Explore the Heart of Gold Country: Top Towns & Attractions in Calaveras & Tuolumne Counties

-By Mountain Vibes & Properties

Local Stays, Curated Experiences

Tucked into the rolling Sierra Nevada foothills, Calaveras and Tuolumne Counties offer a captivating escape from the ordinary. From towering sequoias and wine-soaked afternoons to gold rush towns and peaceful alpine lakes, this region invites travelers to slow down and connect with California’s wild beauty — without the crowds.

At Mountain Vibes & Properties (MVP), we specialize in curating local experiences through our collection of unique vacation homes, estate stays, and tailored concierge services. Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, a family getaway, or a group celebration, our guide to these two counties will help you discover some of Northern California’s best-kept secrets.

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CALAVERAS COUNTY

– Wine, Wonders, and Wilderness

🌟 Towns Worth Visiting:

• Murphys – Known as the “Queen of the Sierra,” Murphys offers 20+ tasting rooms, boutique shopping, and rich Gold Rush history.

• Arnold – Outdoor gateway to Calaveras Big Trees State Park and forested adventures.

• Angels Camp – Home of the famous Jumping Frog Jubilee and the Angels Camp Museum.

• Copperopolis – Lakeside charm on Lake Tulloch with golf, boating, and upscale shops.

• Vallecito – Basecamp for ziplining and spelunking at Moaning Caverns.

• San Andreas & Mokelumne Hill – Quieter towns steeped in Gold Rush character and history.

🧭 Top Attractions in Calaveras:

• Calaveras Big Trees State Park – Walk among ancient sequoias on accessible trails.

• Ironstone Vineyards – Winery, museum, gardens, and seasonal amphitheater concerts.

• Mercer Caverns – Historic cave system with dramatic formations.

• Moaning Caverns Adventure Park – Zipline, rappel, and tour California’s largest vertical chamber.

• New Melones Lake – Boating, fishing, and lakeside relaxation.

• Natural Bridges Trail – Hidden limestone swimming holes for the adventurous.

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TUOLUMNE COUNTY

– Gold Rush Towns & Yosemite’s Gateway

🌟 Must-See Towns:

• Sonora – The county’s largest town with historic charm, shopping, and a vibrant food scene.

• Twain Harte – Alpine-style village nestled in the pines with dining, shops, and outdoor fun.

• Jamestown – Famous for its steam trains and historic downtown.

• Columbia – A living Gold Rush state park with horse-drawn carriages and gold panning.

• Groveland – Western gateway to Yosemite National Park.

• Pinecrest & Mi-Wuk Village – Family-friendly hubs for lakes, sledding, hiking, and skiing.

🧭 Top Attractions in Tuolumne:

• Yosemite National Park (via Hwy 120) – One of the world’s most iconic parks with waterfalls, granite cliffs, and wild beauty.

• Columbia State Historic Park – Explore 1850s buildings, blacksmiths, and live reenactments.

• Railtown 1897 State Historic Park – Ride vintage steam trains used in famous films.

• Pinecrest Lake – Crystal-clear alpine lake for paddling, hiking, and summer relaxation.

• Dodge Ridge Resort – Year-round adventure for skiing, snowboarding, and biking.

• Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias – Serene trail through ancient trees.

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Interactive Exploration

View our custom map of top towns and attractions:

🖼️ Click here to expand map or download full-resolution

🗺️ Available in all MVP Welcome Books and booking confirmation emails.