ROAD TRIPS GOLD COUNTRY LOOP

Transcription

1 ROAD TRIPS GOLD COUNTRY LOOP RAFTING THE MERCED RIVER 64 YOSEMITE JOURNAL 2018 YOS2018_RoadTrips_GoldCountry_PROOF.indd 64 10/30/17 10:21 AM PHOTO BY GRANT ORDELHEIDE SACRAM E NTO TO YOSE M ITE AN D BACK 449 Miles

2 Gold Country Loop Follow the golden road to and from Yosemite on this 449-mile adventure. PHOTO BY GRANT ORDELHEIDE From golden-colored giant Buddhas to historic Gold Rush towns, this amazing adventure starts in Sacramento. Ride the Sacramento RiverTrain and stop by the California State Railroad Museum for a primer on how railroads changed the course of U.S. history. From there, head to Stockton where fine art, incredible ethnic food and a Buddhist temple complex await. Continue to Mariposa where artisan shops line the historic downtown. From Mariposa, it's a 55-minute drive to the South Entrance of Yosemite National Park where granite domes, sparkling waterfalls and incredible hikes await. When you leave the park, head out the Big Oak Flat Entrance to see Groveland and the Iron Door Saloon, California's oldest continuously operating saloon. From there, it's a 30-minute drive to Jamestown, home of Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. In the heart of Tuolumne County, you can go river rafting or explore historic Sonora with a lively theater scene and a downtown filled with great boutiques and coffee shops. Don't miss Columbia State Historic Park where business owners dress in 1850s attire and shops harken back to the golden days. MYYOSEMITEPARK.COM 65

3 ROAD TRIPS GOLD COUNTRY LOOP SACRAMENTO, CALIF., TO STOCKTON, CALIF. 48 miles, 49 minutes HAGGIN MUSEUM Art Stash Get a taste of world-class art and ethnic food in Stockton. See stunning paintings by artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Albert Bierstadt at the Haggin Museum, which completed a $2.5 million renovation of its galleries in fall You'll even catch a glimpse of Yosemite's timeless natural beauty here in Bierstadt s panoramic paintings of Yosemite Valley. The Haggin has the largest museum collection of major Bierstadt works. In fact, President Ronald Reagan borrowed Looking Up Yosemite Valley to hang in the Roosevelt Room in the White House during his presidency. You'll also see a new permanent gallery dedicated to J.C. Leyendecker, one of the nation s most successful commercial artists during the first 40 years of the 20th century. A mentor to Norman Rockwell, he designed hundreds of covers for Saturday Evening Post, Kellogg s Corn Flakes and others. In addition to its permanent collection, the Haggin showcases artists like Picasso and Mary Cassatt in revolving See the Buddha Walk past a giant buddha and 90 other jewel-encrusted statues without ever leaving the country. In Stockton, you'll fi nd the Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple, which celebrates the life and story of the temporary exhibits. It s beautiful on the outside, but I think people get inside and are amazed by the collection we have here in the Central Valley, says Wes Rhea, Visit Stockton's chief executive officer. Beyond, get a taste for the city s rich diverse population by dining at one of its many ethnic restaurants. Choose from Thai and Cambodian to contemporary American farm-totable restaurants. Fresh produce, live chickens and exotic spices draw locals, travelers and chefs to the hustle-and-bustle Downtown Stockton Asian Farmers Market every Saturday from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. (or until things sell out). It s one of the state s oldest and most successful farmers markets. Find it under Hwy. 4 at Washington and San Joaquin streets. Stop at Visit Stockton for information at 125 Bridge Pl. or go to visitstockton.org. Cambodian buddha. An active Buddhist temple, you may spot monks walking along its paths. The temple area is free and open to visitors during daylight hours. Donations are accepted. Stop by at 3732 Carpenter Rd or learn more at at visitstockton.org. PHOTO COURTESY VISIT STOCKTON, PIXABAY (BUDDHA) 66 YOSEMITE JOURNAL 2018

4 EXTEND YOUR STAY IN YOSEMITE WITH A ONE-, TWO- OR THREE-DAY WHITEWATER RAFTING ADVENTURE! Hands down one of the best vacation experiences I have ever had. Read more reviews like this on TripAdvisor.com CALL US TODAY! or book online at oars.com MYYOSEMITEPARK.COM 67

5 ROAD TRIPS GOLD COUNTRY LOOP STOCKTON, CALIF., TO MARIPOSA, CALIF. 108 miles, 2 hours Local Scene Discover eight gems just outside of Yosemite in Mariposa County. 1. COSTALIVOS MOUNTAIN GOLD OLIVE OIL TASTING ROOM AND GIFT SHOP Family-run by Don and Kim Costa, this tasting room in Mariposa serves and sells locally made olive oils and vinegars. The shop is a favorite of foodies and a great experience for those who have never done an olive oil tasting. TIP: Try the jalapeño olive oil and the blackberry balsamic vinegar. 2. CALIFORNIA STATE MINING AND MINERAL MUSEUM Discover the stories behind California s mineral wealth. You ll see more than 13,000 gems in this interactive museum. TIP: Don t miss the Fricot Nugget that weighs a whopping 13.8 pounds. It s the largest remaining intact mass of crystalline gold dating to the California Gold Rush. Back in the day, nuggets this size were melted down right away. 3. EPIC ALPACAS This downtown store sells sweaters and other goods made from alpaca wool from the state's largest alpaca farm, which is east of Mariposa. TIP: Even in the heat of the summer, consider purchasing a sweater, which may be the softest item you ever wear RESTAURANT + BREWING CO. Entrepreneurs Jake and Hanna Wackerman opened this Mariposa restaurant in It serves hand-cut steaks, burgers, locally sourced veggies and craft brews. TIP: Order a burger as this restaurant has won the best burger in the county award. 5. AIRBORNN AVIATION SERVICES ALPACAS Soar over El Capitan and Half Dome far above the crowds in a Cessna. TIP: Plan ahead since tours can accommodate a maximum of three passengers per fl ight. Tours start at $199/ passenger and take off from the Mariposa/Yosemite Airport several miles from Mariposa. 6. JOHN MUIR GEO TOURISM CENTER Housed in the historic Gazzolo building AERIAL TOUR in the tiny town of Coulterville, this center honors the legacy of John Muir while educating visitors about Coulterville's culture and activities. TIP: Walk Coulterville s main street that is lined by historic buildings and feels like a step back in time. 7. TENAYA LODGE Close to Yosemite s South Entrance, the four-star Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp, Calif., offers a full resort experience for those looking for an upscale vacation, including a spa, pool, a range of dining options and local guides who'll show you the best of the park. TIP: Take a dip in the resort s gorgeous pool. 8. YOSEMITE ZIPLINES & ADVENTURE RANCH Get your adrenaline fl owing in this two-hour, guide-led zipline tour in Mariposa. TIP: Participants must weigh over 60 pounds and less than 250 to do the zipline. Other activities include gold panning and a ropes course. Learn more at yosemite.com. PHOTOS COURTESY YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU, DEPOSIT (OLIVE OIL) 68 YOSEMITE JOURNAL 2018

6 Where to Camp Find your perfect Yosemite camping spot with our personalized guide. Then visit myyosemitepark.com/where-should-i-camp for details. WHAT TYPE OF CAMPER ARE YOU? HIGH SIERRA CAMPS I love car camping. My tent is an RV. I am fl exible with distance but want someone to cook for me. It is backcountry or bust for me. IS TAP WATER IMPORTANT TO YOU? No, I like my sites relatively rustic and remote. Yes, I like to brush my teeth at a sink. HOW IMPORTANT IS A DUMP STATION? Very Important Not Important 4 HIGH SIERRA CAMPS HOW FAR DO YOU WANT TO HIKE? Short and sweet 28.7 miles one way PHOTO BY LELA GELTZER/FLICKR 1 YOSEMITE LAKE CAMPGROUND 2 BRIDALVEIL CREEK CAMPGROUND 3 UPPER PINES CAMPGROUND 5 HAPPY ISLES TO LITTLE YOSEMITE VALLEY 6 HETCH HETCHY LAKE VERNON LOOP MYYOSEMITEPARK.COM 69

7 ROAD TRIPS GOLD COUNTRY LOOP YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK TO SONORA, CALIF. 24 miles, 35 minutes Wet and Wild Join O.A.R.S. for a whitewater adventure just outside of Yosemite National Park. RAFTING WITH O.A.R.S. ON THE TUOLUMNE RIVER RAFTING CLOTHING LIST Don t miss the boat on what to bring on your summer rafting adventure. Here are some tips from Steve Markle of O.A.R.S. for your day on the river. Warm layers, including a rain jacket, for cool mornings and cold river water Sandals with a secure strap or an old pair of sneakers. Don t bring flipflops Quick-dry shorts and shirt. Avoid cotton clothing. Hat with a brim Sunscreen Sunglasses with a strap Experience two of Yosemite National Park s rivers for a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure. Both the Merced River and Tuolumne River flow out of the park, offering class III and IV rapids. For a day trip, go with O.A.R.S. down the Merced River, a fun, rollercoaster of rapids with a break for lunch. For a multi-day trip, raft the Tuolumne, one of the best whitewater rafting experiences in the country, says Steve Markle, a spokesman for O.A.R.S. Only two commercial trips are allowed down the nearly continuous stretch of class IV rapids per day, making for a remote and pristine experience. Along the way, you ll stop to do some hikes, explore an abandoned mine and play beach games. You are literally laughing like a kid bouncing through the rapids, and there are not many activities that evoke that kind of response, Markle says. Even if you fall out of the boat, it s a story you ll tell for the rest of your life. Depending on water flows, O.A.R.S. has minimum age requirements for each trip. Learn more at oars.com/ california or call PHOTO COURTESY OARS BY JAMES KAISER 70 YOSEMITE JOURNAL 2018

8 ROAD TRIPS SAN FRANCISCO LOOP LIVERMORE, CALIF., TO SONORA, CALIF. 92 miles and 1 hour and 49 minutes Tuolumne s Top Seven Pronounced two-all-of-me, half of Tuolumne County lies in Yosemite. Discover the top seven things to do in its quaint towns from boating to Gold Rush-era experiences. 1. COVER S APPLE RANCH Apples have grown here since Catering to families, the ranch has barnyard animals and a miniature train kids can ride. TIP: Sip fresh-pressed cider and eat at the ranch s deli where baked goods are hard to resist. 2. EMIGRANT WILDERNESS Hike in solitude at this 113,000-acre wilderness area bordered by Yosemite to the south. Filled with placid lakes and gorgeous scenery, you ll feel like you have the Sierras all to yourself. PINECREST LAKE TIP: For a moderate trail, try the Crabtree Trail, an 8.7-mile out and back trail near Pinecrest that features a lake. 3. COLUMBIA STATE HISTORIC PARK See what life was like during the Gold Rush era when more than $1 billion was mined in the area between s. Walk the streets to see a stagecoach loading passengers, browse the 1850s-era shops, dine at a restaurant, pan for gold or stay the night at one of two historic hotels. LITTLE-KNOWN FACT: Scenes from the TV hit show Little House on the Prairie starring Michael Landon were fi lmed here during the show's run PINECREST Rent paddle boats, cabins or stay at a resort at this stunning lakeside area off Hwy TIP: Watch a movie under the stars at the Pinecrest Theater on the lake that plays outdoor movies Memorial Day through Labor Day. The wood in the gorgeous amphitheater is reclaimed wood from the 2013 Rim Fire that burned portions of Yosemite and the surrounding area. 5. GROVELAND Twenty-four miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance, this historic town is fun to stroll. Listen to live music on the outdoor patio of the Groveland Hotel. It s the largest town between the entrance and Sonora, Calif. TIP: Stop by the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest continuously operating saloon in the state, which opened its doors in IRON DOOR SALOON IN GROVELAND 6. JAMESTOWN This quaint town is a great place to stop for a meal or overnight, especially if you want to see Railtown 1897 State Historic Park where a number of Hollywood movies were fi lmed. TIP: Spend the night at the Jamestown Hotel, which is on Main Street. Recently remodeled with free Wi-Fi in every room, the hotel was built in 1919 and offers great customer service. 7. INDIGENY RESERVE Founded by Jay and Judy Watson who opened their doors to the public in 2012, the Watsons produce hard ciders, brandy and vodkas that you can sample in the tasting room. TIP: Bring a picnic to eat amid 160 acres of organic apple orchards and hiking trails. Learn more about Tuolumne County at VisitTuolumne.com. PHOTO BY SHUTTERSTOCK (APPLE), TUOLUMNE COUNTY VISITORS BUREAU (PINECREST LAKE), GRANT ORDELHEIDE (GROVELAND) 58 YOSEMITE JOURNAL 2018

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10 ROAD TRIPS GOLD COUNTRY LOOP SONORA, CALIF., TO JAMESTOWN, CALIF. 3 miles, 5 minutes Starstruck Climb aboard a Hollywood darling. See a movie star when you visit Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in charming Jamestown. Starring in Hollywood hits since 1919, the Sierra No. 3 locomotive has appeared in The Virginian with Gary Cooper in 1929, Rawhide with Clint Eastwood in 1960 and Back to the Future III in It also played a role in TV hits like Lassie and Little House on the Prairie. In fact, if Hollywood had not discovered the Sierra Railway, Railtown and its steam engines might not have survived much beyond 1955 when diesel began powering trains. Don t leave without taking a 45-minute ride aboard a train, which run weekends April through September, and visiting the historic lumber shed, which has a cinematic timeline exhibit of the movies filmed here. You can even climb on the caboose platform that appeared in Back to the Future III. Get tips from Railtown museum curator Lisa DeLacy at myyosemitepark.com/railtown-1897-statepark. RAILTOWN NO. 3 LOCOMOTIVE PHOTO BY LINDA HOGUE COURTESY OF HITACHKI MARKETING 72 YOSEMITE JOURNAL 2018

11 Cowboy Country Turn off the main strip to explore Oakdale s historic downtown. PHOTO BY PUBLIC IMAGES DOMAIN Ring the bell attached to a bull rope and touch a trophy saddle on your stopover in Oakdale, hailed the Cowboy Capital of the World. But you have to get off the beaten path to discover Oakdale s western heritage. If you just drive down the town s main strip, you ll find the usual parade of national chains, including a drive-through Starbucks, along with local businesses like a roadside booth offering custom wood carving while you wait. But turn off on West F Street/Hwy. 108 and you'll find the heart of Oakdale. Discover Oakdale s true cowboy culture, which kicked off in 1871, in its historic downtown. There's even three blocks of antique shops on 1st, 2nd and 3rd avenues for those looking for vintage, one-of-a-kind finds. Start at the Oakdale Cowboy Museum to find out why Oakdale lays claim to the world's cowboy capital. This is where you can ring cowbells and pick up a branding iron and learn about the Central Valley s ranching and rodeo traditions. Located at 355 East F Street, this small museum in the historic train depot is just steps away from the H B Saloon, pronounced H Bar B by locals and cowboys in the know. With leather booths, cowboy memorabilia covering the walls and strong drinks, it s no wonder American Cowboy magazine named this saloon on its Best Cowboy Bars in the West" list. Other nods to this town s cowboy history is a clinic offering rattlesnake vaccines, a scenic train ride on the restored High Noon Express, and the annual Western Day festival that kicked off in Held at the Oakdale rodeo grounds the first Saturday in October, it features a chili cookoff and all-day entertainment, including a staged gun fight, a juggler who juggles western artifacts like gold pans in the air and live music. A petting zoo is on site for kids and adults to spend time with farm animals. In 2017, the festival was held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7. Admission was free, but sampling the chili cost $5 per person in Learn more at visitoakdale.com. LOCAL FLAVOR FIND IT IN visitoakdale.com /VisitOakdaleCA MYYOSEMITEPARK.COM 73