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Mariposa, California

Mariposa, California, is a must-visit for outdoor adventures. One of the top activities is hiking the Hite Cove Trail, a moderately difficult route offering scenic views of the Merced River and the Sierra National Forest. The trail is known for its spring wildflower displays and historic mining sites. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is another popular attraction, featuring over 500 mature giant sequoias. For water activities, the Merced River is perfect for rafting and fishing. The California State Mining and Mineral Museum is a unique attraction showcasing the state's rich mining history. Mariposa is the gateway to Yosemite National Park, where you can explore the Yosemite Falls and El Capitan. These are the best trails and outdoor activities in and near Mariposa.

Top Spots in and near Mariposa

  • Mariposa County, California

    Camp at Wawona in Yosemite National Park

    Wawona offers over 90 campsites in 3 loops, including 1 group site, 2 horse sites, and RV/ camper access.Every loop has at least 1 bathroom with flush toilets, but keep in mind that there are no showers at this campground.Pets are allowed, but must be kept on leash at all times.Each campground co...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Hike to Alder Creek Falls

    10 mi / 1000 ft gain
    The trail leads from the parking area across the Mosquito Creek road and heads uphill north through an open pine forest with manzanita growing on dry slopes. The trail provides access to Alder Creek Falls a hidden gem within Yosemite's Wawona wilderness. I did the trail towards the end of Februar...
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Buena Vista Lake via Chilnualna Falls Trailhead

    24.64 mi / 5453 ft gain
    Hiking and camping at Buena Vista Lake is a beautiful way to see the south side of Yosemite… the name says it all. With beautiful 360 degree views from Buena Vista Peak you get to look at the backside of Half Dome, up to Clouds Rest and all the domes and peaks in-between. You can reach the trail...
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Hike to the Top of Chilnualna Falls

    4.3
    9.2 mi / 2300 ft gain
    Many visitors to Yosemite head straight to the valley and don't often explore the other areas of the park. So if you are interested in staying away from the massive crowds and getting to enjoy the beauty of the park a little more quietly, the Wawona is a great option for a getaway. The Chilnualna...
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Backpack to Johnson Lake

    24 mi / 4500 ft gain
    Your trek begins at the Chilnualna Falls trailhead in Wawona near the South Gate in Yosemite. The first suggestion I have is to check the weather in the area to make sure you won't be slowed down by rain or snow. It's about 12 miles from the trailhead to the lake and if you are a swift hiker and ...
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Backpack to Crescent Lake

    20 mi / 4100 ft gain
    Crescent Lake is another beautiful spot a long the Beuna Vista loop. Starting at the Chilnualna Trailhead in Wawona, you start your journey climbing about 4.6 miles and 2,300 feet to the top of Chilnualna Falls (always a good place to rest). Beyond the falls, continue a long the trail and always ...
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  • Wawona, California

    Wawona Swinging Bridge Trail

    1.29 mi / 121 ft gain
    The hike to the Wawona Swinging Bridge is a 0.7 mile dirt path. Start at the trailhead located next to the parking lot. The hike is surrounded by many trees which offers a lot of shade. For the first couple of minutes the trail is fairly straight. You then begin to hike down for just a minute or ...
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  • Fish Camp, California

    Hike through Mariposa Grove to Wawona Point

    6 mi / 1200 ft gain
    There is easy parking in the Mariposa Grove parking lot. There are a variety of trails through the grove; you can follow the NPS guide maps to see each of the iconic trees. These include tunnel trees you can walk through as well as overturned trees showing the immense root systems. From the parki...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Hike Old Big Oak Flat Road

    4.1 mi / 1070 ft gain
    Old Big Oak Flat Road used to be one of the main entries into Yosemite Valley, before HWY 120, 140 and 41. It was a dangerous road which had to be realigned, reconstructed and maintained continuously and was eventually closed in the 1940’s after a giant rockslide made it completely irreparable. T...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Camp at Crane Flat Campground

    Crane Flat Campground is located on the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) just west of Crane Flat, about 30 minutes northwest of Yosemite Valley. Sites are open July-October at $26/night. More info at https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...
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  • Mariposa County, California

    Merced Grove

    5.0
    3.32 mi / 600 ft gain
    Merced Grove is technically the smallest and most secluded of the three sequoia groves found in Yosemite National Park, which lends itself to be less crowded offering a peaceful solitude hike. The trailhead is located at the Merced Grove parking lot on Big Oak Flat Road. This trail begins by foll...
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  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Nordic Ski and Snowshoe to Glacier Point

    5.0
    21 mi
    Known for its breathtaking vistas, towering granite faces, and thundering waterfalls, Yosemite National Park truly is one of the world’s most astounding landscapes. Though the park covers nearly 1200 square miles, the vast majority of the ~4 million annual visitors spend almost all their time ar...
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  • YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California

    Cross-Country Ski to the Ostrander Ski Hut

    Start your trip from the Badger Pass ski area. The Glacier point road is closed past here, and you'll spend your first couple of miles skiing mostly downhill to the Bridalveil Falls trailhead.The Bridelveil Creek trail gains slightly less elevation but is less scenic and longer than the more popu...
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Winter Backpack to Sentinel Dome in Yosemite

    5.0
    19.23 mi / 860 ft gain
    The goal for our weekend was to do some winter camping in the Yosemite backcountry; we decided on Sentinel Dome as our destination. The trail is a cakewalk during the summer, but winter turns it into a 10 mile uphill grind from the car. Most people opt to head for the ski hut at Glacier Point, bu...
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  • Yosemite National Park, California

    Dewey Point via Badger Pass Ski Area

    5.0
    7.36 mi / 761 ft gain
    Take the one-hour shuttle ride from the Yosemite Lodge to the Yosemite Ski Area, so that you don't have to worry about driving in the snowy conditions, or finding parking. If you don’t own snowshoes, you can easily rent a pair from the rental shop for the day. Current rates are $24.00 for a full ...
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  • Oakhurst, California

    Hike the Shadow of the Giants Trail

    4.0
    1.1 mi / 85 ft gain
    The Shadow of the Giants National Recreation trail is an amazing 1.1 mile self-guided hike through the heart of Nelder Grove. Take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; continue thru Oakhurst to Sky Ranch Road (6S10 or Forest Road 10) travel approx. 5 miles to Nelder Grove, when you reach the camp area take ...
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Camping and Lodging in Mariposa

AutoCamp Yosemite
Mariposa, California

AutoCamp Yosemite

From $159 / night

Mc Cabe Flat Campground
Briceburg Road

Mc Cabe Flat Campground

Willow Placer Campground
Briceburg Road

Willow Placer Campground

Railroad Flat Campground
Briceburg Road

Railroad Flat Campground

Dry Gulch
El Portal, California

Dry Gulch

Dirt Flat
El Portal, California

Dirt Flat

Guides, Insights and Stories from Mariposa

A Magical Yosemite Valley Winter Storm

A Magical Yosemite Valley Winter Storm

Jordan Tarver

Luxury in the Heart of The Valley: The Majestic Yosemite Hotel

Luxury in the Heart of The Valley: The Majestic Yosemite Hotel

Liam McNally

Overcoming Fear on Yosemite's Matthes Crest

Overcoming Fear on Yosemite's Matthes Crest

Timothy Behuniak

Yosemite Shines in Fall and Winter

Yosemite Shines in Fall and Winter

Sara Sheehy

Outbound Reviewed: Spotting Climbers on El Capitan with Maven Optics C.1 Binoculars

Outbound Reviewed: Spotting Climbers on El Capitan with Maven Optics C.1 Binoculars

Liam McNally