We can’t wait to welcome you back soon
Like most of you, we’re doing our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home, washing our hands and limiting contact with others. However, we’re still dreaming of the time when we can travel and explore this great region … just like you.
We look forward to having you visit Yosemite Mariposa County and that time is approaching. Our economy is based on wonderful people like you visiting our area, eating in our great restaurants, taking tours with our local experts and staying in our hotels, cabins, and bed and breakfasts. We hope you’ll keep us in mind as you dream about the future. We’ll be here to welcome you once it’s safe to do so.
Our county is slowly reopening. Some restaurants are allowing dine-in seating and even more offer takeout options. Non-essential businesses have reopened. We’re in “stage 2.5” of our reopening plan, and stage three, when lodging establishments are able to reopen, could come as soon as early June. There is no set date for when Yosemite National Park will reopen, but we know that will happen in stage 3 of California’s reopening plan.
The Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau is here to help. See the links below for information on the area and please feel free to email us with any questions at info@yosemite.com.
Updates and Information for COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Entering Stage 2.5 of Mariposa County’s reopening plan: Mariposa County recently entered stage 2.5 of its reopening plan, which allows for restaurants to reopen with dine-in seating given that social distancing measures can be properly addressed within the establishment. Non-essential businesses have also reopened for in-store shopping. Non-essential travel is still discouraged in stage 2.5. Mariposa County could enter stage three, which would lift a non-essential travel ban and allow for the re-opening of lodging properties, as soon as the first half of June.
Short-Term Lodging Order: On April 3, the Mariposa County Public Health Officer issued a short-term lodging order stating that non-essential short-term occupancy in Mariposa County is a violation of the Governor’s Stay-at-Home order as it: (1) encourages an influx of persons into the County, thus increasing the potential for spread of the illness and adding strain upon the County healthcare system; and (2) is likely to impair efforts at mitigating the spread of the illness both within the County and statewide.
Due to the order, all lodging properties including hotels, bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals will be unable to accept non-essential guests until further notice. For the full order, click here. If you have questions about your reservation, please contact the property you booked to stay at.
Yosemite National Park Information: Starting Friday, May 15, 2020 at 12:00 pm, Yosemite National Park is closed to all individuals with the exception of:
- Residents of all communities within the legislative boundary of Yosemite National Park, the El Portal Administrative Site and the community of Yosemite West.
- Authorized NPS employees.
- Authorized contractors of the NPS.
- Authorized employees or contractors of Yosemite Hospitality, The Ansel Adams Gallery, NatureBridge, Yosemite Conservancy, the United States Postal Service, or other authorized park partners.
- Pacific Crest Trail through-hikers who are in possession of a valid permit issued by the Pacific Crest Trail Association.
Residents are defined as 1) employees who have been assigned a government or concessioner housing unit within Yosemite National Park by an organization that is authorized to do so and 2) owners or long-term (28 days or greater) renters of houses in Section 35 (Wawona), Aspen Valley, Yosemite West, the El Portal Administrative Site or Foresta. Authorized employees are individuals who are actively engaged in work directed by a supervisor or management official of the NPS, authorized NPS concessioner, or partner who have operations based in Yosemite National Park. The presence of individuals who are not included in the above definitions, to include guests of residents and authorized employees, is prohibited.
The closure area will be monitored to ensure compliance. Your cooperation in complying with this temporary restriction is greatly appreciated. Please see attached map for more information.
This designation will remain in place until rescinded.
Tourism Bureau Information: The Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau is still working through this time, but is doing so remotely. For questions, please email info@yosemite.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, please visit our Facebook page, @YosemiteNation, and message us there and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
Mariposa County Visitors Center Information: The Mariposa Visitors Center is currently closed, but anyone with questions during normal business hours can speak directly to a Visitor Center staff member by calling (888) 425-3366 or (209) 966-7081 if calling locally.
Mariposa County Health Information: For Mariposa County Health and Human Services’ information page regarding COVID-19, click here.
Please take the following precautions into consideration to help stop the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
- Follow guidance from local public health officials.
Mariposa County Business information: Many businesses remain open through this time to serve the public. The Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Mariposa County Economic Development team and members of the tourism bureau put together a Google Doc that shows which businesses are still operating. Please take the opportunity to shop local and support Main Street Mariposa in this difficult time. For the full document, click here.