ITINERARIES

Yosemite Mariposa County Sample Itineraries

Whether you’re coming to Yosemite Mariposa County for the first time or a frequent visitor, there’s always something new to experience. To get started, here are a few ideas to inspire your adventure.

Two Days

Two days probably isn’t enough to explore this 1,200 square mile (3107.986km2) UNESCO World Heritage site, but it’s plenty of time to take in some of the park’s icons, learn about indigenous art and culture and get your steps in exploring the Yosemite Valley and its gateway town.

• If you’re coming from the north, stop in the charming Gold Rush town of Mariposa. The Old Town District is great place for a variety of lodging, restaurants, museums, and shopping for locally made gifts and products.

• If your drive brings you down Highway 41 through Fishcamp, be sure to stop at Wawona to see the Victorian-era Wawona Hotel and the Yosemite History Center

• In the summer, entering Yosemite Valley via Tioga Pass or Highway 120, you shouldn’t miss the aquamarine blue waters of Tenaya Lake, the so-called “jewel of the high country”.

• Take a a great hike (from dozens of options inside and out of the park!)

• Explore the Yosemite Valley on foot or bike or jump on the Valley Floor Tour and take in the majesty of the park’s icons - Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls.

• In Yosemite Village, visit the Yosemite Museum to learn more about Native American culture and Miwok and Paiute Native American traditions in Yosemite.

• View Yosemite-inspired art at the Ansel Adams Gallery

• Grab a quick lunch at Degnan’s Deli or head to the The Ahwahnee Hotel to enjoy the finest cuisine in the park.

• Take the Sentinel Dome Trail for incredible views and fewer crowds.

• Catch a high Sierra sunset. In winter and spring, the prime viewing spot is in Cook’s Meadow and or Glacier Point or Sentinel Dome are best in summer and fall. Check to see if there is a full moon and if yes, catch the lunar rainbows “moonbows” under waterfalls in the early spring.

Three or Four Days

If you have a little more time, you can delve a little deeper into the park and surrounding region. Historic pioneer towns provide a step back in time and provide a relaxing alternative to all of the region’s outdoor activities.

• The town of Coulterville – all 42 buildings – are on the California register of historic places making the entire town a historic landmark. Start your tour at the Northern Mariposa County History Center. Stretch your legs on the main street with a copy of the Coulterville self-guided walking tour which includes the Sun Sun Wo Mercantile Building, the pioneer cemetery, and the Hotel Jeffrey.

• Nearby Lake McClure and Lake McSwain offer a combo of fishing, swimming, water skiing, and even the on-water obstacle course/fun house of Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park

• Just 15 miles from Coulterville, be sure to bring your mountain bike, too, and bomb some runs at the Exchequer Mountain Bike Park along Lake McClure’s hilly shores.

• Have happy hour in Mariposa at 1850 Brewing Company. Enjoy its locally made flagship brews like Cowboy Lager, Timberline West Coast IPA and Dark Horse Coffee Stout.

• For flights of Sierra foothill wines and house made ramen, stop by Little House of Ramen and the Local Grape on Main Street. The Alley is a great choice for elevated pub cuisine, live music and rotating taps.