. It has been in continuous
operation
as a hotel since the Gold Rush. The food and
entertainment,
which includes a ghost that
is said to frequent
the quarters, adds to the
WWW.ALPINECOUNTY.COM
enchantment.
530.694.2475
Fifteen miles to the east of jamestown,
golfers
8 WEBSTER STREET, MARKLEEVILLE, CA
can find "The Jewel of the Sierra," Twain
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The Evergreen
Lodge borders
and waterfalls
are located in close proximity
Yosemite
National
Park and offers an abundant
to the Evergreen
Harre Golf Club. The nine-hole golf course
variety
of outdoor
activities
(facing
page)
Numerous
swimming
holes
Lodge
Community Services District.
in the Yosemite gateway communities.
is nestled among the trees in the Sierra at an
Visit
groveland. com for additional information.
elevation of 3800'. Offering all levels of play,
Looking for rest, relaxation and fun-filled
the par 29 golf course is made up with two par
excursions? Then
fours and several challenging par threes.
Lodge in Groveland
com). Guests staying at the Evergreen can
Groveland,
General Manager Jeff Burmester
book a variety of activities at the lodge's
Victor Niebylski serves varied Mediterranean-
restaurant is the place to be on Wednesday,
recreation
center. There
influenced
Thursday
everyone:
sunrise
says the
and Friday nights for its nightly
specials. On Sunday it serves breakfast and
think
of the Evergreen
(www.evergreenlodge.
is something
for
hikes, yoga, whitewater
on
can enjoy the ambiance
at Cafe
Charlotte Restaurant and Hotel Charlotte in
(www.hotelcharlotte.com).
cuisine in a cafe situated
Chef
in a
building constructed in 1921.
rafting, biking, hiking and fly-fishing trips.
lunch. Call209.586.3131 to make a reservation.
After your golf game, head southeast
Visitors
Across the street, historians have the chance
At the end of the day you can grab a drink
to have a cold one at an old saloon where
at the tavern and enjoy a meal at Evergreen's
mining and logging equipment hang from the
120 to Groveland, to watch birds, sightsee
restaurant before strolling back to your private
ceilings accompanied by dollar bills thrown by
or hike Hetch Hetchy. Eat, sip tea, visit the
cabin. "The big news of the year around
customers throughout the years. The Historic
oldest saloon in the state or enjoy a variety of
these parts for us," says Evergreen owner, Lee
Iron Door Saloon brings live music to the area
outdoor activities from biking to hiking.
Zimmerman,
every weekend.
"is a new, million dollar pool
coming soon to round-out our resort."
Birder Bill Zachman starred the Groveland
Christmas Bird Count Circle five years ago.
The
Covering an area that had never been surveyed
equally fun, but different experience in turn-
before, the local sector circles include all
of-the-century
Historic
Groveland
Hotel
offers an
bands
and great
parties, this is the oldest continually-running
saloon in California," said Iron Door owner,
hostelry. Owners Peggy and
Chris Loh. "There's taxidermy on the walls,
Lake and Moccasin
Rusty Mosley and Miss Kitty will greet you
plus historic pictures of Yosemite Valley and
Creek, including parr of Don Pedro Lake (the
themselves when you check in. And be sure
pre-dam Hetch Hetchy Valley."
sixth largest human-made
lake in California
to stick around for dinner, the Groveland
with 160 miles of shoreline) and Groveland
Hotel offers one of the best dinner menus
of Groveland,
54
"Aside from the rockin'
Cherry
SIERRAHERITAGE MAGAZiNE
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AUGUST 2012
For those who prefer a quieter environment,
Dori's Tea Corrage serves a selection of artisan
highway naming project along Hwy 132 as you
209.966.6365
for times and dates.
cheeses, wines, salads and sandwiches, perfect
cross over into Mariposa County-the
for a picnic or a lunch break while hiking to
of Yosemite National Park. But there is more
Wapama, Ranchera Falls or Poopenaut Valley
than just the park. Nature lovers and outdoors
the county),
music lovers can plan a night
at the popular Herch Herchy State Park.
lovers alike find this region ideal for hiking,
at Mariposa
County
whitewater
downtown Mariposa at the intersection ofH wy
Explore
the
Cellar
California-fresh
Door
beers and hundreds
the summer
140 and Fourth Street. Cousin Jack's Mariposa
riding and more, right on Yosemite's doorstep.
Evenings is a unique blend of music performed
of wine labels. During
months,
downtown
an
it hosts monthly
historic
1867
Park in historic
brewed
live
by regional artists during the summer in a park
A first stop, located
13 miles west of Mt.
Bullion
town
is a ghost
roughnecks
in
rock climbing,
Art
fishing, bird watching, wildflowers, horseback
concerts in its patio.
Located
biking,
In the town of Mariposa (yes, same name as
for
Restaurant
CUISIne, locally
rafting,
home
house
in
Groveland, coffee lovers can get a
from
towns.
According
had bloodstains
to
lined. with native plants and trees.
bandits,
and gamblers fled when outcast
other
Hornitos
where
legend,
on every doorstep
"The Mariposa County Arts Council strives
to collect tips for performers to motivate them
to keep coming back year after year for your
caffeine fix at the Mountain Sage Coffeehouse.
and secret passageways for bandits to escape.
listening pleasure,"
Filled with antique furniture, the air smells of
Visitors
Goger said. "Enjoy an evening in a beautiful
coffee and pastries. Owner of Mountain
remains of the stone jail, as well as a wall
park amid Sierra Old World charm."
from a famous entrepreneur's
arts-mariposa.org
Coffeehouse
Nick
Coffin,
Sage
said, "We offer
organic, fair trade coffee and tea, and we do
curting
can
see bullet-hole
castings,
the
shop, Domingo
Cara
Visit
for more information.
Ghirardelli, worldwide chocolatier.
A Stop by Mount
edge mixology with coffee utilizing
fresh ingredients,
Executive Director
Bullion Vineyards
tasting
real extracts, house made
Less than 14 miles away, off of Hwy 140,
room and art gallery and Casto Oaks Fine
syrups and only organic chocolate. We offer
cowpokes can saddle up at Coyote Springs
Wine
an experience unique to this region."
Guest
another
Ranch
in Cathey's
Valley. Located
& Art,
in downtown
way to experience
Mariposa
is
art in Mariposa.
on 1,000 acres of grassy hills and valleys,
The
Heading south on the journey, you can travel
the ranch
display various mediums
down John Muir Highway, the first officially
graZIng areas as well as rodeo events, seed
admire while tasting its cabernet, merlot and
designated
spirring contests and greased pig races. Call
syrah grapes from Mariposa vineyards.
segment
of the proposed
state
provides
good
cattle and horse
gallery
tries
to find
AUGUST 2012 -
local artists
to
of work for all to
Call
SIERRA HERITAGE MAGAZINE
SS
YOSEMITE
The
GATEWAY
Yosemite
organization
PARTNERS
Gateway
Partners
(YGP) has been helping
create a sense of region for the four areas
that comprise the approaches to Yosemite
atiorial Park by providing a forum to
collaborate on issues of shared importance.
For
eight
years,
this
forum
has
provided a venue for direct face-to-face
communication between the highest levels
of Yosemite National Park management
and local citizens and governments. This
level of access is unprecedented
in the
history of the Yosemite region. Further,
YGP brings together a variety of public
agencies at all levels-one
that might not
After winter's thaw, the High Country opens up to day hikers and backpackers seeking its rugged
terrain
otherwise cross paths on a regular basis.
209.377.450 for hours of operation.
(SFC), through its Hike & Class Program
offers hikers guided access into private nature
YGP welcomes anyone with interest in the
Yosemite gateways region to participate in
the quarterly meetings held in the park.
They also publish a quarterly e-newsletter
and broadcast
Yosemite press releases.
If you are interested in being added to
the circulation please send an email to
The
area is becoming
growing
grapes.
more popular
Butterfly
Creek
for
Chappell Vineyard and Winery and Silver Fox
"From sunny fields of wildflowers
Vineyard are a few Mariposa wineries where
blue oak woodland
people can taste local wine, have a picnic or
visitors learn about local flora, fauna and
stroll among picturesque vineyards.
YGP
of
non-profit
and
Mission
Statement
Gateway
partnership
interdependence
reads:
Partners
government
organizations,
businesses
that
a
IS
agencies,
individuals
acknowledge
the
of Yosemite National
Park and the surrounding
communities,
and collaborate on and address issues of
importance to create sustainable cultural,
& History
authentic
look into the people and life in
originally
conceived
topics from astronomy to wildfloweridentification
many artifacts of the Gold Rush and later
or
mining days, while inside the museum, you
culture. Learn more at sierrafoothill.org.
communities.
The gateway
communities consist of those lying along
the four corridors approaching Yosemite
arional
Park: SR
120E,
SR 140 and SR 41. Other
SR
l20W,
connected
corridors include J-132 (John Muir), SR
SIERRA HERITAGE MAGAZINE
about
regional Native American
dwelling rooms and stores from bygone eras.
Spokesperson
The center is staffed by volunteer docents and
County
tour guides. The museum also has available a
says, "Mariposa is full of history and beauty."
for
Tourism
the
Yosemite/Mariposa
Bureau,
Marc
Gendron,
"Yosemite's grandeur always looms as a major
attraction, but there are many other faces of
Built in 1854, the iconic Mariposa County
Mariposa County that allow visitors to enjoy a
Courthouse is the oldest superior courthouse
variety of outdoor activities or see 150 years of
west
California history without crowds or traffic,"
of the
courthouse
Mississippi
in continuous
and
the
oldest
use west of the
Gendron said.
Rockies. Close by on Bullion Street, a visit
will prove worth the time. Guided tours are
Located on Hwy 140, one of Mariposa's assets is
available on weekends.
Savoury's Restaurant, an upscale restaurant for a
quiet dinner featuring pasta, seafood and steak. If
49 and US 395.
56
learn
will find a number of rooms recreating old
by
Yosemite National Park as an outreach to
surrounding
Visitors may choose to attend classesranging in
Mariposa County. Outside exhibits include
buildings in downtown Mariposa.
was
Conservation Director Bridget Fithian said.
Center on Jessie Street for an
map for a self-guided walking tours of historic
natural and economic prosperity.
YGP
the
history and experience the uniqueness of the
While in town stop by the Mariposa Museum
The
III
to cool quiet forests,
Sierra foothills," Sierra Foothill Conservancy
ygpelist@gmail.com.
Yosemite
preserves in the county.
Winery,
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AUGUST 2012
For a hike around grasslands, foothills and
traveling with the family, rest assured that it has a
forests,
kid's menu. Call 209.966.7677 for reservations.
the
Sierra
Foothill
Conservancy
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is right outside the
park door, hugged
giving guests
The
guests
mountain
staying
cottage
spa, gym, three
courteous
by the evergreen
forest
WHERE
TO STAY IN MARIPOSA
& TUOLUMNE
COUNTIES
a wide range of recreation.
in a room,
can choose
restaurants,
suite
or
from a full
a deli and a
staff that will help guests book a
Tenaya Lodge
The Evergreen Lodge
1122 Hwy 41
33160
Fish Camp
Groveland
Evergreen Road
559.683.6555
209.379.2606
summer months, the Summerdale BBQ takes
Yosemite Bed & Breakfast
The Groveland Hotel
place Tuesdays
4501 Bridgeport Drive
18767 Main Street
Mariposa
Groveland
number
of outdoor
"Summerdale
and
activities.
Fridays
During
the
at the lodge.
barbeque events give Out guests
209.742.4018
800.273.3314
Little Valley Inn Bed & Breakfast
Big Creek Meadow Ranch
western cookout in style," says Tom McCann,
3483 Brooks Road
Tenaya Lodge General Manager. "It's a perfect
Mariposa
10551 Smith Station Road
Groveland
209.742.6204
209.962.1942
Restful Nest Bed & Breakfast
Hotel Charlotte
an opportunity
to experience
an authentic
example of our 'roughing it minus the rough
part' resort experience."
Call 559.683.6555
for further details.
4274 Buckeye Creek Road
18736 Main Street
Mariposa
Groveland
enough to fill up a couple summer calendars,
209.742.7127
209.962.6455
so no matter what sparks an interest,
these
The Historic National Hotel
two
have
18183 Main Street
Both Mariposa and Tuolumne
Yosemite
gateway
counties offer
communities
something for every thrill seeker and historian
Jamestown
alike.
209.984.3446
SH
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