General Travel Tips

Imagine the possibilities for fun and recreation if you were to stay work learn and play in Yosemite Mariposa County. There is plenty to explore here. Get tips on how to bring learning to life, make the most of those in-between times and add excitement and joy into the everyday.

While many think of pioneers as people from a bygone era, that spirit is still well alive today in Mariposa County. We call the people that accomplish that today 'Modern Day Pioneers'. Their stories are unique and in many cases inspiring. The Modern-Day Pioneers video series aims to tell the stories of those forging ahead in Mariposa County today with that pioneering spirit.

Mariposa County offers a full complement of unique places and distinctive things to do in and around Yosemite.  From soaring above Half Dome to sipping estate-pressed olive oil and riding into the sequoias on horseback, here’s an insider’s list of unique places to visit in California.

Encompassing nearly 900,000 acres and bordering the western edge of Yosemite National Park and Mariposa County, the Stanislaus National Forest is an unforgettable realm of natural beauty. 

One of the largest natural tracts in California, the Sierra National Forest flanks the southern and western edges of Yosemite National Park and Mariposa County. Abundant recreational opportunities earn the Sierra National Forest’s rep as an outdoor lover’s paradise.

Yosemite Mariposa offers what could be the widest variety of hikes in California. Whether it’s a slow amble through the wildflowers while the kids chase butterflies or a solo climb up the granite switchbacks as clouds pass beneath you, there’s a trail for everyone regardless of age or ability.

There are endless things to do in California. Take a look at some of our favorites - and they can all be done in or close to Yosemite National Park.

Whether it’s a smooth granite chute sliding into a deep swimming hole or even a four-star hotel pool, visitors can seek out a plunge that’s perfectly suited.

It's easy to find peace & quiet, even in a busy park like Yosemite. Use these simple tips to step off the beaten path and maximize solitude and wonder on your trip to Yosemite and Mariposa County.

Yosemite Mariposa County is the home to countless activities and the best things to do near Yosemite.  We've taken the liberty of giving you 100 things to do in Mariposa County that don't include Yosemite National Park to get you on your way to your own adventure.