YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY: Free (and almost free) Things to Do

1. Roadside History

California gold rush legacy still runs through Mariposa County, a rambling, topographically diverse realm with history crackling through it like current through a wire. There are at least 80 historical markers in Mariposa County, making for an informative throwback road trip itinerary through the scenic hills and dales.

2. Starry, Starry Nights

Any cloudless night is the right night for stargazing in Mariposa County Clear and dark, the mountain air is a reliable lens through which to relax and explore the universe. Big star shows like the Perseids in August really pop. Here’s a little astronomy tip: if the moon’s waxing bright, place some large structure or natural object – a tree, barn, cabin, mountain – between you and the moon. You’ll see more stars and meteors from the moon’s shadow.

3. Riverside Picnics

Is there anything better than a riverside picnic spread, really? Day use picnic areas are available all along the banks of the Merced River. These sites generally offer tables, barbecue grills, and toilets, as well as paved parking areas. A perfect trio of options is Indian Flat Picnic Site, Cranberry Flat and Mcclendon Beach ($10 day-use fee applies).

4.

Take a Hike!

No one can put a price on hillsides filled with gold – golden California poppies, that is. Take a walk on the Hite Cove Trail in spring to stake your claim. Dance through fields of plush purple, firecracker red and creamsicle orange on what may be the best wildflower walk in the region. More superflora awaits via the Shadow of the Giants Interpretive Trail, a pleasant one-miler with a huge payoff: the Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias.

5. Snow Play

Goat Meadow Snowplay Area is under the radar for many, but for those who take the road less traveled, they’ll find pure sled ecstasy. The sledding hill starts at the edge of the parking area and drops into the clearing below, delivering long runs and wild peals of joyful laughter.

6. Take the Shot

There are few landscapes that beg to be photographed more than those in Yosemite Mariposa County. You’ll find people from around the world capturing precious moments with friends and family. Being in the right place at the right time, waiting in breathless anticipation for Mother Nature to arrive and work her magic is a priceless experience – and totally free.

7. Mariposa Walking Tour

Grab a map at the Mariposa County Visitor Center and take a self-guided historic tour to the many buildings featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Discover buildings from the boomtown bustle of the mid-1800s as well as charming shops, restaurants, and other contemporary diversions. Mariposa County Courthouse is California’s oldest courthouse and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

8. Freebird

Mariposa County encompasses a mighty range of Sierra topography and biodiversity, allowing nearly 300 species of birds to thrive. The diversity of habitat attracts a teeming range of feathered mountaineers. The 410acre Stockton Creek Preserve is a magnet for many bird species, and numerous amphibians and reptiles, including the Western Pond Turtle (the West Coast’s only native freshwater turtle).

9. Time Travel

The “Best Little Museum of Its Size West of the Mississippi” according to the Smithsonian Institution, the Mariposa Museum & History Center has Gold Rush documents and displays, artwork, photos, and Native American crafts. The Miwuk exhibit contains an awesome collection of baskets, artifacts, and an Umacha, a traditional Miwuk dwelling. Kids 12 and under are free; adults are $5, so practically free!

10. Free Wheeling

The free Yosemite Bike Share in Yosemite Valley offers a great way to get around and see the valley floor, including El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls et al. Using the bike share is easy: download the Yosemite Bike Share app, unlock a bike and start pedaling! The Yosemite Conservancy and the National Park Service work together to run the bike-share program.

Events

YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY: Signature Events

Mariposa County festivals and special events are about celebrating longstanding traditions, all while taking a plunge into the pool of inspiration whether that’s music, food, history or culture. Set against the stunning backdrop of Yosemite National Park Mariposa County’s annual events are infused with the region’s deep Gold Rush, agricultural and western history.

Mariposa Butterfly Festival: The annual jamboree takes flight with a parade through downtown Mariposa (Mariposa means “butterfly” in Spanish) on Saturday, then gains altitude at the Fairgrounds with two days of live music & tasty food, classic car & truck show, kids’ bounce houses & pony rides, and exotic bird & reptile show – and butterflies. Usually takes place around the end of April and the start of May

Mariposa County Fair: Throwing hay-makers since 1939, the Mariposa County Fair is the undisputed champ when it comes to big-time fun. Families can enjoy agricultural events and competitions, live demonstrations, authentic rodeo and demolition derby and, of course, great food, rides & treats at the carnival midway.

Annually takes place during Labor Day Weekend

CoyoteFest: The charming town of Coulterville boasts deep California roots and nowhere is that spirit more on display than at CoyoteFest Come saunter down historic Main Street for the CoyoteFest Car Show, the Kids Korner pony rides and petting zoo, an authentic Ti Pi village, food trucks and local crafts. CoyoteFest benefits the Northern Mariposa County History Center. Usually takes place during the last weekend of September

Hornitos Day of the Dead: Dia De Los Muertos (All Souls’ Day) comes to Southern Mariposa County in the most ethereal way. Every November 2nd, hundreds of candle-wielding celebrants gather for the Hornitos Day of the Dead remembrance. Kicking it off with mariachi music in the town square, the procession follows the narrow streets past the ruins of famed chocolatier Domenico Ghirardelli’s first store, by the dancehall where bandit/hero Joaquin Murietta purportedly built an escape tunnel, and then a short distance uphill to the historic St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. Takes place annually on All Souls Day

Merry Mountain Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting: Every year holiday cheer comes to the Old West for the Merry Mountain Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting. The parade kicks off on the historic main street of Mariposa where shopkeepers do it up right with holly jolly trimmings and bells a jingling. After the parade, head over to the landmark Mariposa Courthouse for the tree lighting ceremony.

Usually takes place on one of the first Saturdays of December

Mariposa Gem and Mineral Show: Kids love cool rocks, and the Mariposa Gem and Mineral Show brings out the glitter for the whole family. Held at the Mariposa Fairgrounds, it’s a fitting venue considering the town’s Gold Rush roots and features a gem and mineral show, food, demonstrations, raffle and geode cutting.

Usually takes place in early April

Mariposa Storytelling: Storytellers unite for the Story Slam! competition in Mariposa. Hosted by Mariposa Storytelling, rotating and thoughtprovoking themes not to mention cash prizes keep things lively for these 5-minute tales in a variety of styles.

Usually takes place in early March

Mariposa Yosemite Hot Rod and Custom Car Show: With over a decade of experience tricking out rides, the Mariposa Yosemite Hot Rod & Custom Car Show puts rubber to the road for two days every fall in downtown Mariposa.

Usually takes place in mid-October

Mariposa Octoberfest Sausage & Suds Sampler: Twenty different varieties of the best wurst are dished up at the Mariposa County Fairground at the Mariposa Octoberfest Sausage & Suds Sampler. The event features over 100 brews, including Mariposa’s own 1850’s beers, to pair with brats, artisan cheese and other treats from local vendors.

Usually takes place near the end of October

Music On The Green: The Music On The Green series brings live outdoor performances to downtown Mariposa’s Art Park every Friday and Saturday night in summer. From folk to country and rock to reggae, concertgoers can enjoy the tunes while sitting on the sloped grass with the majesty of Yosemite National Park.

Weekends in summer

Yosemite National Park Earth Day Festival: Can you imagine a better placed to celebrate Earth Day than Yosemite National Park? In addition to simply taking in some of Mother Nature’s best work, Junior Rangers of all ages can explore with Rangerguided tours and learn about native wildlife and how to protect the natural and cultural resources of this region. Takes place each year on Earth Day

Yosemite Facelift: Founded by Mariposa County local and long-time rock-climbing rock-star, Ken Yager, Yosemite Facelift is a way for the rock climbing community to give back to Yosemite. The annual week long event brings thousands together with the goal of protecting the park. Grab a trash bag and help with the cleanup, followed by nightly talks from rock climbing’s top athletes. Usually takes place annually during the final week of September

Meetings

YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY: Meetings

Conference rooms getting you down? Get inspired at your next team meeting or retreat with the natural beauty of Mariposa County as your backdrop. The wide array of meeting spaces and unique venues highlight the region’s natural scenery. The wide-open vistas and fresh mountain air set the tone for open minds and fresh ideas.

Tenaya at Yosemite offers the largest conference venue, meeting space and amenities in the Yosemite region in a 4-diamond resort setting. This deluxe hotel and resort has the meeting space to accommodate up to 850 people, though smaller groups will fit right in with customizable meeting spaces and party rooms, intimate board rooms and richly appointed breakout rooms. The resort has many great amenities, including the world-class Ascent Spa, and when it comes to team-building the activity concierge can arrange climbing walls, archery, and winter ice skating and snowshoeing can all be enjoyed right from the front door, not to mention indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

The Ahwahnee is the clear choice for historic elegance and majestic meeting spaces. Wellappointed interiors and impeccable service set the stage for elegant solutions and thoughtful discussion. The Ahwahnee accommodates groups of 25 to 150 people across several different small group venues and larger reception areas. This is an excellent location for your awards dinner or special dining function, regardless of the meeting space selected in the Yosemite region.

Yosemite Valley Lodge near the iconic Yosemite Falls offers several unique meeting rooms, including the Cliff Room, Falls and

Garden, and the Mountain Room Restaurant is available for groups for first-class daytime meals or concurrent sessions.

Curry Village, rustic and close to nature, provides meeting spaces set below Half Dome. The Curry Village Pavilion accommodates as many as 400 people with options for smaller break-out meeting spaces. You can also consider the outdoor amphitheater for award ceremonies, and presentations beneath the majestic cliffs.

Wawona Hotel is an authentic Victorian-era hotel with vines encircling wrap-around porches and spacious verandas with a view of the immaculate grounds and a nine-hole golf course across the street. Delicious dining options and nearby activities like hiking and horseback riding make this a popular meeting destination for groups of 25 to 150 people.

The Redwoods In Yosemite’s Wedding and Event Center has space for 100-person meetings or seated table service for up to 80. In addition to the spacious interior and adjacent catering kitchen, the center also boasts a wide-open deck area with two large outdoor fireplaces. Organize this space as a dining area or a meeting with a view. The center is surrounded by rental cabins at a variety of bedroom configurations and price points making it ideal for groups.

Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort is ideal for nurturing the creative spirit. With five different meeting areas across the property and a relaxed, nature-loving vibe, you’ll find your gathering resonating with the environment that makes “The Bug” a popular local destination for artists, thinkers and creatives! The June Bug Café’s Dining Hall, summer deck, and Tenaya Room double as mid-day event space for up to 50 people with buffet and table setups. The Tenaya Room comfortably hosts small groups of up to 16 people as well.

Yosemite View Lodge perches above the wild and scenic Merced River just a few minutes from the Arch Rock Entrance Gate for Yosemite. Two meeting rooms above the River Restaurant and Lounge are perfect for small weddings and small groups. Two conference rooms hold between 45 and 60 people.

Yosemite Cedar Lodge conference room is a popular meeting destination for groups of up to 175 people. The lodge features a full-service meeting and event space that is customizable for your needs.

AutoCamp lives up to its motto: “Where great design meets the great outdoors.” The Clubhouse’s has meeting space in addition to the spacious lawn which can accommodate up to 100 guests – whether a reception or a yoga class with equal panache. Meanwhile, the scenic private Upper Flat is perfect for cocktails or wedding ceremonies.