Looking for things to do near Yosemite? From classic Yosemite activities like hiking the Carlon Falls Trail to unexpected fun at the pristine Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course and miles of natural beauty to explore in between, there is no shortage of fun things to do near Yosemite.
Check out these top destinations and things to do near Yosemite during your next trip!
Columbia State Historic Park
- 11259 Jackson Street, Columbia, CA 95310
- 35 miles from Firefall Ranch
- Take CA-120 to Jacksonville Rd., then turn left on Algerine Rd. In 1 mile, turn left onto Campo Seco Rd. Turn right onto Third Ave, right onto Ninth St., and then left onto Sierra Ave. Follow directional signage to Columbia State Historic Park, about 6.6 miles.
Columbia State Historic Park is a great spot for families and groups to visit near Yosemite. This National Historic Landmark is a fully immersive experience that preserves historic downtown Columbia, which features almost 30 buildings that were constructed during the California Gold Rush – and the town still functions just like it would have in the 1850s, complete with actors in period dress and operating businesses.
The restored buildings in Columbia State Historic Park include a handmade candy store, a blacksmith, restaurants, and a museum, plus the famous tea room Columbia Kate’s – where you’ll often catch guests in full hiking gear stopping by for a cup and donning one of Kate’s fancy hats while they enjoy their tea and snacks.
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
- 10501 Reservoir Road, Jamestown, CA 95327
- 29 miles from Firefall Ranch
- Take CA-120 to turn right onto Jacksonville Rd., and left onto Algerine Road in 8.5 miles. In one mile, turn right onto Campo Seco Rd., then a slight left turn onto Seco St. 0.7 miles later, turn right onto Third Ave, right onto Tenth St., and another slight left turn. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is on your right.
Located in the heart of California’s Gold Country, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park offers seasonal excursion train rides behind a historic steam or diesel locomotive through the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Jamestown. Trains are typically pulled by the 1265 diesel locomotive, taking you on a 6-mile, 45-minute round trip train ride. After your ride, enjoy a picnic or sightseeing on the historic grounds and spend the rest of your day soaking in the scenes of California’s Gold Country with your group.
Stanislaus National Forest
- Firefall Ranch is surrounded by Stanislaus National Forest on all sides!
Stanislaus National Forest offers over 1,000 miles of hiking trails, nearly 80 lakes, and over 800 miles of streams and rivers to explore – truly endless wide open spaces. From hiking and backpacking to see spectacular views and sparkling lakes to white water rafting and horseback riding, there are plenty of things to do in this area near Yosemite. Stanislaus National Forest is also home to the Carson-Iceberg, Emigrant, and Mokelumne Wilderness Areas.
Groveland Historical Downtown
- Groveland, CA 95321
- 7.7 miles from Firefall Ranch
- Take a left onto CA-120. In 7.4 miles, turn left onto Back St. Follow directional signage for downtown parking, shopping, and other things to do in Groveland.
Visit beautiful downtown Groveland and enjoy this historic region that played a key role in the California Gold Rush. The best-known attraction in downtown Groveland is the Iron Door Saloon, which opened as a saloon in 1896 and still operates today serving up delicious pork ribs, burgers, and more. Downtown Groveland is home to the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum, Mountain Sage Nursery and bake shop, Tangled Hearts Bakery & Cafe (open seasonally), and Kevin and Randi’s Old-Fashioned Meat Market.
Groveland is also a hotspot for mountain biking, with the Groveland Trail Heads club making it easy and safe to access well-maintained trails that feature varying elevation levels and difficulties.
Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course and Airport
- 12765 Mueller Dr., Groveland, CA 95321
- 9.1 miles from Firefall Ranch
- Take a left onto CA-120. In 7.2 miles, turn right onto Ferretti Rd. then in 1.3 miles a right onto Mueller Drive. In 0.3 miles, turn right, then take a sharp right turn. You’ll arrive at Pine Mountain Lake Golf Club and Course.
With over 300 sunny days annually and an expansive 18-hole course, the Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course is a top destination near Yosemite. This par 70 course offers everything golfers of any level could want from a round of golf in a classic setting with plenty of fun challenges and beautiful scenery. Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course near Yosemite also offers clinics, golf lessons, club rentals and club storage, golf carts, pull carts, and more to enhance your Yosemite golf experience!
Want to take your Yosemite experience over the top? Soar over the Sierras with a Yosemite flight tour, which takes off from the Pine Mountain Lake Airport, for a truly unparalleled view of the stunning scenery like alpine lakes and rivers, waterfalls, and mountain ranges. Book your Yosemite flight tour with Firefall’s sister property, Rush Creek Lodge!
Rainbow Pool Day Use Area
- CA-120, Groveland, CA 95321
- 6.5 miles from Firefall Ranch
- Take a right onto CA-120. In 6.1 miles, turn right, and the Rainbow Pool Day Use Area is on your left in 0.2 miles.
One of the most popular things to do near Yosemite is visiting Rainbow Pool. Located off Old Hwy 20, this swimming area near Yosemite features a large waterfall and several smaller falls, with plenty of access to wade into the water from shore if you don’t want to take on the jump from the top of the fall! Folks also gather to swim and splash above the falls. Rainbow Pool is cool, clear, and perfectly refreshing after a day of hiking and exploring Yosemite. Be advised that the river rocks can be slippery – be careful while you enjoy this fun attraction near Yosemite.
Cherry Lake
- Forest Route 1N04, Groveland, CA 95321
- 33 miles from Firefall Ranch
- Take a right onto CA-120 from Firefall Ranch. In 6.4 miles, turn left onto Cherry Lake Rd. Stay on Cherry Lake Road until you reach the parking area.
Visit the largest lake in Stanislaus National Forest, Cherry Lake, for fishing, hiking, and spectacular whitewater rafting on Cherry Creek. Cherry Creek is a Class V whitewater rapid creek, with 15 rapids generated by the river’s steep drop of over 100 vertical feet per mile. Hikers can access Andresen Mine Trail, a moderate 4.5 mile hike, from Cherry Lake, as well as North Mountain Trail, a difficult 3 mile trail that climbs over 2,500 feet in elevation. Cherry Lake is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Don’t want to take on Cherry Creek alone? Head out with knowledge provided by the friendly faces at Rush Creek Lodge’s recreation desk. They’ll provide free planning advice for your Yosemite adventure, with plenty of maps and ideas for groups of all sizes!
Carlon Falls Trail
- 32158 Evergreen Rd., Groveland, CA 95321
- 17 miles from Firefall Ranch
- Turn right onto CA-120. In 15 miles, turn left onto Evergreen Road. In 1 mile, the destination is on your right.
This two mile hike that follows the Tuolumne River is a Yosemite classic. Visitors park at the trailhead in Stanislaus National Forest, and cross the threshold into Yosemite National Park after a short walk, then are treated to a “choose your own adventure” kind of trail – you can stop and admire any of the falls in this stunning series of waterfalls, and hike as far as you want along the Tuolumne River. This trail feels tucked away and magical, offering countless perfect places to have a famous Yosemite Moment for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do Near Yosemite
Planning your Yosemite trip? Check out these frequently asked questions about things to do near Yosemite, asked by fellow travelers just like you.
What else is around Yosemite?
Aside from Yosemite National Park, what else is around Yosemite? Visitors love nearby attractions like the Rainbow Pools, Railtown Historic State Park, Stanislaus National Forest, and Columbia Historic State Park.
What should I do after visiting Yosemite?
After visiting Yosemite, there are plenty of things to do nearby. Guests at Firefall Ranch can enjoy time at the ranch, with daily activities from the recreation team, outdoor fun and games, and visits to sister property Rush Creek’s luxurious spa. Nearby, check out downtown Sonora – this newly-revitalized area features a brand new generation of retailers, restaurants, and local shops to enjoy near Yosemite.
Are there any other national parks near Yosemite?
There are other national parks near Yosemite, including Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park.
From rich historical experiences and cultural immersion to stunning nature hikes and heart-pounding whitewater rafting, there are plenty of fun things to do near Yosemite. After a day of exploration and fun, Firefall Ranch offers a serene retreat with a range of amenities and activities to enhance your Yosemite experience. Book your stay now and get ready for a trip full of exploration, excitement, and relaxation.
