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Directions, What to bring & Where to stay:
Use the following links (or scroll down the page) for the information you are looking for! |
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Maps & Directions:
Meet Place
La Casa Loma Store
24000 Casa Loma
Groveland, CA 95321
Meet Time: 9:00am
All-Outdoors Tuolumne trips usually meet at 9:00 am, but keep in mind that meet times may vary. Please confirm your meet time and place with your group trip leader or contact our office.
Driving Directions
(Please use a California map in conjunction with this map.)
La Casa Loma Store is located 8 miles east of the town of Groveland on Hwy 120 at Ferretti Road. (NOTE: Ferretti Road is a loop with the west end in Groveland and the east end at La Casa Loma.)
Traveling east on Hwy 120, La Casa Loma Store is on the left side of Hwy 120 at Ferretti Road. Parking is available in the dirt area just east of the store. Cars may be left there for the duration of the trip.
Drive Times and Distances:
| San Francisco: 140 mi/ 3 hrs
San Jose: 140 mi/ 3 hrs
Sacramento: 115 mi./ 2 hrs
Los Angeles: 370 mi./ 7 hrs
Walnut Creek:120 mi/ 2.5 hrs |
Yosemite Valley: 40 mi./ 1 hr
Modesto: 80 mi./ 1.5 hrs
Lake Tahoe: 185 mi./ 3.5 hours
San Diego: 510 mi/ 9 hrs |
These are approximate mileages and driving times and do not take into account any delays or stops. Please allow a little extra time to assure correct arrival time to the meeting place. Thank you!
Most people drive to the meeting place as there is no public transportation available. The Modesto and Stockton airports are the closest airports to Groveland with scheduled commuter flights (United Express). You may rent a vehicle from these locations (Hertz and Avis). A private airstrip is located at Pine Mountain Lake in Groveland.
General Information:
What's Included
- Professional Guide, instruction, and equipment (April through May, see Wetsuit Information for added rental cost.)
- Delicious fresh meals
- River shuttle by bus to and from the Meet Place for your trip
What to Bring
- Personal medicine
- Change of clothing for ride home
- Waterproof sunblock, sunglasses with strap, hat, visor (optional)
What to Wear
- Swimsuit
- Quick drying shorts to wear over swimsuit is recommended for more comfort
- Athletic shoes that are lace-up (no slip-ons or thongs)
- Long-sleeve shirt and pants for additional sun protection and/or extra layering
- Wool or fleece sweater/jacket, waterproof jacket or wetsuit (usually required in April through June, and in inclement weather)
While on the river, you need little other than your river attire. There is limited space available in a water-resistant bag for additional items, such as rain gear or medication, that you might need during the day (no towels, please). This bag is usually available only during the lunch stop and at camp.
Additional Items for Overnight Wilderness Trips:
Remember to pack light since everything is carried by raft into this wilderness canyon and space is limited. Please have your camp gear ready to be packed in a water-resistant bag. Just the minimal toiletry items are needed since the camps do not have running water or electricity. Upon arrival at camp, the guides will set up the camp kitchen; plates and eating utensils are provided.
Camp clothes: one pair of pants, shirt, dry shorts, jacket, dry shoes and socks, sturdy sandals
Camping gear: sleeping bag, pad, ground cloth, tent (optional), toiletry items, insect repellent, flashlight
Optional items for downtime at camp: journal, book, deck of cards, collapsible fishing gear in container
Please Do Not Bring:
Expensive watch, jewelry, radio, pets, camera without water protection. Space is limited on the boat . Please note that storage of wallets, and other valuables is the participant's responsibility.
River Conditions (Real Time)
Real-time, up to the hour flow information is available for the Tuolumne River on our Updated River Conditions page.
Local Weather
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The important thing to remember about the weather in the Sierra Foothills is that it can change on short notice. It is always best to be prepared for any kind of weather situation.
Seasonal patterns do exist. In April and May, days are generally breezy and warm (60-70 degrees). Nights can be in the 50's; generally cooler during the earlier spring trips. The summer months are usually hot and dry (85-100 degrees). Night temperatures can range from the low 60's to the low 70's.
Even though these patterns exist, it is not uncommon to get a 90 degree day in May and a breezy, rainy day in June or July. It is always important to bring sun protection and cold weather gear to the river. You can decide which is most appropriate once you have arrived.
For specific questions, contact our Reservations office at (800) 247-2387. |
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Accommodations:
Hotels and B&B's
Groveland Hotel: Groveland, (209) 962-4000 or (800) 273-3314
The historic Groveland Hotel is in the heart of the small town of Groveland. This Victorian hotel features 17 rooms, each with its own theme, feather bed, private bath, coffee brewer and more. Guests partake of a complete breakfast. Enjoy a fully stocked wine cellar and a full service restaurant; the cuisine is prepared from California seasonal ingredients. Meals and drinks can be enjoyed out-of-doors on their lovely verandah. AAA discount.
Hotel Charlotte: Groveland, (209) 962-6455
Located in downtown Groveland, Innkeepers Lynn & Victor invite you to enjoy affordable lodging at their casual but atmospheric bed & breakfast hotel. The inn has ten rooms, is great for groups, and is home to Cafe Charlotte, a full service restaurant & bar. Guests are invited to fill up on their daily pancake buffet breakfast.
All Seasons Groveland Inn: Groveland, (800) 595-9993
Located in the quaint town of Groveland, this small downtown B&B is a blend of modern room amenities combined with old world charm. Each room displays a scenic wall mural hand painted by a local artist. Rooms also have refrigerators, fire places, and private baths that are elegant and upscale, including either a steam room or Jacuzzi tub.
Yosemite Rose: Groveland, (866) 962-6548
Located off the main highway less than 10 minutes from the AO meet place, this B&B (or rent their charming cabin) is a stylish replica of a Bay Area mansion of the late 1800’s ‘Italianate Revival’. From this quiet 90 acre property, ambitious guests can hike to Clavey Falls, one of the Main Tuolumne’s most challenging rapid or take an easy stroll to the trout pond. Other on-site activities include horse trail rides, a game of billiards, playing the piano in the music room, or relaxing with a massage. Manor house guests presented with a full country breakfast which is served either in the dining room showcasing a large hand-painted mural of Yosemite Falls or on the quaint screened-in porch. Rooms are elegantly appointed. Military Discount.
Big Creek Meadow Ranch: Groveland, (209) 962-1942
This working 240 acre guest ranch is across the highway from the AO meet place. The two bedrooms are simply decorated but warm and inviting with knotted pine adorning the walls. There is also a “Camper” parked on the property that is a casual and fun alternative to the standard room experience. After a game of badminton, horseshoes, or croquet, ranch guests can ease into the back-deck hot tub that overlooks a large meadow by day or, while steaming away the evening, gaze into the night sky and count the stars.
Yosemite Westgate Motel: Groveland, (209) 962-5381 or (800) 253-9673
This easy to find hotel is located about 10 minutes from the AO meet place. In addition to standard rooms, they have many “family-style” rooms which have a dining area with microwave and refrigerator. Relax by taking a dip in their heated pool. Close-by dinning is the 49er in Buck Meadows.
The Evergreen Lodge: Groveland, (209) 379-2606 or (800) 935-6343
This woodsy 1921 Lodge, bordering Yosemite National Park on the north-western side, offers a variety of accommodations from furnished traditional and family cabins to newer one-bedroom cottages as well as camping with the supplies taken care of! The property offers an on-site finer dinning experience or guests can enjoy a lighter fare and cocktails in the warm and inviting all-wood tavern. The lodge provides a variety of recreational guided tours and activities in and around Yosemite. Tired and sore guests can also enjoy an on-site massage!
Campgrounds
Yosemite Lakes Preserve: Groveland, (800) 533-1001
Part of the Thousand Trails/NACO camping system, this resort property offers non-member tent and RV campsites, yurts, bunkhouse cabins and a hostel. Located along the South-Fork Tuolumne River, guests can rent paddle boats & kayaks, swim, fish, and bike.
Yosemite Pines RV Park: Groveland, (209) 962-7690 or (877) 962-7690
About a 20 minutes drive to our meet place, this resort-style facility offers tent and RV camping, a variety of cabin sizes, and yurts. The grounds include a general store, laundry room, new swimming pool, exercise trail, club-house, playground and petting zoo. Family pets are welcome although there are no kennels.
USFS Campgrounds: (209) 962-7825
There are ten USFS campgrounds within the Groveland Ranger District. Those mentioned below are on Hwy 120 and are nearest to the AO meet place. These developed sites use well water and have pit toilets. Large trailers or RV’s can not be accommodated. No advance reservations are taken. Call the above number for more information.
- Sweet Water: 13 miles east of Groveland
- The Pines: 8 miles east of Groveland (no phone)
- Lost Claim: 13 miles east of Groveland
Yosemite National Park: (209) 962-8502 or (800) 436-PARK
The Park contains 13 popular camp grounds with 7 taking advance reservations. Use the link for more information.
Moccasin Pt. Campground: (209) 852-2207
Located on Lake Don Pedro eight miles west of Groveland on Hwy 120, about 30 minutes from our meeting place, this campground offers both tent and R.V. sites. Reservations accepted.
Surrounding Attractions:
If you plan to spend additional time in the area before or after your trip, there are many interesting places to visit. The entrance to Yosemite National Park is on Hwy 120 and 16 miles east of the meet place for our Tuolumne trips. Any reservations for accommodations in Yosemite Park should be made well in advance of your visit. Visit the Virtual Visitors Center or call (209) 372-0200 for general park information.
Pine Mountain Lake is a resort community in Groveland that has houses and condominiums available for rent on a daily basis. Staying in these facilities is an excellent way for individuals or groups to relax together before, and/or after a rafting trip. For more information visit Pine Mountain Realty or call (209) 498-7123.
If Gold Rush era history is of interest to you, Hwy 49 connects with Hwy 120 near Groveland. Hwy 49 runs the length of the "Gold Rush Country" taking you through quaint, historic towns and beautiful Sierra Foothills scenery. For detailed information, visit the Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau or call (800) 446-1333.
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