Alternatives outside the park

Question

We are staying in Groveland for 3 nights in early October. We are excited about our location and don’t want long road trips, BUT….what are some alternative plans if the park is closed? Trails? Horseback riding? State parks? Thanks!

Answer

Staying in Groveland is a great choice for a Yosemite area visit, especially if you want to minimize long drives. Even if access to Yosemite Valley or some park areas is limited, there are plenty of alternatives nearby to enjoy the scenery and outdoor activities.

Here are some options to consider:

Local trails and hiking: The Groveland and Sierra foothills area has numerous shorter trails that are scenic and manageable without entering the main park. Examples include the South Fork of the Tuolumne River and nearby forested areas.
Horseback riding: There are several outfitters near Groveland that offer guided horseback rides, some ranging from one hour to half-day trips. These provide a different way to experience the foothill landscapes.
State parks and recreation areas: Consider visiting local state parks such as:

Don Pedro Reservoir area for water-based activities, easy walks, and picnic spots.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park (roughly 1.5 hours drive) to see giant sequoias and enjoy hiking loops.
Columbia State Historic Park (about 40 minutes from Groveland) offers historic buildings, walking tours, and occasional events.

Additional low-effort activities:

Exploring downtown Groveland with its historic Main Street, local shops, and cafes.
Scenic drives along Highway 120 or Highway 49 through the Sierra foothills for autumn colors in October.
Guided nature tours, bird watching, or photography workshops that may be offered locally.

In summary, even if Yosemite proper has limited access, staying in Groveland gives you a variety of outdoor and cultural options without lengthy road trips. Between local trails, horseback riding, nearby state parks, and scenic drives, there’s plenty to keep your 3-day stay engaging and enjoyable.