Groveland, California
Located in California’s Gold Country Region
Photo: Downtown Groveland, California, by Terri Metz,
courtesy Tuolumne Visitors Bureau.
 

About Groveland, California
  The gateway to Yosemite National Park, Groveland is a historic town that experienced two gold rushes, cattle ranching, and more. The gold rush started in late 1848 when James Savage discovered gold in what was then called Savage’s Diggings, which incorporated Groveland and Big Oak Flat.
  In 1850, the area’s name changed to Garrotte, after a large Oak Tree, and was a boom town bustling with bordellos and dozens of bars. By the 1870’s the easy pickings were hard to find and the area took to cattle ranching instead. At the same time, tourists started to travel through on their way to Yosemite Valley.
  In 1875, Garrotte’s name was changed to Groveland. Soon thereafter, a second gold rush began with the use of deep shaft mines and milling operations. This rush lasted until 1914, when Groveland was selected to be the construction headquarters for the Hetchy Hetchy Water Project. Alas, Groveland never received any of the water.
  Eventually after a period of lumber milling and improvements to the water project, the Groveland citizens united and created their own water system which in turn opened the way for developer Boise Cascade in the mid 1960s to begin development of a new resort -- Pine Mountain Lake, a planned community with over 4,000 residential lots and its own golf course, country club, airport, and stables.
  Today, this special Sierra town is a popular travel destination as the gateway to Yosemite National Park, and bordering the Stanislaus National Forest. These wilderness areas offer a wealth of outdoor opportunities including hiking, birding, wildlife watching, photography, stargazing, horseback riding, water activities, fishing, biking, winter sports and more. Groveland is home to the oldest saloon in California, the Iron Door Saloon. From cabin rentals and RV Resorts to lodges and bed & breakfasts, Groveland offers a plethora of lodging choices.

Weather, Map & Directions  

Map of Tuolumne County region– Click on map to enlarge. Map courtesy Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau.
Sitting at an elevation of 2,846 feet, Groveland is a 27 miles southeast of Sonora and about 132 miles from Sacramento, located off of Highway 120, on the way to Yosemite National Park.

Visitor, Relocation & Community Information   
Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau: Tuolumne County is the recreational and cultural center of the Mother Lode near Yosemite National Park. Visit the historic Gold Country where the biggest gold rush in American history began. For Groveland, Yosemite and area information, please click here.
Yosemite Chamber of Commerce: Hwy 120, Groveland, CA  95321. Tel: (209) 962-0429

Nearby Towns & Cities
Angels Camp, CA    Arnold, CA   Columbia, CA    Copperopolis, CA   Jamestown, CA   
Kennedy Meadows, CA    Long Barn, CA    Mi Wuk Village, CA    Murphys, CA    Pinecrest, CA    Sacramento, CA    Sonora, CA    Soulsbyville, CA    Stockton, CA    Strawberry, CA    Tuolumne, CA    Twain Harte, CA

Articles & Interviews

Discover Tuolumne County, CA: Nestled in the heart of California’s historic Gold Country where the biggest gold rush in American history began, Tuolumne County is the recreational and cultural center of the Mother Lode near Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest. Read more and listen to our interview with Nanci Sikes, Executive Director of Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau. Click Here.