Yosemite
Oh, Yosemite! That’s why you came! There are so many wondrous things to see and do in the park that you won’t be sorry with anything you choose to do!
Yosemite Valley
Mariposa is approximately 45 minutes from the Arch Rock Entrance of the park. It will take you approximately 25 minutes from there to reach the sublime Yosemite Valley. There are many things to see and do in Yosemite Valley - whether it's hiking to one of the world-famous waterfalls, or just gazing at Half Dome. There is a visitor center in the middle of the valley. Be sure to leave early to get a good parking spot. Or for a modest fee you can take the YARTS bus from downtown Mariposa!
Mariposa Grove
Mariposa is approximately 60 minutes from the Mariposa Grove (via Highway 41 through Oakhurst). Preserved by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864 - the first place to be protected for future generations to enjoy! You must try to go here, but get there early to beat the crowds. If you arrive after 10AM, you will likely have to drive to Wawona and take a shuttle into the grove.
Tuolumne Meadows
The high country is calling - that is 10,000 feet high! Be sure to make your way up to the largest alpine meadow in the Sierras! Tuolumne is breathtaking - and the drive there is gorgeous every mile along the way. If you make it to the east side, stop at the Mobil Station for their famous fish tacos and mango margaritas! They usually have live music every weekend throughout the summer, too!
America's 1st National Park
Yosemite Area Regional Transit (YARTS)
YARTS provides year round service from Mariposa to Yosemite Valley. ​Check out their daily schedule and where to onboard a bus and when and where to catch one back home.
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Free shuttle inside the park
Once you get to Yosemite Valley there is a free shuttle to get you around the valley. The shuttles run very frequently, allowing you to enjoy a scenic spot for as much time as you need and then to hop on the next shuttle to get you to the next hot spot.
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Getting Around
Yosemite Trails:
With over 700 miles of trails in the park, you're bound to find a trail for you and your family!
One of the best ways to experience Yosemite is by taking a hike. Here are some of hikes available in different areas of Yosemite:
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Tuolumne Meadows
Also available: -
Suggestions for where to see wildflowers
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Snowshoe and cross-country trails for Glacier Point/Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area (formerly Badger Pass), Mariposa Grove, and Crane Flat area (these areas are usually snowy from mid December through March).
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Local Mariposa Trails include:
Stockton Creek Preserve - Take 140 toward Yosemite and you will see a pullout on your right. There is a great set of trails that will wind you around our reservoir.
Trails
Our little historic mountain town has so many awesome secrets. Here's a few of our favorite places:
The Fremont House | 5030 Hwy 140 | 209-966-3657
This is a sweet family run shoe and clothing store that's been around since 1956. If you forgot your hiking shoes, or want to pick up a souvenir of Yosemite or Mariposa, this is a great place to stop!
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Brick Wall Boutique | 5027 Hwy 140 | 209-966-2221
Check out this adorable boutique for anything “good vibes” - Kara, the owner brings in fashionable items to our small mountain town. A wonderful collection of women’s clothing, shoes, accessories & a small selection for men.
The Blue Elephant | 4998 5th Street | 559-760-4159
If you have kiddos, this shop is for you! With a mix of new and used clothing, shoes, and toys -- they’ll have what your kids need to make their trip comfortable!
Pony Expresso | 5182 Hwy 140 | 209-966-5053
Organic, fair trade beans, hand roasted on site! This coffee shop and espresso bar is a MUST visit for any coffee lover. Great, local baked goods and free WIFI, too!
Savoury’s | 5034 Hwy 140 | 209-966-7677
Simply the best restaurant in town. It’s a bit on the fancy side (although no dress code). They have a full bar - and some of the best specials in the entire region. They offer a kid’s menu as well. It’s a good idea to make a reservation.
The Alley | 5027 Hwy 140 | 209-742-4848
The best place for fine wine or beer. Keith and Stephanie (the owners) are super friendly - and they love what they do. They bring a wide selection of craft beer (12+beers on tap) from around the state and nation - and they have a long wine list of some of the best wine you’ll find in California. They also have light apps.
1850 Restaurant and Brewery | 5114 Hwy 140 | 209-966-2229
Our local brewery! If beer is your thing - you must stop in and grab one from 1850. They also have some of the best burgers in town - and a whole variety of other tasty dishes.
Sugar Pine Cafe | 5038 Hwy 140 | 209-742-7793
The place to go for a sit-down breakfast. Anthony makes the best scrambles -- be sure to try the homemade toast...mmm!
Yosemite Treats | 5040 Hwy 140 | 209-742-5497
This is a hot spot in town. They have hard/soft ice cream and yogurt! The twin sisters that own it are local Mariposans.
Castillos | 4995 5th Street | 209-742-4413
Looking for some tasty mexican food? You can’t go wrong with Castillos. They have the most delicious chicken dishes that we have ever tasted.
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Pizza Factory | 5005 Hwy 140 | 209-966-3112
Although they don’t deliver, they make a fine pizza pie. If you’re daring, try the “Big R” -- it’s their everything, amazing pizza.
Sweetwater Deli | 5016 Hwy 140 | 209-966-7200
Best, best breakfast burritos and sandwiches in town. Grab one to go before you head up to the park!
High Country Health Food Store | 5186 CA-49 | 209-966-5111
Good selection of healthy and delicious options - for breakfast and lunch! Gluten-free options available, too! They also have a full market!
Yosemite Bug Cafe | 6979 Hwy 140 (Midpines) | 209-966-6666
Order at the counter and bus your own table kind-of rustic goodness! You will be blown away by the fresh and amazing tasting food at “the bug!” They also feature Yoga classes, massage, and a natural spa experience!
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Yosemite Zipline | 209-742-4844
The ziplines at Yosemite Ziplines & Adventure Ranch have been constructed as a 2 hour, six stage guide-led tour. Groups of eight to ten are geared up in helmets and harnesses, then driven up the mountain in Polaris Rangers as their guides explain safety procedures and describe the experience the zippers are about to enjoy. They also have a ropes course, horseback riding, and gold panning.
Casto Oaks Wine Tasting | 5022 Hwy 140 | 209-742-2000
Casto Oaks has a wine tasting room in downtown Mariposa. Check out a variety of their blends and pick up some local art while you are there!
Horse Back Riding |
Saddle up with some riding time in Mariposa. Check out our beautiful foothills in a historical way!
Mariposa Escape Room | 5158 Hwy 140 | 209-966-2456
Can you beat the clock and escape the collapsed mine using nothing but your wits? Visit the Mariposa Gold Mine Escape Room in the Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center and challenge yourself to escape!
Rafting | El Portal | 800-431-3636
Zephyr WhiteWater Expeditions is the largest whitewater rafting outfitter on the Merced River, just minutes away from Yosemite Valley. They have more Merced River trip launch dates, and guide more people down Yosemite’s Merced River than any other California whitewater rafting outfitter.
CA Mining & Mineral Museum | 5005 Fairgrounds Rd | 209-742-7625
Get a fascinating glimpse of California’s mineral wealth, colorful mining history and geologic diversity, at the California State Mining & Mineral Museum. This museum represents California’s official collection, containing over 13,000 gems, mineral crystals and mining artifacts, including the “Fricot Nugget,” a rare and beautiful 13.8-pound piece of crystalline gold found in the American River in 1864.
Mariposa
