A three-night road trip on a historic highway through apple orchards, fall colors, the wild and scenic Merced River and Yosemite National Park.
Three nights | Best in October–November
Highway 140 has connected Mariposa with Yosemite for generations. Completed in 1926 and originally known as the “All-Year Highway,” the historic route provided a year-round connection between the Sierra foothills and Yosemite Valley. Today, it remains one of the most scenic ways to experience the journey into Yosemite, winding alongside the Merced River, dotted with hidden Gold Rush era gems, and historic attractions.
In fall, the landscape takes on an entirely different character. The green of summer gives way to crimson, amber and golden hues, apples ripen in the foothill orchards, and crisp evenings invite you to slow down and settle into the season. Follow Highway 140 along the Merced River, explore Mariposa’s historic downtown, sip locally made cider and spend a full day experiencing Yosemite at its autumn best.
Settle into Mariposa and let the road trip slow down.
Spend the afternoon exploring historic downtown Mariposa. Browse local shops and galleries, grab a drink, and enjoy dinner before turning in for the evening.
Where to stay
- Wildhaven Yosemite for a glamping experience along Highway 140
- Mariposa Lodge for an easy downtown base within walking distance of shops, restaurants and bars
- River Rock Inn for a more intimate stay right in the heart of downtown
Explore all lodging along the 140 corridor.
After a relaxed breakfast, spend a full day getting to know the historic town of Mariposa and the foothills that surround it. This is your day to slow down, explore local history, meet makers and artists, and experience the agricultural side of the county.
Morning: Choose Your History
Start with a visit to one of Mariposa County’s museums, depending on what interests you most:
- Mariposa Museum & History Center — Dive into the area’s Gold Rush history and the people and communities that shaped Mariposa County.
- California State Mining and Mineral Museum — Explore California’s mining heritage and an impressive collection of minerals, gems and mining artifacts.
- Yosemite Climbing Museum — Explore the people, stories and equipment behind the evolution of climbing in Yosemite.
Each offers a different window into the place you’re visiting, making it easy to choose the experience that best fits your interests.
Mid-Afternoon: Choose Your Fall Farm Experience
Weekend travelers: Head to Sierra Cider Farm and Cidery
Head to Sierra Cider in the afternoon and settle into the orchard as the day begins to cool.
Fall is apple season, so check Sierra Cider’s website and social channels before your trip to see whether apple picking is available during your visit. And be sure to check their events calendar, too. Sierra Cider loves to dream up creative harvest happenings, and some events can pop up relatively close to the date. You never know what might be happening in the orchard while you’re there.
While you’re there, wander among the apple trees, enjoy a cider tasting, play a few games and take in the views.
And don’t leave without trying the apple slushy. It’s mouthwatering, golden, and tastes like fresh cool autumn in a cup.
Sierra Cider’s tasting room is currently open Friday through Sunday, 12–8 p.m., March through December, so be sure to check their current hours when planning your visit.
Midweek travelers: Visit Happy Goat Yosemite
Traveling Monday – Thursday when Sierra Cider is closed? Make your way to Happy Goat Yosemite, a 2,000-acre regenerative nonprofit farm where you can explore at your own pace.
Book your visit in advance and spend an hour or two wandering the farm, meeting goats, alpacas, pigs and other animals, playing games, taking in the sweeping foothill views, or simply slowing down. Seasonal baby-goat interactions and picnic options can make the experience even more memorable.
It’s a wonderful way to experience another side of Mariposa County, where agriculture, conservation and community come together.
Happy Goat currently welcomes visitors Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and requires tickets to be purchased at least 24 hours in advance, so check the current schedule when planning your trip.
Early Evening: Explore Downtown Mariposa
Return to town for an easygoing fall evening.
Browse local galleries and shops, discover work by Mariposa County artists, and take in some of the historic buildings along the way. Grab a coffee or another treat, or stop for a glass of Sierra Foothills wine. The point is not to rush from one attraction to the next. Leave room for the unexpected.
Grab an ice cream at Gold Cup Creamery, taste local wine, enjoy a locally brewed mead or craft beer, and browse a few more local shops and galleries before dinner. Then settle in for a tasty meal at one of Mariposa’s family owned restaurants.
This is the kind of evening to linger over. No schedule, no rushing to the next viewpoint. Just good food, good drinks and a little more time to get to know the town before tomorrow’s Yosemite adventure.
Today is your Yosemite day. Give yourself the entire day rather than trying to squeeze the park into a few hours.
Morning: Yosemite Valley
Start early and make your way into Yosemite Valley, where crisp fall mornings, golden foliage and granite walls create a spectacular start to the day.
First stop: Tunnel View
Arrive early at Tunnel View for one of Yosemite’s most iconic panoramas. From here, you can take in the sweeping view of Yosemite Valley, El Capitan, Half Dome and Bridalveil Fall. The morning light and cooler temperatures make an early start especially rewarding. This is a spectacular sunrise location!
Bridalveil Fall
Continue into the Valley and stop at Bridalveil Fall, one of Yosemite’s signature waterfalls. The short walk to the base offers an up-close view of the granite cliffs and surrounding landscape.
Explore Yosemite Valley
Slow down and explore the Valley on foot or rent a bicycle to explore. Take a leisurely stroll through Cook’s Meadow, where autumn leaves frame views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. Continue along the Merced River and pause at scenic viewpoints along the way.
Fall brings a different rhythm to Yosemite. Cooler temperatures, changing foliage and golden leaves create a beautiful contrast against the Valley’s towering granite walls.
Afternoon: Glacier Point
For your big fall finale, make your way to Glacier Point.
The panoramic overlook offers sweeping views across Yosemite Valley, Half Dome and the High Sierra. In autumn, the changing colors below add another layer to an already spectacular view.
If conditions and road access allow, consider continuing to Sentinel Dome or Taft Point for a short hike and a different perspective on the Valley.
Local tip: Pack a dinner and enjoy while you watch the sunset at Glacier Point of Taft. Note, if you hike to Taft Point for sunset. Be sure to pack your flash light for the return hike.
Important: Glacier Point Road is seasonal, so check current road conditions and access before planning this portion of the itinerary.
After a full day in the park, return to Mariposa for your final evening.
Enjoy a relaxed morning. Sip delicious locally roasted coffee before you start the journey home.
Sleep in a little. Enjoy breakfast in Mariposa, take one last stroll through town and then begin your journey home. Light and tasty options at Sticks Coffee is a locals favorite. If you have a sweet tooth, pop into Cinnamon Roll Bakery & Cafe for an award winning cinnamon roll made fresh daily.
If you’re heading south toward Oakhurst and Highway 41, this is another good opportunity to stop at Mariposa Coffee Company for coffee and locally roasted beans before continuing your drive.
