our mountain town

Introduction & overview
groveland News
Recreation and Nature
Current weather?

Business Directory for Groveland-Big Oak Flat
List of Local Service Providers
Area Churches in Groveland/Big Oak Flat
Romancing the Sierra- Tales and Trails of Yosemite & the Central Sierra part 1
Romancing the Sierra- Tales and Trails of Yosemite & the Central Sierra part 2

Introduction & Overview

What roads are accessible in winter?
Who lives there? What jobs and schools are there?
Where can I stay when I visit?
Where do we shop in Groveland?
What professional services are available in Groveland?
Where can I see some of the history of the area?
Is it hard to get a building permit?
Are there publications that can be sent to me?

South of the majestic Tuolumne River Canyon, west of the incredible Yosemite Valley--that's where the 49er gold miners found dazzling wealth by the pan-full and where today's adventurers still find wide open foothills and forests, and superb outdoor recreation. Two-thirds of Tuolumne County's 2000 square miles are publicly owned. Stanislaus National Forest logging trails wind hundreds of miles through tall pines and meadows, perfect for mountain biking or hiking. Highway 120 is open year-round to Yosemite National Park and into the valley. Tioga Pass over the Sierra to Highway 395 is closed in winter.

At an elevation of 2800 feet, Groveland and Pine Mountain Lake are above the fog and smog but below the snow and cold. Sun shines about 330 days a year in this dry climate. Daytime temperatures average around 54 degrees in winter, 86 degrees in summer, and in the 70's in spring and fall. Cool off in summer by swimming in the lake or swimming pool. Or slide down water washed rocks into a natural swimming hole and sit on the bank of a splashing stream. To feel like you are going back into spring time, you can quickly reach the high country. Dip your fishing line in a deep shaded pool or pristine alpine lake. Amble under the giant redwood trees at the Crane Flat Tuolumne grove, 6000 foot elevation.

Here you can relax into a slower pace...where the moon seems closer, the stars are brighter, and pressures less important. The air is crisp and fragrant with cedar and pine. Wildlife are abundant, and you'll be treated to daily encounters with jack rabbits, possums, foxes, raccoons, great blue herons, woodpeckers, squirrels, and especially deer. Drift to sleep with just the sound of an owl hooting its whereabouts to its mate.

Tuolumne County has a nickname: THE GREAT UNFENCED, which particularly applies to Pine Mountain Lake. No fences are built on lot lines. Building restrictions focus on exterior paint colors and control of tree cutting. You can't park cars in the street, but you can park boats and motor homes on your property.

Pine Mountain Lake was built in 1970 as a planned development with gated security and common areas managed by the Homeowner's Association. All of the over 3000 homes were custom built by individual contractors and vacant lots are still available in all price ranges. Every lot has 24 hour security, paved roads, piped water, power, and cable television.

The area attracts vacationers and retirees primarily, but many families are moving here for the small town quality and excellent schools. Caring teachers and parent volunteers make Tenaya Preschool and Elementary School, and Tioga High a lot like private schools. For higher education there's Columbia Junior College, and in Merced, a new University of California.

The area's history has been preserved at two State Historic Parks: Railtown 1897 in Jamestown, and Columbia State Park, preserved as a Gold Rush era town; and in the heart of downtowns like Groveland. The Iron Door Saloon and Groveland Hotel are two surviving buildings from the original gold rush. While mining evolved here from panning to hydraulic hoses to hard rock tunnels, cowboys ranged the hills and loggers harvested timber; dams were built for thirsty cities and John Muir brought the world's attention to Yosemite and Hetch Hetchy Valleys. He wrote: "The winds will blow their freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." Here you'll find a warm community where people take the time to meet new friends and help each other out.

What roads are accessible in winter?

Highway 120 to the Yosemite West park entrance is called the Big Oak Flat Road. It is kept open by snow plows year-round. Travelers coming to Yosemite during late fall, winter and early spring should carry tire chains in their cars, as they may become mandatory on Yosemite Park roads at any time. The Tioga Road (Highway 120 to Tuolumne Meadows and Hwy 395) is closed by snow each winter from about early November to late May. Predicting when the road will open is not possible, because weather in April and May can affect plowing progress. Plowing of the Tioga Road begins on or about April 15 each year and usually takes 1-2 months.
The Glacier Point Road (East off Highway 41) is plowed during the winter to the Badger Pass Ski Area.

What professional services are available in Groveland?

Is it hard to get a building permit?
Compared to most counties in California, it is fairly simple. Tuolumne County has permit fees for septic systems, well drilling, modular home installation and on-site frame building. Some lots in PML are within the airport Land Use Commission review area and must be approved at their monthly meetings. Your building contractor usually takes care of all permit submittals. For more information contact Tuolumne County Community Development Department (Planning, Building, Roads, Surveyor, House Numbering) at (209) 533-5633 or the Environmental Health Department (septic and wells) at 533-5990.

Are there publications that can be sent to me?
Tuolumne County Recreation Guide, Tuolumne County Visitor’s Bureau Visitor’s Guide, Sierra Seasons magazine, Vine Times magazine, Pine Mountain Lake Activities Guide, Yosemite Guide, Weekender newspaper guide to activities and places to go (weekly), Know-It-All guide to services in Tuolumne County, map of Tuolumne County.