California · Hiking

West Side R

10.9 mi
round trip
299 ft
climb
2,790 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

West Side R is a 10.9-mile out-and-back hike in California, about a mile from the town of Tuolumne. The trail is rated hard, and the climb is modest, with a one-way gain of about 300 feet from a low point of 2,535 feet to a high of 2,790 feet. The trail is on natural surface, and it is open to both horses and bikes, according to the USDA Forest Service's trail records. That makes it a practical choice for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Groveland show May highs around 73°F and October highs around 74°F, while July and August average about 91°F. Ralph Ranch is about 2.3 miles away, and Hacienda campground is about 3 miles off. Hunter Creek and the Paper Cabin to Tuolumne River hike are both within about 5 miles.

  • Best time to go · Feb–Jun, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit West Side R

    Best months: February–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      53° / 31°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      55° / 32°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      60° / 35°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      65° / 38°

      7 wet

    5. May

      73° / 44°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      83° / 51°

      1 wet

    7. Jul

      91° / 56°

      0 wet

    8. Aug

      91° / 55°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      85° / 50°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 42°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      60° / 35°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      52° / 31°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Groveland 2, CA, 8.9 mi away at 2,800 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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