Winter 

Mariposa County's distinct elevation differences (from just under 1,000 feet to nearly 13,000 feet) provide a winter experience for everyone. For travelers hoping to avoid winter driving conditions,  stay in the towns of Mariposa or Coulterville (elevation 2,000ft) for recreation and shopping. The higher elevation towns of Fish Camp and Buck Meadows are ideal for winter snow play. Yosemite National Park's Badger Pass Ski & Snowboard area is set to reopen this winter. The only ski resort inside a national park offers a variety of downhill slopes for the beginner or more advanced skier, as well as trails for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Winter in the region can't be beat for wildlife viewing and stargazing. In February, you can't forget about the natural Firefall at Horsetail Fall. 

If you're looking to experience snow, the high country has ample opportunities: tubing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and ice skating; relaxing at beautiful snow-covered Bass Lake; wine tasting along the  Madera Wine Trail. You'll make lifelong memories with your family during the winter months. Tuolumne County attracts snow lovers every winter. There are places to ski and snowboard, ice skate,  snowmobile, sled, and cross-country ski throughout the high country. Snowshoeing through the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite National Park Nordic skiing or snowshoe touring in Yosemite can be a magnificent experience. The Tuolumne Grove trail descends 500 feet from the trailhead to the majestic giant sequoias. Navigate the winter wonder of Yosemite National Park with a  guided snow track off-road tour with Yosemite Adventure Company. 

Winter in El Dorado County means snow and, in some cases, lots of it! If you're looking for places to build snowmen, sled in fresh snow, or have a snowball fight, you're in luck. There are numerous locations throughout the region ideal for a snow day.. Lake Tahoe is a perfect winter destination where you'll find two world-class ski resorts, with thousands of acres of unparalleled terrain. From groomed corduroy to steep chutes, magical glades to award-winning parks, you'll quickly learn why Tahoe is a snow mecca for skiers and snowboarders. There are so many other ways to enjoy the snow in the Sierra. Think cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and snow play. Placer County encompasses some of the most beautiful skiing conditions in the country, with plenty of snow adventures for non-skiers as well. 

Winter in remote Sierra County is spectacular! The most popular outdoor activities are snowmobiling,  snow- shoeing, and cross-country skiing. Highway 49 is plowed often but it is important to be sure  to have chains or 4WD before heading up the mountain. 

While there's no skiing in Rancho Cordova, it's a short drive away. Check out amazing hotels, and  quick freeway access to some of the most popular resorts in the Sierra. Make family holidays get  togethers easy! Let our affordable hotels and hospitality professionals make your holiday special.

Winter in Amador County offers a peaceful, cozy retreat with old-world charm. Twinkling lights line the historic downtowns, where boutique shops, local eateries, and tasting rooms offer warm welcomes and seasonal cheer. Just a short drive from snow play in the High Sierra, Amador makes the perfect base for winter adventures without the crowds. Holiday events, festive markets, and small-town parades capture the magic of the season, while fireplaces, mulled wine, and comfort food create a perfect ambiance for wintertime relaxation. Sutter Creek was named a Hallmark-style town in winter.

Spring 

Throughout the Gold Country, spring means wildflowers and waterfalls. Near Yosemite, epic waterfalls and stunning wildflowers are both at their most spectacular in the springtime. Have your camera ready in the high country of Tuolumne County! The foothills of the Sierra are filled with wildflowers and waterfalls across the High Sierra and in Yosemite. You won't want to miss these stunning sights. In El Dorado County, the best way to see the blooms is on a hike - check out Cascade Falls with incredible views of Emerald Bay. In Placer County, spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit, with wildflowers that cover the rolling hills and meadows. 

El Dorado County is also home to the South Fork of the American River, the West Coast's most popular whitewater spot, which offers a variety of intermediate adventures a stone's throw from where the Gold Rush began. In Auburn, Hidden Falls Regional Park offers 30 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. With a thriving agricultural scene for every season, PlacerGROWN produce is always at hand at Placer County Farmers' Markets. The Placer Wine and Ale Trail complements every adventure. Come find your place in Placer and discover Life at Its Peak.

Tucked in the heart of California's Gold Country, Amador County welcomes spring with rolling green hills, blooming wildflowers, and hidden seasonal waterfalls. Scenic drives wind through peaceful backroads dotted with poppies, lupine, and golden fields, while gentle hikes, like those near Electra Road and the Mokelumne River, reveal rushing waters and serene river canyons. This is when the region's natural beauty shines brightest, offering travelers a peaceful escape, breathtaking views, and an authentic connection to the land. Whether exploring historic towns or chasing the wildflower bloom, Amador County in spring is a feast for the senses.

Community festivals, youth sports and perfect weather for a bike ride. Spring in Rancho Cordova is known for the International Festival & Wines of the World, California Mermaid Convention, and ideal temperatures for pawing around with your pup in Hagan Park or along the American River Parkway. 

Summer 

Cool off at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center with friends in a kayak or stand up paddleboard (SUP). Refresh with spirits and brews in the Rancho Cordova Barrel District, home to six craft breweries, two distilleries, a wine tasting room, hard kombucha taproom and a meadery.  Kick off summer with regional Pride celebrations and a family-friendly Pride at the Sacramento Children's Museum in Rancho Cordova. Head up into the Sierra Foothills for some chilled summer glasses of wine at wineries in lovely nearby Amador, Placer, Calaveras and El Dorado Counties. 

The South Fork of the American River is El Dorado County's signature river rafting location, offering  Class I to III excitement. Trips range from a half-day to multiple days, so it's up to you to decide how much you want to cool off. You'll find a slew of professional whitewater rafting outfitters with the experience to ensure you have a safe and fun day. July through September is a good time for families and first-timers. Whether you are paddling against white-water rapids of the American River, exploring the many trails of the Auburn State Recreation Area or relaxing along the pristine shores of Lake  Tahoe, Placer County provides recreational opportunities on the water all summer long. 

The Aquatics Center at District 56  in Elk Grove features the area's only 50-meter competition pool and a 25-yard instructional pool that is perfect for swim meets, water polo, artistic swimming and so much more. If you're looking for a playful afternoon, The Aquatics Center also has a lazy river, two water slides, and a recreational pool.

Summer in Amador County brings warm, golden days perfect for exploring its historic Gold Rush-era towns, scenic wine country, and sparkling rivers. With over 40 wineries nestled in the rolling Sierra foothills, this is the season to sip on award-winning wines while taking in sweeping vineyard views. Outdoor enthusiasts can cool off along the Mokelumne River or enjoy shaded hikes and picnics in the pine-dotted highlands. As the sun sets, charming main streets come alive with live music, open-air dining, and community festivals that celebrate the region's vibrant culture and welcoming spirit.

Pinecrest Lake is beloved by generations of families who visit in the summer months to swim, boat,  hike, and camp. Start a new family tradition on a rented houseboat at Lake Don Pedro. Plus, almost every night in the summer in Tuolumne County you can find live music at restaurants, farmers markets, or area parks. 

Beat the heat at the Gold Bug Park and Mine—a real gold mine built into the side of a mountain where it's a lot cooler inside than outside. The average temperature inside the mine is 55 F. When you combine that with the odds of finding your riches in their gem panning area, well, heading here on a hot day is a no-brainer. 

Summer is the best season in Sierra County as campgrounds and businesses reopen after a sleepy winter. The area is home to miles and miles of trails for fantastic hiking and mountain biking. Dozens of lakes allow you to fish, swim, kayak, and paddleboard. Sierra County is also very popular for anglers and bird watchers. 

Fall 

Cooler temperatures, fewer visitors, and more accessibility make fall one of the best times to visit  Mariposa County. Viewing the changing leaves can be done at any elevation starting first in the higher altitude areas in Yosemite as early as September and going as late as October or even  November in lower altitude areas like Catheys Valley. Fall is also harvest time, which means it's the best time to sample Mariposa County's local products like wine, beer, olive oil and coffee. Rock climbing also takes off in fall as cooler temperatures bring back climbers to the Valley. 

Fall is also an amazing time in Yosemite with the cooler weather, fewer people, and the much-anticipated arrival of bursts of color throughout the park. The Dogwoods, Big Leaf Maples, and the  Black Oaks are but just a few that put on a showy display of autumnal color. Fall colors can usually be  seen throughout the month of October but have been known to start in September at higher  elevations and run into November. Enjoy annual and the small-town charm of pumpkin  weigh-ins and chili cookoffs in Tuolumne County. Enjoy world-class, small-batch, organic cider tasting  at Indigeny Reserve. The Spanish Conquistadores brought the pomegranate to America. Jesuit missionaries carried it north to their missions in California. They were found growing wild in Georgia in 1772. Celebrate this ancient fruit at the 2025 Pomegranate Fruit and Nut Festival in Madera

Autumn in Amador County is a time of abundance and celebration. Crisp air and vibrant fall foliage set the stage for wine harvest events, outdoor concerts, and seasonal culinary experiences. Vineyards blaze with color, and tasting rooms buzz with energy as visitors sample newly released vintages and celebrate crush season. Pumpkin patches, farmers markets, and scenic byways offer idyllic day trips, while the historic towns of Sutter Creek, Amador City, and Plymouth invite travelers to slow down and soak in the beauty of a Sierra foothill autumn.

Fall is harvest season at regional wineries. Placer County offers pleasant weather and days that are  full of sunshine and great for exploring the scenic—and somewhat hidden – Placer County Wine Trail. Off the beaten path between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe are the Apple Hill Growers, composed of more  than 50 local family farms. Apple Hill™ is known for its apple farms and family-friendly activities in the fall as well as around a dozen wineries. Exploring the region is fun for the whole family—and you can still enjoy it if you leave the little ones at home.. El Dorado County trees explode with fall color making it ideal for an autumn road trip.

Get your heart pumping at Heartstoppers Haunted House in Rancho Cordova. You can make the city home base for haunts, pub crawls, foliage peeping, and fun-runs. Placerville, originally known as “Hangtown,” offers a captivating blend of historical intrigue and paranormal phenomena, attributed to its colorful Gold Rush era past. The town is renowned for haunted locales such as the Cary House Hotel, where the ghost of a former concierge still lingers, and the Hangman's Tree Ice Cream Saloon. Check out Moonlight Tours and pick how you'd like to be scared!