Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau
Contacts
FAQs
It’s approximately 3.5 to 4 hours’ drive, depending on seasonal conditions.
It’s around a 6-hour drive to Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park, depending on seasonal conditions.
The nearest major airport is Fresno, however public transit is available from SFO, LAX, and FAT (Fresno) via Amtrak buses to YARTS (regional transit system). It’s important to note that there are 7 flights daily from LAX to Fresno and regular flights from Las Vegas.
There are four main entrances to Yosemite. Three stay open all year round, but Highway 120/Tioga Pass/Eastern entrance closes Oct-May.
A handy tip is not to always trust google maps as it is programmed to send people to the nearest entrance of the park, which isn’t necessarily always where you want to go.
For example, if you’re coming from San Francisco, it’ll tell you to follow the 120 which seems like the shortest route. However, the 120 closes in the winter and even when it’s open, it brings you to a higher elevation, quite a distance from the valley floor, which is where most people want to be.
While it looks a lot farther, it’s actually the same amount of time to take the 99 down to 140. Plus – a lot of the hotels in the area are going to be along this route.
This gives you a quick rundown of the biggest attractions in Yosemite. There’s much more than this, but if you have limited time – these are the must-sees.
- Half Dome is one of the most famous icons of Yosemite National Park and El Capitan is one of the largest. Tunnel View was actually made famous by photographer Ansel Adams. This is an amazing spot to visit as you can see both Half Dome and El Capitan from here.
- Yosemite Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in in North America, with a drop of about 700 meters. Then, of course we also have Vernal Falls and the Giant Sequoia trees. These are the ones that can fit a car in the base of the trunk with room to spare. They’re said to be among the largest and oldest living things on earth. If you head to Mariposa Grove, you’ll find a tree that is estimated to be between 1,900 and 2,400 years old!
- Last but not least we have the town of Mariposa – this is a classic gold rush town and a very American experience! You can take a covered carriage ride around town and even go panning for gold!
While it can be difficult to say for sure, especially due to seasonality, there is certainly a reasonable chance you’ll see a bear around Yosemite National Park. Remember to always be safe, exercise caution around all wildlife, and follow the rules and guidelines of the park. Find more information at the Yosemite National Park website.
Please find more information relating to park updates, road closures and much more at the Yosemite National Park website. Additional information can be found at the Yosemite Mariposa County website.
Restaurants in the area run the gamut from casual, DIY picnic goodies from a market to burgers, sandwiches, pizza, pasta and even luxury dining. Yosemite restaurants are perfect whether you’re staying in a hotel, motel, B&B or even camping in Yosemite Mariposa County.
1850 Restaurant is perfect for signature “twisted burgers” and locally brewed beer. If you’re in the Wawona/Fish Camp area, stop at Jackalope’s Bar & Grill at Tenaya Lodge for locally-sourced dishes including gluten-free and vegan options.
Sample Itineraries
Brochures
Story Ideas
Dark Sky Viewing in Mariposa County
Light pollution prevents much of the world’s population from experiencing natural night skies but Yosemite and its region are an exception. The elevation, clear skies and lack of artificial light make star viewing and astrophotography an explosively popular activity.
Climbing Through the Ages
Rock climbing as a sport is going through a growth spurt thanks in part to its inclusion in the 2020 Olympics. Its roots began in Yosemite on the sheer granite faces of El Capitan and Half Dome. Alex Honnold’s “Free Solo” of El Capitan was memorialized in a stunning documentary film that propelled the sport to new heights.
Forging Family Traditions in Yosemite
For generations, families have been coming to Yosemite for its iconic waterfalls, granite peaks and incredible vistas in the summer, but the region is much more than just a summer playland. Each winter the park’s peaks are blanketed in snow, creating a picturesque family destination with an abundance of experiences.
The Yosemite You Don’t Know
Tunnel View, El Capitan, Half Dome, The Mist Trail. The names are all staples that are familiar to many, but for those taking a second, third or fourth visit there are plenty of new perspectives that are worth the return trip.
Mariposa Butterfly Festival
Experience a thrilling weekend at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival! Starting with a vibrant downtown parade, the festivities include diverse food vendors, exceptional art, live music, and family-friendly activities like games and massive bounce houses. Witness jaw-dropping skydiving, enjoy captivating movies, and embark on a mind-blowing Jurassic dinosaur tour. Don’t forget the magical butterfly releases, ensuring an unforgettable and enchanting celebration for all!
Christmas Dinner at Tenaya at Yosemite
There’s nothing quite like the holidays at Tenaya Lodge – the decorations at the lodge must be seen to be believed, including the largest Christmas tree in the region. And, of course, a sumptuous Christmas Dinner with the family is an important part of the celebration. Get out for an early hike or ski to burn off some steam and then come back for an amazing meal with all your favourites, and no dishes to clean up afterward!
Dia De Los Muertos in Hornitos 2023
Hornitos’ ghost town is the perfect place to celebrate Dia De Los Muertos/All Souls Day. Each year, visitors from far and wide pay respects to those who came before in a setting unique to any other. Face paint and costumes are not uncommon as a candlelight procession up to St. Catherine’s Church and cemetery leads the festivities, with the event closing just before dusk.
Mariposa Car Show 2023
Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines. Join all car enthusiasts for a fun-fuelled day out. Experience classic cars as they cruise through the streets of Mariposa, afterwards, get close to them at the local fairgrounds. Enjoy food, music, awards, street vendors and goody bags on the day. A perfect weekend for the whole family.
CoyoteFest
A high-quality, staple community event – there is something for everyone. The event features a multitude of crafts, food, vintage goods, and live music spanned throughout the day. Drop the kids at Kids Korner before enjoying a drink at the CoyoteFest Beer Garden then head down to watch the entertaining CoyoteFest Car show, and CoyoteFest Motorcycle show.
Mariposa County Fair
Exciting family fun in the form of rides, food, and entertainment. The annual fair spans over four days with endless opportunities of enjoyment for all. With carnival festivities, rides, animal exhibit judging, a destruction derby, rodeo, and annual parade all happening over the weekend.
Music on the Green
The sounds of summer coming to life in the park. This free evening concert will be running every weekend until August 26 and features music of all genres including Folk, Bluegrass, Rock, Jazz, Reggae, Country and local music bands from the Seirra Nevada and surrounding for some all-age fun.
What's New
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It's time to Splash-n-Dash!
Newly expanded from 49,000 to 125,000 square feet, Splash-n-Dash is the largest inflatable water park in North America, creating an inflatable water park experience big enough for an armada of thrill-seekers. Everything is more fun in the water, and Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park aims to thrill with a family-friendly experience providing all day — and even night-time — activities.
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Temporary Peak Hours Vehicle Reservations required for Yosemite National Park
Due to construction projects in Yosemite, a temporary peak hours vehicle reservation system is in place for entrance to Yosemite National Park between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. from May 20 to September 30. This year’s reservation is system is not due to COVID-19, but instead the numerous construction projects taking place throughout the park. Outside of the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., no reservations are required to enter Yosemite. Arriving prior to 6 a.m. means having access to the park for the full day without a reservation. Reservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
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A New Welcome Center is Coming to Yosemite Valley
June 1 The current Yosemite Valley Visitor Center is located in the Yosemite Village between the Yosemite Museum and the Ansel Adams Gallery, with Yosemite Falls thundering not too far behind. Unfortunately, the closest parking lot is about half a mile away, and there is a lack of wayfinding signs for first-time visitors. In 2022, construction began for a new Welcome Center in a larger space with a more accessible location and improved visitor information. The new Yosemite Welcome Center will take over the vacant Yosemite Sports Shop, connected to the Yosemite Village Store, which closed in 2016. This 3,000-square-foot space will feature updated exhibits, wayfinding, educational signs, displays, and maps. Yosemite Rangers and Yosemite Conservancy volunteers will be available to assist in orienting visitors and discussing itineraries to maximize their time. An outdoor plaza will also serve as a 24-hour information site for visitors arriving outside operating hours with maps, displays, educational signs, a new restroom facility, and nearby parking. -
Glacier Point
June 1 One of the most spectacular viewpoints in the park sits 3,000ft above the valley at Glacier Point. This panoramic wonder has been accessible only by foot via the Four Mile Trail since the Fall of 2021 due to critical repairs along Glacier Point Road. The 16-mile paved road was initially completed in 1936 and replaced the original wagon road. Still, due to the popularity of many hiking trails, breathtaking viewpoints, and accessibility to the Bridalveil Creek Campground and Badger Pass Ski Area, this road required serious repairs. A 10.5-mile stretch of Glacier Point Road from Badger Pass Ski Area to Glacier Point was pulverized and repaved, including the hairpin turns leading to the Washburn Point and Glacier Point parking areas. Additionally, designated viewpoints along the road and the parking area at Sentinal Dome and Taft Point trailhead were expanded and repaved to protect the fragile vegetation in those areas. Like Tioga Road, Glacier Point Road closes during the winter and will re-open with 30-minute traffic delays once the snow can be removed. Fill up your reusable water bottles, pack snacks or a lunch, and enjoy the beautiful hiking trails along the road and from Glacier Point, including the easy McGurk Meadow trail, with beautiful wildflowers blooming in the summer. -
Bridalveil Fall
June 1 Situated between Cathedral Rocks and Leaning Tower, Bridalveil Fall is the first major waterfall visitors see when entering Yosemite Valley. The 620ft wonder is a key feature of the iconic panorama from Tunnel View, and the viewing platform is a popular stop for those wanting to see a waterfall up close. However, after decades and millions of visitors, the area required rehabilitation to increase safety and overall visitor experience. The Bridalveil Fall Rehabilitation Project began in 2018 and is scheduled to end this summer with some exciting additions. The parking area was redesigned and repaved to create a better traffic flow and prevent the pooling of water that had begun and modern flush toilets have replaced the old vault toilets, significantly improving the visitor experience. The trail leading to the Bridalveil Fall viewing platform has been made wider to accommodate the flow of foot traffic better and made more accessible for visitors using mobility aids. Additional wayfinding and educational signs were added to help guide and inform visitors throughout the area. More information about the Bridalveil Fall Rehabilitation Project can be found here, and a complete list of Yosemite's waterfalls can be seen here. Remember, the waterfalls in Yosemite are primarily seasonal with peak flow at the end of April and May.
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Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping
Wildhaven Yosemite is the newest glamping destination for visitors to Yosemite National Park, located in the charming gold-rush town of Mariposa, CA. Guests can spend a unique and comfortable night outdoors in canvas tents or updated glamping cabins and get treated to beautiful views of rolling foothills & snow-capped mountains from the property. In addition to the comfortable beds with heat and electricity, guests have access to clean bathrooms & showers, hiking trails, outstanding views, a camp store, Wi-Fi, and help planning the perfect Yosemite getaway. Wildhaven is located 45 minutes from the park entrance, and just 1 mile from Mariposa. The location provides convenient access to nearby lakes and rivers for boating and swimming, restaurants and bars, wine tasting, skydiving, and more.
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Yosemite National Park is covered in Visit California’s STAR online training program.
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