Hiking near Sonora

There is an abundance of hiking and backpacking opportunities close to Sonora. Whether you are in Yosemite National Park, the Stanislaus National Forest or at New Melones Lake you will find trails and ranger lead hikes.

Stanislaus National Forest

Here are just a few of the options available to hikers.

Groveland Ranger District

For the most current information please call the Groveland Ranger District at (209) 962-7825, or stop by the office on Highway 120.

Andresen Mine Trail (4.5 miles)
Elevation from 2100 to 1900 feet. Take Cherry Lake Road to one mile past the Kirkwood Powerhouse. Bear left onto 1S23Y and park off the road. Trail begins across the bridge.

Hamby Trail (2 miles)
Elevation from 1250 to 3100 feet. Eight miles from Groveland turn left off Highway 120 onto Ferretti Road. Travel 2.5 miles, then turn right (immediately after Kings Road) and travel through the gate to the trailhead (.7 miles from the gate). Trail access travels through private property, visitors are asked to close the gate. The trail joins the Tuolumne River Trail downstream of the Clavey River confluence. Trail has approximately 40 switchbacks.

Indian Creek Trail (3 miles)
Elevation from 1200 to 2840 feet. Take Ferretti Road from Highway 120 at Groveland; turn left at Clements Road (past Pine Mountain Lake Stables). Where road narrows, turn right through gate and follow signs to the trailhead parking lot. Access through private property. Trail starts at trailhead parking area and ends at Tuolumne River.

Little Golden Forest Trail (2 miles)
Self-guiding brochure available. The trail begins outside the Groveland District office. The Little Golden Forest is co-sponsored by Little Golden Children's Books and the National Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the Stanislaus National Forest. The Little Golden Forest was established as a result of the 1987 Stanislaus complex Fire to help restore an area along Highway 120 to a pre-fire condition. This 150 acre forest has been planted in part by children and volunteers from the local area. Funds for this forest and trail have been made possible by donations from children to Little Golden Children's books.

North Mountain Trail (3 miles)
Elevation from 3200 to 5753 feet. The trail follows the ridgeline to an abandoned fire tower. Take Cherry Lake Road approximately 5 miles from the District Office. Approximately two miles past the Kirkwood Powerhouse bear right and up off Cherry Lake Road. Continue bearing right and up for one mile to gated road. Park off the road, do not block the gate. Trail begins to the right, just in front of the closed gate.

Preston Flat Trail (4.5 miles)
Elevation from 2100 to 2500 feet. The trail follows the north side of the Tuolumne River. Take Cherry Lake Road to Early Intake. After the bridge, turn right to trailhead.

Tuolumne River Canyon Trail (6 miles)
Elevation from 1250 to 1400 feet. The trail follows the south side of the Tuolumne River to the confluence of the Clavey River. There is a washout half way, exercise caution at this section of the trail. Take Lumsden Road off of Ferretti Road, approximately 4.5 miles to the trailhead. The trailhead is a half mile downstream from the Lumsden boat launch.

Mi-Wok Ranger District

For the most current information please call the Mi-Wok Ranger District at (209) 586-3234, or stop by the office on Highway 108 in Mi-Wuk Village.

Sugar Pine Railway - the Strawberry Branch (3 miles)
This gentle three mile (one way) "Strawberry" branch parallels the South Fork of the Stanislaus River and overlays the historic Sugar Pine Railroad System. Access the trail from either Old Strawberry Road or the bridge at Frasier Flat Campground. Arrange to be picked up at one end and your trip is either all a gentle uphill or a gentle downhill. Or, start at Fraser Flat; hike uphill to Strawberry and stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Then, enjoy the downhill cruise home.

Westside Railroad Grade (3 miles) 

Trailhead at Miramonte subdivision on Cottonwood Road, one mile east of downtown Tuolumne City. Enjoy an easy walk along the historic Westside railroad grade, overlooking the Tuolumne River Canyon. Springtime walk offers wildflowers galore.