Cherry Creek

Travel Info for the Cherry Creek

Meet Place & Meet Time for Cherry Creek River Trips

Pre-Trip Preparation Meet Time: 7:00 PM the evening before your trip

Casa Loma store
24000 Casa Loma Rd
Groveland, CA 95321

Note: If you plan to use a GPS navigation system or online mapping service, please use in conjunction with the driving directions we provide below.

Because of the difficulty of this run, All-Outdoors Cherry Creek trips are designed specifically for education and teamwork - two important elements of successful Class Class V adventures. Participants take part in discussions, demonstrations, and exercises in preparation for the next day's challenge. Advanced rafting techniques are covered along with a detailed description of this incredible stretch of whitewater. As mentioned, teamwork involving everyone is essential. This pre-trip preparation serves as an education in Class Class V rafting, and is a rewarding time of team building. After the pre-trip meeting is over, participants are free to go and will reassemble back at Casa Loma store early the next morning to make final preparations for the day ahead.

Driving Directions to Cherry Creek

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 Casa Loma Rd.)

Traveling east on Hwy 120, 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.

NOTE: The most direct route from the S.F. Bay Area is east on Hwy 580 to 205 to 120. The most direct route from Southern California is Hwy 5 to 99 to 120 (in Manteca).

We encourage you to print and use our driving directions and not rely strictly on GPS navigation. GPS / cellular service is limited to nonexistent in outlying areas.

Map

Driving Distances and Times to Meeting Place From:

San Francisco: 150 mi/ 3 hrs
San Jose: 150 mi/ 3 hrs
Sacramento: 130 mi/ 2.5 hrs
Los Angeles: 370 mi / 7 hrs
Walnut Creek: 130 mi/ 2.5 hrs
Yosemite Valley: 40 mi/ 1 hr
Modesto: 70 mi/ 1.5 hrs
South Lake Tahoe: 170 mi/ 3.5 hours
San Diego: 500 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.

Accommodations

Hotels and B&B's

Groveland Hotel:
Groveland, (209) 962-4000

The historic Groveland Hotel is the perfect location for your Tuolumne River rafting expedition. Take a step back in time at the oldest hotel in the Yosemite area located just 20 minutes from the AO meet place. This early California ranch-style hotel features 18 beautifully appointed guest rooms, wrap-around porches and a delightful tiered patio. Incorporated are all the modern amenities you're looking for, including on-site EV charging stations.

Hotel Charlotte:
Groveland, (209) 962-6455

Hotel Charlotte is located in downtown Groveland and about 20 minutes from the All-Outdoors meet place. Innkeepers Brennen & Finn invite you to enjoy the ambience of this “Old West” boutique hotel which features 13 unique guest rooms and suites.

All Seasons Groveland Inn:
Groveland, (209) 962-0232

Located in Groveland and about 20 minutes from the All-Outdoors meet place at the Casa Loma store, this small downtown B&B is a blend of modern room amenities and old world charm. Each room displays a scenic wall mural painted by a local artist. The 5 rooms come with a refrigerator, fireplace, TV, coffee station, and a small private bath with either a steam room or Jacuzzi tub. Full hot breakfast is included.

Yosemite Rose:
Groveland, (866) 962-6548

Located less than 10 minutes from the All-Outdoors meet place at the Casa Loma store, this B&B is a replica of a Bay Area mansion from the late 1800’s ‘Italianate Revival’ period. From this quiet 210 acre property, ambitious guests can hike to Clavey Falls, one of the Main Tuolumne’s most challenging rapids or take an easy stroll to the trout pond. Other on-site activities include horse trail rides, billiards, a piano in the music room, or a massage. Manor house guests enjoy a full country breakfast. The owners also rent a charming cabin. Military Discount available.

Red Rooster Lodge:
Coulterville, (209) 878-3391

This family lodge turned new bed & breakfast with rustic charm is only 20 minutes away from the AO meet place and has 5 rooms and suites. Enjoy access to hiking trails, relax on the sun deck, and hang out at their BBQ and fire pit area. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and picnic lunch.

Blackberry Inn at Yosemite:
Groveland, (209) 962-4663

Once a quintessential country farmhouse with a wraparound porch, this luxurious inn in the forest was expanded to a total of 10 bedrooms in two buildings. It is gracious, welcoming and only a 5-minute drive to the All-Outdoors meet place at the Casa Loma store! Take a stroll on the trails on their 36 acre property. This adult-only facility offers a complimentary, delicious full breakfast. Nearby casual dining available at Lucky Buck Cafe in Buck Meadows.

Yosemite Westgate Lodge:
Groveland, (209) 962-5281

This easy to find hotel is located about 5 minutes from the All-Outdoors meet place at the Casa Loma store. In addition to standard rooms, they have many “family-style” rooms with a dining area with microwave and refrigerator. Relax in the pool & spa. Enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site seasonal restaurant Lucky Buck Cafe.

Rush Creek Lodge:
Groveland (209) 379-2373

Opened in June 2016, Rush Creek is only 20 minutes from the All-Outdoors meet place at the Casa Loma store. This lodge is a sister property to The Evergreen Lodge. There are 143 lodge rooms, suites, and hillside villas with modern amenities. Rush Creek Lodge offers a fine dining restaurant and casual tavern. They also have a bar at the pool.

The Evergreen Lodge:
Groveland, (209) 379-2606

This woodsy 1921 lodge borders Yosemite National Park and is about 35 minutes from the All-Outdoors meet place at the Casa Loma store. It offers a variety of accommodations from furnished traditional and family cabins to newer one-bedroom cottages, as well as camping in one of their fully-setup campsites. The property has on-site fine dining and lighter fare and cocktails in the rustic, all-wood tavern. The lodge has an expansive recreation center and provides a variety of guided hikes and activities in and around Yosemite. Tired and sore guests can also enjoy an on-site massage!

Campgrounds

Yosemite Lakes Preserve:
Groveland, (877) 570-2267

Part of the Thousand Trails camping system, this resort property located about 15 minutes from the All-Outdoors meet place sits on a 400 acre preserve. It offers non-member tent and RV campsites, yurts, bunkhouse cabins and a hostel. Situated along the South Fork Tuolumne River, guests can rent paddle boats & kayaks, swim, fish, and bike. Amenities include a clubhouse, restroom/shower facilities, game room, and mini golf.

Yosemite Pines RV Park:
Groveland, (209) 962-7690

About a 10-minute drive to our meet place, this resort-style facility offers tent and RV camping, a variety of cabin sizes, yurts and even "glamping" in a covered wagon. The grounds include a general store, laundry room, swimming pool, exercise trail, clubhouse, playground and petting zoo.

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.

  • Sweetwater: 13 miles east of Groveland
  • Pines: 8 miles east of Groveland (no phone)
  • Lost Claim: 13 miles east of Groveland

Yosemite National Park:
(209) 372-0200

The Park contains 13 popular campgrounds with many taking advance reservations. Use the link for current information and to reserve a campsite.

Moccasin Pt. Campground:
(209) 852-2396

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.

Local Information

Surrounding Attractions

If you plan to spend additional time in the area before or after your trip, there are many interesting places to visit. Our meet place is at the doorsteps of the Stanislaus National Forest which offers camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing, and other water activities. The entrance to Yosemite National Park is on Hwy 120 and 16 miles east of the meet place for our Tuolumne and Cherry Creek 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 via popular vacation rental websites/apps. Staying in these facilities is an excellent way for individuals or groups to relax together before, and/or after a rafting trip.

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.

River Conditions
(Real Time)

Real-time, up to the hour flow information is available for the Cherry Creek on our Updated River Conditions page.

Local Weather

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.

Cherry Creek Groveland, CA

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