Northern California’s Tuolumne County may be known as the gateway to the High Sierras and for its proximity to one of the state’s most iconic landmarks, Yosemite National Park. But this scenic county is so much more than its Gold Rush past: home to a number of charming small towns and historic villages; throughout autumn, this picturesque rural region comes alive with a number of festive fall events full of tricks and treats for fall fanciers. The perfect place to soak up the season’s best vibes, visitors should pack their spookiest costumes; an epic sense of adventure; and get ready for some serious leaf peeping with these fun events just waiting to be explored in Tuolumne County.
10 Boo Boulevard—Halloween In Columbia
Visitors can enjoy an afternoon of trick-or-treating fun on downtown Columbia’s historic Main Street. Complete with a plethora of family-friendly activities including a costume contest and parade; a haunted photo booth; and plenty of ghoulish arts and crafts, this Halloween event is the perfect way to kick off a spooktacular weekend in Tuolumne County.
- Where: Columbia State Historic Park, Columbia
- When: Saturday, October 29, 3 PM-6 PM
- Admission: None
9 TPRD Halloween Parade
Get in the spooky spirit with the Halloween Parade hosted by the Tuolumne Park & Recreation District. Complete with costumes and plenty of candy, volunteers will be handing out the sweets in this community event that’s full of fun for all ages.
- Where: 18603 Pine Street, Tuolumne
- When: October 31
- Admission: None
8 Skeleton Starlight Train Ride
A haunted excursion takes guests along the old Sierra Railway behind an old steam locomotive. Complete with a costumed “skeleton crew” distributing candy to passengers, this trip is more festive than spooky. However, the nighttime train ride is definitely worth it because of its family-friendly vibes and historic setting.
- Where: Railtown 1897 State Historical Park, Jamestown
- When: Saturdays in October; trains depart at 6 PM and 7:30 PM
- Admission: Adults $25, Youth (3-17) $15, and Children under three are free. Tickets can be purchased online.
7 Annual Fall Fest At Indigeny Reserve
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the organic apple ranch and distillery Indigeny Reserve at their annual fall festival. Live music, food vendors, a pumpkin patch, and award-winning cider awaits visitors to this festive autumn event.
- Where: Indigeny Reserve, 14679 Summers Ln, Sonora
- When: Saturday, October 15, 22, and 29, 11 AM-4 PM
- Admission: None
6 Seasonal Sunday Brunch At Around The Horn Brewing Company
What could be better than sipping a tasty seasonal offering at Around the Horn Brewing Company—a fun place to grab a bite and soak up the best neighborhood vibes? Home to an annual Oktoberfest on October 15, this cool spot also hosts Sunday Brunch and NFL Red Zone, where diners can have a brew and catch all the gridiron action.
- Where: 17820 State Highway 120, Groveland
- When: Sundays beginning October 16 through November 13, 10 AM-2 PM
- Admission: None
5 Creative Arts Support Team Fall Festival
This year, the hip, happening spot The Armory is hosting the 2nd Annual Fall Festival in Sonora, where fall revelers can bask in cool big band and jazz sounds, participate in a silent auction, and participate in raffles at this benefit concert that helps fund local art departments. Afterward, chill in the restaurant’s cool beer garden for the ultimate autumn vibes.
- Where: The Armory, 208 S. Green St, Sonora
- When: Sunday, October 23, 12 PM-4 PM
- Admission: $10 suggested donation at the door
4 Twain Harte Trick-Or-Treat Street
Get decked out in your spookiest duds and head to the charming mountain town of Twain Harte for their first annual trick-or-treat event. Over 40 small businesses will be on hand to meet, greet, and distribute candy in this inaugural festival among Twain Harte’s quaint pines and cedars.
- Where: Twain Harte Drive, Twain Harte
- When: Saturday, October 29, 1 PM-3 PM
- Admission: None
- More Trick-Or-Treating Fun: Sonora (October 29) and Groveland (October 31)
3 Movies In The Park Groveland
What could be better than celebrating the last Movies in the Park of the season with a spooky outdoor viewing of The Haunted Mansion? As soon as the sun starts to set, head to this fun family event in Groveland for some cinema under the stars.
- Where: Mary Laveroni Park, Highway 120, Groveland
- When: Friday, October 21 at dusk
- Admission: None
2 Pumpkin Patch Road Trip
There are a number of places less than two hours from Tuolumne County where autumn adventurers can travel to soak up those festive fall vibes with everything from pumpkin picking and corn mazes to apple cider and hay rides.
- Amador Flower Farm 22001 Shenandoah School Rd. Plymouth
- Dutch Hollow Farms 5101 Oakdale Road, Modesto
- Vista Ranch Pumpkin Patch 7326 East Highway 140, Merced
1 Fantastic Fall Foliage Adventures
Leaf peepers will jump at the chance to scope out Tuolumne County’s riotous fall colors, which can be seen on the seasonal. High Sierra Loop and Tioga Pass near Yosemite State Park. Dramatic mountain vistas serve as a backdrop to colorful aspens and rugged rock formations on these scenic road trips that are at their golden-hued peak throughout the fall.
- High Sierra Loop Head up Highway 108/Sonora Pass; stop at Aspen Meadows for even more views.
- Tioga Pass From Highway 108, cut across Highway 385 toward the High Sierra (Highway 120/Tioga Pass) for picturesque views of Tuolumne Meadows on this high pass that cuts through Yosemite