- Where is Pine Mountain Lake?
- What is Pine Mountain Lake?
- What recreational amenities does it have?
- What clubs are organized in PML?
- How restrictive are the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R’s)?
- What are the risks of earthquake, landslide, or floods?
- How extreme is the fire danger?
- What utilities are available?
Where is Pine Mountain Lake?
In Tuolumne County, northern California, east of San Francisco, in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Access is from State Highway 120, with connections to Highways 108 and 49. Elevation ranges from 2450 feet above sea level below the dam to 3000 feet on the surrounding mountaintops. The county seat of Sonora is located 26 miles to the Northwest. Half a mile away is Groveland, one of the original 1849 gold rush towns. Yosemite National Park is 26 miles further east on Highway 120.
What is Pine Mountain Lake?
Pine Mountain Lake (PML) is a planned subdivision of approximately 3600 lots on 3600 acres. It was created in 1969 by Boise Cascade Corporation, and turned over to the Homeowner’s Association (HOA) in 1974 after most of the lots were sold. Each of the existing 2900+ homes were custom built. They range from 900 square foot cabins to 8000 square foot homes. Near the airport there are homes with hangars as well. Average lot size is one-third acre, although some lots are up to two acres in size. The 52 miles of roads are private and maintained by the PML HOA, as are the 600 acres of greenbelt (undeveloped commonly-owned land) There are no sidewalks, streetlights, or fences. Cars cannot be parked in the street.
What recreational amenities does it have? Marina, Golf, Restaurant & Lounge, Tennis, Swimming Pool, Equestrian Center, Campground, Hiking Trails, Airport
Pine Mountain Lake is 210 acres with 6 miles of shoreline, and is as deep as 110 feet. Held by an earthen dam, it is a private, recreational lake that stays full year-round. Owners of lakefront lots may have their own floating docks, beaches and sea walls. Access for all others is from the 3 sandy swimming beaches at the main Marina, Dunn Court, the Lake Lodge and from Fisherman’s Cove. A water taxi shuttle operates between the four locations during the summer. Lake cruises are available every day during summer months. The length of the cruise depends on the type of cruise that you take.
Marina
Sandy beach, barbecue grills, picnic tables, large lawn area, showers and bathrooms, bocce ball court, sand volleyball , and of course swimming! Go to the Marina Store for boat registration, launching, docking, boat rentals, water-ski sign-ups, hunting and fishing licenses, marina entrance, beach security and gas dock. The Marina Store always sells rafts, beach balls, sunglasses, t-shirts, beach umbrellas, ice, sunscreen and much more.
Sign up for a lake cruise for up to 16 people. Take the water taxi over to Fisherman’x Cove or the other two beaches at Dunn Court and Lake Lodge.
Rent a boat from these choices: Pedal boat, family pedal cruiser, sailboat, single or double kayak, fishing boats for 4 or 6 people.
Marina Lakeside Cafe Open in Summer 209-962-8630
Golf Course
Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course, one of the Top 15 “Best Courses to Play in Northern California,” is an 18-hole course available for public play and tournaments. The challenging 6,382 yard, par 70 course offers you breath taking views of the majestic mountain peaks of Yosemite as it winds through picturesque oaks and pines. The course, designed by William F. Bell, opened in 1970 and is always in excellent condition. Experts and novices alike appreciate the driving range in a true golf course setting. Golf lessons, clinics, putting green,
PROPERTY OWNERS can reserve tee times up to 14 days in advance by calling the golf Shop at 209-962-8620. All others may call 10 days in advance. Make reservations March through November starting at 7 am, and reserve starting at 8 am during the winter for shotgun starts at 11 am.
Twilight begins at 1pm or 3pm, depending on the season. Annual Golf Memberships, Golf Club Storage, and Lockers are available to Pine Mountain Lake Property Owners. Private and Group Lessons Available.
Contact the PML Golf Pro Shop at 209-962-8620 for more information.
For details on hours, tee time reservations, rack cards, etc. go to the PML Pro Shop web link.
Country Club Restaurant and 19th Hole Lounge
The Country Club Restaurant – called The Grill, is located at 12765 Mueller Drive – serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and breakfasts on Saturday-Sunday. For information or reservations call 209-962-8638. Special events include Monday Night Football parties, comedy nights, holiday dinner/dances and musical entertainment most Friday and Saturday nights at the 19th Hole Lounge (209-962-8636). For menus and wine lists visit www.pinemountainlake.com/the-grill/
Tennis & Pickleball
Pine Mountain Lake has four tennis courts located on Pine Mountain Drive between Boitano Road and Crescent Way. Courts 3 and 4 have lights on until 10 pm. The 6 dedicated pickleball courts are on Mueller Drive next to the golf course. For court reservations call 209-962-8615. When you buy your passes check on when the Racquet or Pickleball Clubs have priority times.
Swimming Pool
The heated swimming pool is located on Mueller Drive above the Country Club. Swim lessons, aqua exercise classes, ping pong, pool socials, snack bar and pool store. Swim at your own risk. No lifeguard on duty! Open summer only. Phone 209-962-8634.
Equestrian Center
The full service Stables offers trail rides, riding lessons, special excursions, play days, horse shows, children’s horse camps, along with total care stalls, corrals and paddock rentals for your horse. A riding arena, exercise ring and a large picnic area and barbecue area are also available. The Stables are located in unit 12, on the corner of Clements and Clifton Way. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Advanced reservations are required. Safety equipment is provided.
Little Wrangler Camp
This camp is the perfect way to introduce your child to the world of horses and the life of a “cowpoke” all in a friendly, safe environment. Camps consist of horse and stables care, fun and game activities and lunch. Taught by CHA Certified riding instructors and supervised by PML’s professional Stables staff.
For reservations or information, call: 209-962-8667 or send an e-mail to: stables@pinemountainlake.com
Campground
The campground facility is operated by Pine Mountain Lake with sites reserved for PML property owners, their guests & the public. Facilities include 23 campsites, each with cooking fireplaces and a picnic bench. Included in the 23 are 10 RV hook-up sites, each with power and water (dump site on location). Guests have the use of 2 nearby restrooms, both with running water, one with hot showers. The campground is open 7 days a week during the summer season. Stays limited to 14 days within any 31 day period. Call Dept. of Safety at 209-962-8615 for more details, or email at campground@pinemountainlake.com
Pine Mountain Lake’s Hiking Trails and Archery Range – located in Units 14 & 16 – are available to all property owners, renters and guests. Hours of use are from 7 AM to dusk. Dogs on leash allowed. The Pine Mountain Lake Rock Canyon Trail, a 1.5 mile loop, is in units 3 & 4. Trailhead starts at Fisherman’s Cove on Rock Canyon Way in Unit 3. Over 20 interpretive nature signs detailing native plant life have been installed along the trail. The Big Creek Trail is a flat trail on the old Hetch Hetchy railroad grade with parking on Pine Mountain Drive just Northeast of the Big Creek bridge.
Airport E-45
- Airport E-45: The airport at Pine Mountain Lake, owned and operated by Tuolumne County, is in Unit 12 on Elderberry Way.
- Facilities on site include fueling and parking
- Location: North Latitude 37° 51′ 45”, West Longitude 120° 10′ 40″.
- Elevation: 2,933 feet above sea level. Note: Noise sensitive area. Avoid flying over lake.
- Runway: 27/09, 3,625 feet long. Surface is asphalt. Right traffic runway 27.
- Taxiway: 3,600′ long, paved.
- Lights: Runway and rotating beacon, VASI – Runway 09 and PAPI – Runway 27.
- Tie Down Area: Paved, approximately 54 tie downs. 5 transient tie downs available on west side of ramp, south of fuel pumps. Overnight fees are $4.00 single, $8.00 twin.
- Unicom: 122.9 Sport Aviation article about a visit to PML airport
| From VORS | Freq. | Radial | DME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modesto VOR (MOD) | 114.6 | 052 degrees | 40 |
| Merced area VOR (HYP) | 114.2 | 001 degrees | 40 |
| Stockton Area Linden VOR (LIN) | 114.8 | 092 degrees | 40 |
Activities:
Many socials, classes, clinics, tournaments, trips, camps, and events are scheduled throughout the year. Examples are fishing derbies, bingo, theater, river rafting, Reno fun bus, yoga, tap dance, hikes, flea markets, horseshoe pitching, 4th of July fireworks celebration, Christmas sing-a-long, etc.
What clubs are organized in PML?
The PML Organized groups, clubs and classes include Aviation Association, PML Aero Club, Computer Users Group, Bridge Club, Exercise Group, Friends of the Lake, Garden Club, Ladies Club, Ladies 18 Hole Golf Club, PML Lady Niners, Men’s Golf Club, Men’s 9-Hole Golf Club, Sunday Couples Golf, Non-Residents Group, PML Water-ski & Wakeboard Club, PML Shooting Club, Racquet Club, Pickleball, Resident’s Club, ROOFBB, Needle Crafts, Pine Needlers Quilt Guild, Sierra Professional Artists, and Windjammers Sailing Club.
Other area groups Include: Friends of the Library, Groveland Rotary, Southside Community Connections, Southern Tuolumne County Historical Society, IOOF, American Legion, Helping Hands, Yosemite Chamber of Commerce, Sheriff’s Community Service Unit, Sierra Club, and Pine Cone Singers.
How restrictive are the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R’s)?
What building restrictions does Pine Mountain Lake Homeowner’s Association have?
All structure plans must be submitted to the Environmental Control Committee by Tuesday for review on Thursday. Tree removal and paint colors are the main features they look at. They also approve encroachments for driveway entrances and parking pads in the PML right of way. Fences along lot lines are discouraged. Fences for dog runs, gardens, decorative purposes, or horses (in Unit 12 only) must be approved by the ECC.
What are the risks of earthquake, landslide, or floods?
Tuolumne County has not experienced a significant earthquake in recorded history although a couple of minor faults run through the west county area. We occasionally feel the tremors of earthquakes from the San Francisco Bay Area or the Mammoth area of the Eastern Sierra. Groveland area soils and substrate are “solid” with lots of rock. Except on extremely steep slopes, the soil stability is generally excellent and no special foundations are needed. Flooding is a possibility as we discovered during the “100 year floods” of 1997 that also washed out major campgrounds in the Yosemite Valley. Structures and roadways that were affected were only those built very close to major rivers and streams, such as the Tuolumne River and its Middle and South Forks. Houses that front the lake must be built 50 feet back from the dam spillway elevation of 2550 feet. Properties below the dam on Big Creek have a slight chance of flooding if the dam is destroyed. The dam is 110 feet high, 385 feet long, and built of earth with a clay core.
How extreme is the fire danger?
California foothill areas have some of the most extreme fire danger anywhere. That is why PML and the California Department of Forestry cooperate in enforcing the Public Resources Code and the Fire Prevention guidelines adopted by PML. These are outlined in the Fire Prevention Guidebook provided to new property owners (ask your Realtor for a copy). Some requirements are to cut dry weeds and grass, and remove lower tree limbs, vegetative debris and flammable brush. Fire hazard in PML is less than in surrounding “wild land” areas because of hydrants every 300 feet, paved roads throughout, proximity to the fire station in downtown Groveland, ongoing enforcement of fuel reduction, roving Security patrols and numerous residents that can see and report fires before they spread. Outdoor burning is limited to “permissive burn days” and violations can result in heavy fines. Tuolumne County forbids use of all fireworks. New and replacement roofs cannot be wood shakes or shingles.
What utilities are available?
All lots have public water from Groveland Community Services District and fire hydrants every 300 feet. About one-third of the lots have public sewer hookups, and the rest use individual septic systems. Electricity is from Pacific Gas & Electric and phone service from AT&T. Cable television is available to all lots. Individual propane tanks are used instead of piped natural gas. A garbage pick-up service is available, or some people take their own loads to the dump on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
