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 panful 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.
During a Yosemite vacation 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.
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 3700 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 2700 homes was custom built. They range from 900 square foot cabins to 5000 square foot homes with hangars near the airport. 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 can you do during your Yosemite vacation?
A Private Lake, an 18-hole Championship Golf Course with Pro Shop, adjacent Country Club Restaurant and Bar, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Riding Stables, Hiking Trails and Airport.
ine Mountain Lake is a private, RECREATIONAL LAKE that is 210 surface acres, 110 feet deep, and 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, and the Lake Lodge. A water taxi shuttle operates between the three beaches and Fisherman’ cove during the summer. Lake cruises are available for up to 20 people. At the Marina store you can purchase fishing licenses, souvenir items or rent; canoes, kayaks, sea cycles, sailboats, paddle boats, and fishing boats. Jet skis are not allowed on the lake and if you are not a property owner you may not insert any watercraft into the Lake. The snack bar offers burgers, chicken, hot dogs, fries, nachos, sandwiches, frosties, beer, wine coolers, and soft drinks. Special events: July 4th Fireworks, August Luau, and Music at the Campfire.
Pine Mountain Lake Golf Course is available for public play. The challenging 18-hole, 6,363 yard, par 70 course takes you through breathtaking views of the majestic mountain peaks of Yosemite along with plenty of picturesque oaks and pines. The course was designed by "Billy Bell" in 1969 and is always in top-notch condition. Special events and functions are available for groups from 2 to 200 participants. The public and guests may make tee times up to 10 days in advance. Golfers may not use their own personal carts, only those rented through the Pro Shop. Carts are mandatory for weekends, holidays and tournaments. Summer Hours 7 am to 7 pm. Winter Hours (shotgun) 8 am to 4 pm. Golf shop, locker storage, driving range, junior golf clinics. Now open 7 days a week Memorial Day through Labor Day. Call (209) 962-8620. Chris Borrego, PGA Head Golf Professional.
The Country Club Restaurant serves brunch, lunch and dinner. For reservations call 962-8638. Local Celebrity Chef Nights, Sunday buffet brunch, Monday Night Football parties, holiday dinner/dances, Casino Nights, Seafood Buffets, musical entertainment most Friday and Saturday nights at the 19th Hole Lounge.
The heated Swimming Pool is located on Mueller Drive above the Country Club. Open May 12 through September 30. Swim lessons, children's swim races, swim parties for teens and pre-teens, adults-only swim hours every day, aqua exercise classes, ping pong, snack bar. Phone 962-8634.
Tennis Courts 1 & 2 are located near the Country Club on Mueller Drive, courts 3-6 are on Pine Mountain Drive in Unit 4 across from Boitano Road. Daily and monthly passes are for sale at the Main Gate Security Office only. Racquet club doubles, ladies, and men's are scheduled on week days. Tennis clinics summer and fall by USPTA professional. Classes call 962-8605; court reservations call 962-8615.
The full service Equestrian Center offers trail rides, special excursions, western riding lessons, gymkhanas and play days, horse shows, children's horse camps, along with total care stalls, pasture space, corrals, and paddocks rental for your horse. A riding arena, exercise ring, and a large picnic area and barbecue are also available. It is located in Unit 12, on the corner of Clifton Way and Clements Road and is open to the public. Special events on July 4th, Labor Day, flea markets in May and October.
Hiking and Walking Trails are in units 3 & 4 along Rock Canyon Way, and in Units 14 & 16 (undeveloped area) north of the Campground. Archery range in Unit 16. Hours are 7 am to dusk.
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