Big Oak Flat and Groveland provide a window into hundreds of years of California history. For millennia, the Me-Wuk people lived in harmony with the environment, tapping nature for their food and shelter. Then, in 1848, James Savage found gold, and the 49er Gold Rush brought a placer mining boom. The two towns developed almost overnight. However, the easy ore was soon depleted, and a devastating fire in 1863 contributed to a severe decline in population and prosperity. In the 1880s, improved technology led to a new "hard rock" mining boom, but in 30 years, it also turned to bust. From 1915 to 1935, Groveland was the headquarters for the giant Hetch Hetchy project, which dammed the Tuolumne River and sent its water to San Francisco. In the 1960s and 1970s, Pine Mountain Lake was developed into a successful vacation and retirement community. Over the years, local residents have contributed to the development and support of Yosemite National Park tourism, making it the "Gateway to Yosemite."

"Now in a one-volume revised edition, this encyclopedia of California historical information remains an ideally practical reference to the state."--From the dust-jacket front flap.

Explore granite domes, thundering waterfalls, and towering trees: Moon Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon reveals the best of these stunning national parks. Inside you'll find: Flexible Itineraries: Unique and adventure-packed ideas for day hikers, winter visitors, families with kids, campers, and more The Best Hikes in Each Park: Detailed hike descriptions, individual trail maps, mileage and elevation gains, and backpacking options Experience the Outdoors: Ride the open-air tram through Yosemite Valley or hike downhill from Glacier Point past roaring waterfalls. Drive the legendary Generals Highway or take a scenic bike ride to pristine lakes (and yes, more waterfalls!). Go for a horse-drawn wagon ride on a history tour or take a rock-climbing lesson. Walk among the goliaths of Sequoia's Giant Forest and stop at a historic lodge for dinner and a well-deserved drink How to Get There: Up-to-date information on traveling between the parks, gateway towns, park entrances, park fees, and tours Where to Stay: From campgrounds and rustic lodges to the majestic Ahwahnee, find the best spots to kick back, both inside and outside the parks Planning Tips: When to go, what to pack, safety information, and how to avoid the crowds, with full-color photos and easy-to-use maps throughout Expertise and Know-How from seasoned explorer and outdoor expert Ann Marie Brown Find your adventure in Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon national parks with Moon. Visiting more of North America's incredible national parks? Try Moon USA National Parks or Moon Death Valley National Park. Hitting the road? Try Moon Northern California Road Trips. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.

Hit the Road with Moon Travel Guides! From the waterfalls of Yosemite and the colorful Grand Canyon to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Golden Gate Bridge, cruise through the best of the West with Moon California Road Trip. Inside you'll find: Maps and Driving Tools: Over 40 easy-to-use maps keep you oriented on and off the highway, along with site-to-site mileage, driving times, and detailed directions for the entire route Eat, Sleep, Stop and Explore: With lists of the best hikes, views, restaurants, and more, you can ride a cable car in San Francisco or hike Half Dome, descend deep into the Grand Canyon, or hit the waves in a classic SoCal surf town. Wander through history at Alcatraz, snap a photo at Big Sur, or marvel at jellyfish at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Chow down on an authentic Mission burrito, lunch on fish tacos by the beach, or watch the sunset from a rooftop bar in Los Angeles Flexible Itineraries: Drive the entire two-week route from San Francisco to Yosemite, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, and Southern California, mix and match sections for shorter road trips, or follow strategic itineraries for spending time in big cities and small towns along the way Local Insight: Surfer and adventurer Stuart Thornton shares his thirst for the next secluded beach, quirky pit stop, and mountaintop vista Planning Your Trip: Know when and where to get gas, how to avoid traffic, tips for driving in different road and weather conditions, and suggestions for international visitors, LGBTQ+ travelers, seniors, and road trippers with kids With Moon California Road Trip's practical tips, detailed itineraries, and local expertise, you're ready to fill up the tank and hit the road. Doing more than driving through? Check out Moon California, Moon Grand Canyon, or Moon Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon.