Located in the City of Sonora, the Dragoon Gulch Trail provides its visitors with a unique opportunity to stroll through the Mother Lode’s oak woodlands. The Dragoon Gulch Trail is a system of trails creating a 2½ mile loop. The trails travel along a natural creek up to the vista that provides a spectacular view of the City and its surrounding mountain ranges. The trails vary in difficulty making it perfect for the casual walker and for those who want a strenuous hike or jog.
The Dragoon Gulch Trail
- LENGTH: 2.5 Mile Loop
- HOURS: Dawn to Dusk
- DIFFICULTY: Easy to Strenuous
- SURFACE: The South Creekside Trail is surfaced and ADA accessible, the North Forest Trail is paved, and all other trails are natural surface
- TRAIL EXPANSION AREA: On June 3, 2014 the City Council approved the Dragoon Gulch Master Trails Plan.
The Master Plan details the proposed expansion of the trail system along with other recreational facilities to be included on the site. The City of Sonora has partnered with the Tuolumne County Transportation Council to fund the environmental analysis that needs to be completed prior to proceeding with the project. Funding for the project, either in whole or in phases, is currently being sought.
- CAMPING: No Camping
- FEES: No Fees
- DIRECTIONS:
- The main entrance to the Trail is located at Woods Creek Park. From the Bay Area and Central Valley take Highway 108 East to Highway 49 North into the City of Sonora. From Highway 49 turn left on Woods Creek Drive (across from the Mother Lode Fairgrounds) and follow the signs to the trail. If traveling south on Highway 49 into the City, stay on Highway 49 and turn right on Woods Creek Drive.
The secondary and ADA entrance for the Trail is located off of Alpine Lane. To access this entrance, from the Bay Area and Central Valley continue on Highway 49, then, at the Historic Red Church, turn left onto Snell Street. Take Snell Street to the first stop sign (about 1/3 mile), continue straight through the intersection. The street name is now bonanza Road. Go one block and turn right onto Calaveras Street. Go one block and turn left onto Alpine Lane. Take Alpine Lane to the first intersection (about 1/8 mile). There are no street signs at the intersection, just turn left and go one block thru the gate to the Alpine Lane parking lot, which is just before the entrance to the trails. Remember that the gate is locked at dark. If traveling south on Highway 49, turn right on School Street, near Sonora High School, then turn right on Snell Street and follow the directions above.
- The main entrance to the Trail is located at Woods Creek Park. From the Bay Area and Central Valley take Highway 108 East to Highway 49 North into the City of Sonora. From Highway 49 turn left on Woods Creek Drive (across from the Mother Lode Fairgrounds) and follow the signs to the trail. If traveling south on Highway 49 into the City, stay on Highway 49 and turn right on Woods Creek Drive.
- PARKING:
- Woods Creek Park – Near the main trail entrance, this parking lot is accessed off of Highway 49. Kiosks display information about the Trail at this site.
- Alpine Lane Parking Lot – The parking lot provides ADA access to the trail and is located off of Alpine Lane. The gate is locked at Dark. Kiosks display information about the Trail at this site.
- RESTROOMS: Restrooms for the Trail are located at its main entrance in Woods Creek Park.
- INFORMATION:
City of Sonora
Grants/Redevelopment Department
94 N. Washington Street
Sonora, CA 95370
Phone: (209) 532-7725
Fax: (209) 532-3511
rkellogg@sonoraca.com - BACKGROUND: The Dragoon Gulch Trail Project officially began in 2002 with the City’s receipt of a $500,000 Roberti-Z’Berg-Harris Nonurbanized Area Grant (RZH).
The 35 acre site had been slated for residential development but owner, Dr. Audrey Glover, was in support of the City’s efforts and sold the property to the City at a reduced rate. The remaining grant funds have been used to develop the 2.5 mile looped trail. The Stanislaus National Forest’s Trail Crew and Baseline Conservation Camp assisted the City with trail development.
Through an additional $500,000 RZH Grant, the City purchased the adjacent 67 acres from Mr. Robert and Mrs. Grace Cutler. The Cutlers, who supported the trail project, sold the property to the City at a reduced rate. In the future, trails will be developed on this property as well and incorporated within the Dragoon Gulch Trail System.
The development of the Dragoon Gulch Trail was accomplished with the assistance of many individuals and agencies, without who, this project would not have become a reality.
TRAIL TIPS
- Carry & Drink Water
- Don’t Drink Water From Streams
- Wear Appropriate Clothing & Footwear
- A Cellular Phone Can Be a Life Saver
- Walk or Jog With a Buddy
- A Walking Stick Can Assist With Support & Fend Off Any Wildlife
- In Any Problems Occur Call (209) 532-7725
- For Emergencies Call 911