Yosemite’s Tuolumne County Marks Three Area Milestones

This year Yosemite’s Tuolumne County – a large swath of California’s Gold Country, High Sierra comprising the lion’s share of the northern portion of Yosemite National Park – will mark three important milestones, which celebrate its diverse attractions and experiences. Visit Tuolumne County staff shared information about these milestones.

1st Anniversary of the New Giant Sequoias
In honor of Arbor Day, Tuolumne partnered with Pinecrest Expedition Academy, whose students planted a new grove of Giant Sequoias at the iconic Kennedy Meadows Resort & Pack Station nestled in the Sierra Nevada. Visit Tuolumne County gifted the three planted baby sequoia trees to signify the region’s commitment to sustainability and destination stewardship. Pinecrest Expedition Academy developed a curriculum for students to learn about the sequoias, how to test pH levels of soil, and the process of planting a new grove. The students will continue to monitor and support the trees, tracking growth and maintaining an online chart on the school’s website, which will be publicly available to view.

Railtown Celebrates 125th Anniversary
Known as ‘The Movie Railroad,’ Railtown and its train have been featured in hundreds of movies and TV shows, including Back to the Future and the classic High Noon, and 2022 marks 125 years since the railroad’s founding. The 26-acre State Historic Park offers seasonal excursion train rides aboard a historic steam or diesel locomotive through California’s scenic Gold Country, special events, plus daily roundhouse, movie prop tours and a gift shop.  

Hetch Hetchy 100th Year Anniversary
A mecca of recreation in Yosemite, Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is the perfect place for bird watching, fishing and hiking, with one of the longest hiking seasons in the park due to its relatively low elevation. Travelers up for a bigger challenge can hike the 16-mile round trip with 3,300 feet in elevation gain to reach Smith Peak, the highest point of the Tuolumne side of the park. There are also several shorter, easier hikes that explore the region’s flowers and wildlife.