Tuolumne County California - Sweet Summer Days in Tuolumne

There's so much more to see than Yosemite…

By far the most popular season to visit, warm weather entices adventurists to stretch out the already long, beautiful days. And with programs in full swing, everything Tuolumne has to offer is at its finest. A short drive from the heat and smog of SoCal, Tuolumne's lush terrain feels almost a world away.

Summer Whitewater Rafting

Whether you want to paddle leisurely past historic towns or blast through like a heat-seeking missile, outfitters on the Tuolumne and Stanislaus rivers run first-rate family adventures. Choose from full-throttle three-day excursions or tamer treks safe for even the most inexperienced. The simple ingredients of camping, paddling and swimming make these trips special. Add kids, and the thrill of whitewater coupled with quality time will be an adventure they'll talk about for years.

Most outfitters don't accept children younger than 4 years old because of the all-day sun exposure, and those with health concerns are advised to pass on the more rigorous expeditions. But there are plenty of easy, flat-water outings to choose from, and knowing how to swim isn't required because life jackets will keep you afloat. Not sure where to start? Try these outfitters on for size:

• Beyond Limits Adventures: With tours named “Jungle Run” and “Matterhorn,” you just know you're in for fun with this outfitter.
• Whitewater Voyages: Whitewater rafting at its finest, this tour company makes even the trickiest rapids fun.

Summer Camping

Yosemite Valley, the showstopper of Yosemite National Park, is showered by thousand-foot waterfalls and flanked by an inspiring glacially carved landscape. Half Dome (a beautiful granite spire) is one of the most famous landscapes in the world, thanks to photographer Ansel Adams who dedicated his life to photographing the area. Summer brings ideal temperatures, more activities and services, and the opening of all campgrounds and trails.

But summer is also the most overrun season, with peak-season traffic jams, road rage and campgrounds littered with far too many people looking for their own Shangri-La. Even though you'll find wonder in every corner of Yosemite, consider visiting before Memorial Day in May or after Labor Day in September. Or think outside the park and check out other options in the High Sierras. Test your survival skills in one of the nearby state or national parks, or choose an RV park that's closer to civilization and offers amenities like toilets and running water.