Kick Off the New Year with an Active Outdoor Lifestyle
For many of us, the new year inspires goals to be more active and spend more time outdoors. But with chilly temperatures and limited daylight, finding the motivation to get outside can be tough. Still, even short bouts of outdoor movement—like walking or biking—can significantly boost physical and mental health. Regular outdoor activity helps improve mood, strengthen the immune system, reduce stress, and support heart health. And because walking and biking double as transportation, they’re also a convenient way to fit exercise into a busy day.
Unfortunately, not everyone has access to safe, well-designed places to walk, roll, or ride. Uneven surfaces, narrow shoulders, and disconnected routes often discourage people from taking those first “steps” toward a more active lifestyle.
A Transformative New Trail for Tuolumne County
That’s where this exciting project in Tuolumne County comes in: The Gold Rush Path is a transformative 14-mile shared-use trail that will connect Jamestown, Sonora, and Columbia, as well as the Chicken Ranch Tribal Lands. Designed as a “non-motorized highway,” this path will create safer spaces for walking, biking, and rolling while promoting healthier, more active lifestyles in our community.
The Gold Rush Path will enhance access to schools, jobs, parks, and essential services. It will also support the local economy by linking major visitor destinations, including downtown Sonora, Railtown 1897, Columbia State Historic Park, and Chicken Ranch Casino Resort.
A Collaborative, Community-Driven Effort
The project is a partnership between Tuolumne County Transportation Council, the City of Sonora, Caltrans, and the Chicken Ranch Tribe. It is being built in six phases, each focused on a different segment of the trail.
Benefits of the Gold Rush Path include:
- Safe and inclusive outdoor access for people of all ages and abilities
- Improved mobility for rural and disadvantaged communities
- Low-emission, healthy transportation options
- Expanded recreation opportunities close to home
- Deep community engagement throughout planning and construction
Your Voice Matters!
As the project advances, community feedback is essential to shaping the next stages of design. You can review the proposed map and submit your comments here: https://goldrushpath.com/get-involved/
Share which features or amenities you’d like to see—such as rest areas, lighting, signage, art, landscaping, or historical interpretation—as well as any safety concerns or opportunities for beautification. Your input will help ensure the Gold Rush Path reflects community values and supports a healthier, more active Tuolumne County.
And if you don't live in Tuolumne County, make sure your local policy makers know that access to outdoor recreation is important! I hope that one day everyone in the Central Sierra has beautiful, safe trails to move on.