After a cold and wet winter that brought record-setting amounts of much-needed snow to the Yosemite high Sierra, the park’s waterfalls are set for an absolutely epic return in 2023. If you haven’t visited Yosemite Mariposa County in the spring before, or have been dozens of times, be sure to make this the year that you do. Iconic waterfalls like Yosemite Falls, Birdalveil Fall and Vernal Fall will be bursting at the seams with fresh, crystal-clear water. This could also be an incredible year for wildflowers in California and some are calling it a potential super bloom year.
Low-elevation areas such as the Sierra Nevada foothills will be flush with bright, beautiful wildflowers such as the California Poppy as soon as early March. Higher in elevation in Yosemite Valley and on Glacier Point Road expect to see wildflowers around April or May as spring marches uphill with the rising temperatures. For all of this Spring’s glory, make Yosemite Mariposa County your basecamp with great lodging options both in and out of Yosemite National Park.
Find Yosemite Spring Lodging
In the “Mother of Counties,” there’s really no lodging option that will feel second best. Perhaps the best part of Yosemite Mariposa County is not its unique range of scenery or outdoor attractions of grandeur, but its 150+ years of California history bursting from the various locales of this breathtaking area. In Yosemite, you can tailor your experience – from budget travel to luxury glamping options like Autocamp Yosemite, cozy to roughing it, and everywhere in between.
The Beginner’s Guide to yosemite waterfalls
Yosemite’s largest waterfalls peak in April, May and into June, with some falls (including the park’s signature Yosemite Falls) running dry by late summer. The Mist Trail, one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite, Nevada and Vernal Falls run through summer, giving hikers a shower or mist, hence the trail’s name! These are the waterfalls that come to mind immediately, the stars of the show, here’s our guide to the most popular waterfalls in Yosemite.
What to do this Spring in Yosemite Mariposa County
Spring in Yosemite Mariposa County brings with it some of the best activities of the whole year. The melting snow of the spring brings whitewater rafting to the Merced River in Yosemite and Mariposa County. Spring and early summer is the best time to raft the Merced for adventure seekers.
With Skydive Yosemite, fly over Yosemite before floating back down to earth for a one-of-a-kind skydiving experience (trust us, the views are worth it), or gold pan with Prospect Yosemite on the Merced River. No matter if you’re an experienced adventurer or kicking back and taking in the sights is more your speed, there’s bound to be something for you to do in Yosemite Mariposa County.
Outside of the park, small towns like Mariposa, a nominee for USA Today 10Best’s Best Small Town Culture, and Coulterville, named the 2022 Friendliest Town in America by Readers Digest, are great opportunities to slow down and experience authentic mountain towns.
Whether it’s sunlit peaks, rejuvenating waterfalls and sweet-smelling wildflowers you’re after, or you’re looking to explore the fascinating history and expansive land that Mariposa County encompasses, you’ll find plenty of stories to help you plan out a vacation to remember. Here are some great options.
YOSEMITE SPRING ITINERARY
MARIPOSA COUNTY’S HISTORY
MARIPOSA BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL
YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY ITINERARIES
WILDLIFE SPOTTING GAME
BEST DINING IN YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY
100 THINGS TO DO IN MARIPOSA COUNTY
YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY CAMPING
KNOW NATURE’S RULES