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
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Tuolumne County, California
Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias
4.22.67 mi / 653 ft gainThe Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias is one of three sequoia groves in Yosemite National Park. This particular grove has gorgeous forest scenery and provides great solitude compared to the crowded Yosemite Valley. The trail used to be an old road offering a wide path with a gradual descent, makin...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Turtleback Dome
1.4 mi / 350 ft gainTurtleback Dome will provide you with views of southern Yosemite and the Valley in a less crowded area. This hike on a service road is relatively easy with a slight elevation gain over the entire 0.7 miles. To get to the Trailhead, take Wawona Road north towards the valley. Use the referenced poi...Read more -
Oakhurst, California
Camp at Nelder Grove Campground in Sierra National Forest
0 mi / 0 ft gainSites are located along Willow Creek with plenty of shape. Right out of the campground you can hike nearby Bull Buck Trail and discover the giant sequoia trees. This is a first-come first-serve campground so arrive early.Directions: Take Hwy 41 north from Fresno; continue thru Oakhurst to Sky Ran...Read more -
Wawona, California
Dewey Point Trail
4.95 mi / 315 ft gainThis approximately 5-mile out-and-back trail is a great hike in Yosemite National Park. This trail starts off of Dewey Point's Meadow Trail, but you can also start from the Dewey Point Ridge trail, which you'll pass first when coming up Glacier Point Road. This trail is not dog friendly, but is a...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Artist Point in Yosemite National Park
4.82 mi / 500 ft gainPark at the Tunnel View parking lot. The Pohono Trail, which you fill follow for the first half mile, starts on the left side of Wawona Tunnel. You should notice a small path starting from the parking lot. The trail quickly ascends up a series of switchbacks before reaching a junction. If you...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike from Tunnel View to Glacier Point
5.013 mi / 3000 ft gainBeginning at 4400 feet of elevation in the bottom of Yosemite Valley, this trail will take you up about 3000 feet over 13 miles. You'll finish the hike at Glacier Point and be richly rewarded with one of the most spectacular views of Half Dome in the park.If you are interested in seeing landmarks...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Inspiration Point in Yosemite NP
2.4 mi / 900 ft gainInspiration Point is a granite slab located on the mountainside above Tunnel View. Hiking to this scenic point will provide you with the same views you would get from Tunnel View with less people around. Hiking this trail can also take you to different parts of Yosemite if you're so inclined (Bri...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Dewey Point via Tunnel View
5.09.25 mi / 2979 ft gainDewey Point lies on the western side of the Pohono Trail, across the valley from El Capitan and above Cathedral Rocks. When I was there in September, it was deserted but for a few birds drifting on the thermals above the cliffs. The sunset was stunning. It felt like there was nothing between me a...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Photograph Yosemite's Tunnel View
4.3Tunnel View sets you up for an iconic view of some of the major highlights of the Yosemite valley including Bridal Veil Falls, El Capitan and Half Dome in the distance. To access the viewpoint, from Northside Dr., turn right onto Wawona Rd. You'll continue on Wawona Rd. up until you see you parki...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack Yosemite's South Rim
5.018 mi / 2800 ft gainStep 1: Get Wilderness Permit from the Wilderness Office the day before! Permits are free and required. This trail is a Point-to-Point trail so make sure you have a shuttle situation figured out (or you can always hitch hike). The best option is to get dropped off at Tunnel View so that you don'...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Dewey Point via McGurk Meadow Trailhead
5.07.51 mi / 300 ft gainBefore you start, be sure to visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and grab an overnight permit. More info on this at nps.gov. This trail meanders through beautiful, dense meadows full of wildlife - watch for bears! When you're not hiking among the wildflowers and babbling brooks, you're enc...Read more -
Bass Lake, California
Camp at Greys Mountain Campground
/ 5293 ft gainFrom Greys Mountain Campground, Sierra National Forest is your oyster! Enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and more. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. The campground has vault toilets and (sometimes) potable wate...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Photographing Valley View
4.5Valley View is a must stop viewpoint in Yosemite National Park. Most people visit Valley View on their way out of the park as it is the last stop, located along the one-way Northside Drive. Look for a small parking area to your left just before Pohono Bridge. There are only about a dozen parkin...Read more -
Groveland, California
Rainbow Pool
4.5Finding Rainbow Pool is a little tricky, since it is off the side of a highway, but when you find it there is parking and bathrooms. There is a easy walkway to get down to the pool itself, and trails to climb to the top to slide or jump off the rocks. Many people tend to fish up top underneath th...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Bridalveil Fall
3.81.2 mi / 200 ft gainSince most things you want to see in Yosemite require a hike, this place is a nice change to see something without having to walk for hours. From the parking lot it is just about a 10 minute walk to the falls.If you scramble up the rocks, you can get a nice view of the falls and the pond. It used...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Hike to Eagle Peak via Rockslides Trail
4.016.07 mi / 5568 ft gainA Yosemite Valley trip in May has tourist filled buses, noisy car alarms, and crowded trails written all over it. Thus, I wanted to avoid the beaten path. Looking into possible destinations, John Muir once said in regards to Eagle Peak, "where the most comprehensive of all the views to be had on ...Read more
