100 Things To Do In Mariposa County

From low elevation lakes to high elevation peaks. From the Sierra National Forest to the Stanislaus National Forest. Mountain biking, skydiving, and white water rafting. Fishing and bird watching. Wine tasting and even olive oil sampling, Yosemite Mariposa County is the home to countless activities and the best things to do in Yosemite and the surrounding area.  We’ve taken the liberty of giving you 100 things to do in Mariposa County outside of Yosemite National Park to get you on your way to your own adventure.

All Across Mariposa County

There are some activities that you can find almost anywhere you are in Yosemite Mariposa County – taking advantage of this area’s access to the outdoors.

Starry Starry Night

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. A variety of apps can help you identify constellations, and be sure to pay attention to celestial events like the Perseid Meteor Showers.

Take in Live Music

All around Mariposa County the live music scene is on the rise. Venues like the Grove House, Coulter Café, The Alley and the Hideout Saloon have their own roaring concert calendars. If you time your visit right, you might even be able to catch the Yosemite Jazz Train at the Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad.

Forest Play
All around Mariposa, the Sierra National Forest is your playground for hiking, fishing, and recreating.

Parks & Rec
Mariposa County offers beautiful scenic parks, skate parks, and community pools open to visitors. Grab something to nosh from a local market or restaurant and have a picnic!

Historic Marker Ahead
A drive around Mariposa County is a drive through living history. Make stops at the many roadside historic markers that dot the Mariposa County landscape or pick up a walking history map at the Coulterville Visitors Center.

Be a Rockhound

Study rocks and minerals at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum or in Mariposa County’s rock shops before setting out to discover them in the wild.

Hit the Road, Jack

In a county made up of a National Park and two National Forests and many historic towns, there lots of back road scenery to take in, and what better way to do so than a scenic drive.

Find a Paddling Perspective
Whether you’re putting in for whitewater excitement along one of Mariposa County’s many rivers, or heading out for a sunset cruise on one of the serene lakes like Lake McClure or Lake McSwain, getting out onto the water in a kayak or atop a SUP (Stand up Paddleboard) provides a fresh point of view.

Find a good read & Swing in a Hammock
Whether it’s in a hammock stand or strung between two trees, kick back in a hammock with a good book with the sounds of nature all around. If you’re looking for a good read, stop by the Mariposa County Library. The John Muir shelf is highly recommended.

Cool Your Heels by the River
Whether you’re wading in or just enjoying the music of the water as it tumbles by, spending an afternoon by one of Mariposa County’s many rivers such as the Wild and Scenic Merced or streams like Big Creek in Fish Camp is a worthy delight. Remember to use caution during spring when water flows are at their highest!

Lounge Poolside
Indulge in a carefree refreshing dip at the end of the day. Look for hotel and vacation rental properties with a swimming pool for the ultimate convenience. In the Historic town of Mariposa or Coulterville, visit one of our community pools.

Central Mariposa County: El Portal, Midpines, Mariposa

Merced River Recreation Management Area
Hike, raft, float, swim, camp, or just relax in the Merced River at the Merced River Recreation Area, one of the best outdoor things to do near Yosemite and the trails and beaches here are all dog friendly.

Waltz through Spring Wildflowers
Dance through fields of plush purple, firecracker red and creamsicle orange on Hite Cove Trail, maybe the best wildflower walk in the region. This highlight-reel hike starts near the marker for Savages Trading Post, on State Highway 140, just past the Ferguson Bridge. Park along the road and look for the trail sign. A popular destination in spring, this trail follows the steep Merced River canyon while passing by nearly 50 varieties of wildflowers. Bonus points, this is dog friendly trail.

Reel ‘Em In
Explore fishing outside Yosemite National Park along the Merced River from El Portal to the South Fork or in the Stanislaus National Forest. You can find a list of fishing guides or back county outfitters on www.yosemite.com

Spring Whitewater Rafting: Churn, Baby, Churn
In spring snowmelt turns the Merced River into a whitewater rafting thrill ride as it leaves Yosemite National Park and drops dramatically through the narrow canyons near the town of El Portal. As riotous spring flows settle into calmer summer conditions, guided rafting turns into a gentler scenic float. Check out seasoned rafting outfitters Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions or Oars River Rafting both located in Midpines.

Pedal Assisted Exploration

Tour the backroads of Yosemite Mariposa County on an electric bike with a local guide from Yosemite E-biking.

Walk Through Time

Take a walk through old town Mariposa and keep on eye out for the plaques on each building which describe what the original buildings inhabitants were in 1850 when the town was founded.

Coffee With Critters

At a local homestead in Bootjack, visitors can sip coffee and munch on scones while hanging out with a wild crowd! The homestead is shared by horses, ducks, geese chickens, pigs, alpaca, cats and dogs, all of which are friendly and love a snack and scratch.

Spring Wildflower Bloom
Soak in the beautiful wildflower scenery in spring. This activity is great anywhere in the county but maybe the best in the Merced Canyon where California Poppies paint the slopes orange.

Stomp and Holler

For more than 75 years Bootjack Stompers in Mariposa has offered square and line dancing classes to locals and visitors alike. Classes offered range from beginners to plus-level square or line dancers.

The Blond King
The  Savage’s Trading Post roadside history marker tells the story of James D. Savage, a complicated character with an uncanny knack for being present at pivotal moments in California history. We won’t play spoiler, only to say that this is a marker well worth a look.

Take off Into the Wild Blue Yonder
Take an aerial tour high above Mariposa County and Yosemite National Park with Airborrn Aviation Services, based at the Mariposa-Yosemite Airport. The view from above can’t be beat.

Gold Rush History Hunt
Dig into Mariposa County’s Gold Rush past with historical markers showing the way for a scenic and informative road trip through the county.

Rise and Shine
The sweet cool mornings in Mariposa County are calling. Grab an early-morning breakfast from a “hometown” restaurant and settle in to watch the sunrise

Grape Art
Visit Casto Oaks in Historic Mariposa to sample locally crafted wines while savoring the work of local artists.

Fishing The Sierra National Forest
Drop your line into 400 lakes across the Forest.

Sample Local Beer
1850 Restaurant and Brewery in Mariposa brews great, local beer and keeps up to 14 beers on tap daily at their restaurant.

Purchase or Make Stained Glass

At Hillside Glass Company in downtown Mariposa, you can browse handcrafted stained glass keepsakes or make your own individual souvenir as part of a workshop.

Kemble Road Hike
Check out the Chowchilla River under the award-winning William Sell Bridge.

Carstens and Feliciana Mountain Road Hike
Breathe the fresh mountain air on a pretty good hike.

Historic Walking Tour
Grab a map at the Mariposa Visitors Bureau and take a self-guided historic tour to the many buildings featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Discover buildings from the mid-1800s as well as charming shops, restaurants, and other contemporary diversions.

Leave Your Mark at the Hideout Saloon

Join in on a tradition with people from all over the world. Grab a drink or a bite and leave your mark – literally – on the walls of the Hideout Saloon by putting an inscription on a dollar, peso or whatever currency you have and tape it to the historic walls of the Hideout Saloon.

Jailhouse Rocks
The commanding stone building in downtown Mariposa is the old Mariposa County Jail (1858). Fun fact: despite its fortress-like look it was curiously escape-prone.

Be a Bookworm
Check in at the Mariposa County Library’s main branch in Mariposa and read up on Yosemite history. The John Muir shelf is highly recommended.

Mariposa Butterfly Festival
Did you know Mariposa means butterfly? The town is named for the monarchs that migrate here each spring. Each spring the Mariposa Butterfly Festival honors the founding flyers.

Local and Organic
Every Wednesday May to October, the Mariposa Farmers’ Market freshens things up with local food, organic produce and crafts on display.

Here Come da Judge
Mariposa County Courthouse is California’s oldest, the stately building having served continuously as the seat of county government since 1854 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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.

Mariposa is home to three Museums including the California State Mining and Mineral Museum which honors California’s Gold Rush history in Mariposa County and beyond.

Mineral Kings
The California State Mining & Mineral Museum offers a golden glimpse into the state’s mineral bounty and mining history. On display: the Fricot “Nugget,” at 13.8 pounds, the largest remaining intact mass of crystalline gold from 19th

Music on the Green
Relax with a free outdoor concert at the Mariposa Art Park every Friday and Saturday evening during the summer, hosted by the Mariposa County Arts Council.

Pack a Picnic Basket
You’ll find idyllic locations for a picnic lunch around every corner in Yosemite Mariposa County. Pack a picnic basket (or cooler) with delicious and healthy supplies from Pioneer Market, The Californian or High Country Health Foods and find your own little corner of heaven.

Eureka!
Prospect Yosemite conducts tours where you can strike real gold. Should a nugget roll your way, you know what to say.

Old Soles
Get comfy with Nativearth, a local artisan shoe company that focuses on current styles as well as historical footwear. Your feet will appreciate your good taste.

Sample Olive Oils
Do you love the taste of flavorful olive oil on toast? Be sure to stop at Costa Livos Mountain Gold Olive Oils for a wide range of delicious olive oils. Sample a few options and take some of your favorite flavors home with you.

Creative Visions
The Sierra Artists’ Gallery is a cooperative gallery featuring unique art and gifts from Mariposa County artisans, as well as from the surrounding Sierra foothill area and Yosemite National Park.

Cider House Rules
A Mariposa cidery in the heart of California gold country, Sierra Cider Farm crushes estate-grown heritage apples into varietal ciders like Farmhouse Style (tasting notes: English Bittersweets) or Early Harvest (honey and apple blossom, extra-sparkly and great with food).

Sierra Foothill Conservancy
Join one of the many outdoor events sponsored by the Sierra Foothill Conservancy.

Skydive Yosemite
The only skydiving center with amazing views of Yosemite National Park, Skydive Yosemite is located at the Mariposa-Yosemite Airport. Learn more about the founder of Skydive Yosemite in our video below.

Stockton Creek Preserve
Hike at the edge of Mariposa as you explore native wildlife and plants along the Stockton Creek Preserve. There are trail options ranging from easy to heart-thumping and the whole preserve is pet friendly. Be on the lookout for some special bronze turtle sculptures along the trail!

Treat Yourself Well

The Wellness Nook offers massage, facials, waxing and more in downtown Mariposa.

Treetop Views
Discover vibrant local and regional artists at the Treetop Gallery, curated by the Mariposa Arts Council and located upstairs from Chocolate Soup.

Hold that Mountain Pose
Get your ommm on with Balanced Rock or Yogasemite for local yoga experiences ranging from day trips to full immersions.

Bird Brained
Mariposa County encompasses a mighty range of Sierra topography and biodiversity. Alpine peaks transition to rolling foothills that flatten to grassy plains enabling nearly 300 species of birds to thrive here. The diversity of habitat attracts a teeming range of feathered mountaineers.

Take it Higher
Experience the rich history of the mecca of rock climbing, Yosemite National Park, in Mariposa’s newest museum dedicated to the subject – the Yosemite Climbing Association Museum and Gallery. 

Tie One On
Create your own story of the one you hooked and released with Yosemite Outfitters, guides to the best fly fishing in Mariposa County.

Yosemite Family Adventures
Plan your own private, customized tour with Yosemite Family Adventures.

Build Trails and Friendships
Volunteer with Mariposa Trails to rehab neglected or forgotten hundred-year-old trails. You’ll get an interesting history lesson, a chance to give back to a beautiful region, and snacks. Don’t forget the snacks.

Hunt for Treasure
Yosemite Crystals is Mariposa’s one stop shop for local crystals, gold prospecting supplies, and gold tours.

Go Forest Bathing – Spa Style
Treat yourself to a relaxing massage followed by soaking baths including a soak in the hydrogen peroxide and UV hot tub at Yosemite Health Spa at the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort.

Paint and Sip

Offering regular group activities or the ability to just walk in and enjoy some western-themed art, Dry Creek Gallery in Mariposa provides ways to take home your very own handmade souvenir while also enjoying some great wines.

Go on an Antique Roadshow
Set off on a treasure hunt for a little piece of history that you can take home with you. Perhaps staying in historic lodging has whet your appetite for a few antiques of your own? Swing through the gorgeous antique shops in Mariposa to discover your own kind of gold.

Escape … Alive
Test your wits to see if your group can figure out how to get out of an “abandoned mine” escape room alive. A great activity for groups located right in the Visitor’s Center in downtown Mariposa.

Meander Down Mariposa Creek
Stroll or cycle through the town of Mariposa along the Mariposa Creek Parkway. This two-lane walking/biking trail starts at Creekside Nursery and passes many interesting shops and destinations before arriving at the Mariposa Arts Park.

Take the Triangle Tasting Tour
Discover the perfect trifecta of tasting tours! Highway 140/Downtown Mariposa, Triangle Road and Highway 49 lead you past a sumptuous sequence of craft breweries, wineries, coffee houses and unique eats. Don’t forgot to stop to sample locally produced olive oils, and hard ciders too.

Bicycle in the Sierra National Forest
From family-friendly fire roads to exciting single-track descents, the Sierra National Forest is a mountain biking playground. If you didn’t bring your own, bicycle rentals (including e-bikes) are available for guests staying at Tenaya at Yosemite.

Get a Devilishly Delightful View
For one of Mariposa County’s most epic lookouts, walk, bike, or four-wheel it up to Signal Peak Tower at Devil’s Peak in the Sierra National Forest.

Snow-Play Ahead

Goat Meadow Snow Play Area is a classic under-the-radar sledding hill, located just off Highway 41 in the Sierra National Forest between Fish Camp and Yosemite National Park. Tubing, sledding, and all-around snow play abound.

Skate the Sierra
Glide across the ice at the open-air ice skating rink at Tenaya at Yosemite and learn to skate or perfect that triple-axel. Roasting marshmallows and making s’mores happens at the nearby fire pit.

Outdoors Adventureland
Tenaya at Yosemite offers over-the-top activities including archery lessons, rock wall climbing, ropes courses and more.

Tour Desk
Tenaya at Yosemite Tours offers guided excursions into Yosemite National Park – you know, that granite wonderland just up the road..

Tenmile Grade
Enjoy the breeze on an easy mountain bike ride through the forest along Tenmile Grade.

Climb Aboard
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a throwback excursion located off Highway 41 near Fish Camp. A pair of historic steam engine locomotives chug along the narrow-gauge right-of-way of the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company. The on-site museum details the local logging legacy; open April — October.

Happy Trails
Whether you take a five-hour trip through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias or the one-hour Big Creek crossing, Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures offers unique journeys into the woods and back in time. Just off Highway 41 near Fish Camp, the Yosemite Trails ranch is close to Yosemite National Park’s south entrance and Tenaya at Yosemite.

Hiking the Sierra National Forest
Get moving on the backpacking and hiking trails.

Sequoia Shadow Play
The Shadow of the Giants Interpretive Trail is a pleasant one-miler with a huge payoff: the Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias. There are currently about 100 mature sequoias in the 1,540-acre grove including the massive, 246-ft. tall Bull Buck. The Nelder Grove and Nelder Grove campground is located about four miles north of Oakhurst on Highway 41 off Sky Ranch Road.

Settle in for a Soothing Spa Treatment
Nothing refreshes like a relaxing spa treatment or massage at Ascent Spa. Warm up in the sauna or steam room, then feel tension melting away with a massage, body therapies or a deluxe 90-minute pedicure. Located at Tenaya at Yosemite.

Glide Through a Winter Wonderland
Lightweight cross-country skis are just the ticket for a fun winter day. Explore the snow-covered countryside and delight in a bit of slip-sliding merriment to boot.