Resurrecting the Golden Rock Ditch
Don’t know about the Golden Rock Ditch? Then you are missing out on what is arguably the most interesting feature along highway 120, the gateway to Yosemite.
At 38 miles long, it was completed in 1860 and brought relief to the 6-month-a-year drought stricken towns of Groveland and Big Oak Flat. Miners, homesteaders, and businesses all relished the cool, fresh water that was delivered to them from the snow-fed river of the South Fork of the Tuolumne.
Since its abandonment 100 years ago it has been though multiple fires, storms and development, yet most of it still exists. But where is it now? Thankfully its location is being revealed one section at a time by Groveland’s local history hunters. Myself (Russ,) Mark and a few others are currently looking at old maps and scouting its location.
Read along with us as we bring it back to life one section at a time!
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