What’s New in Yosemite Mariposa County for 2026

Yosemite Mariposa County is buzzing with experiences and celebrations for 2026, offering visitors exciting new ways to connect with this iconic destination. Among the highlights, the Yosemite Climbing Association will launch a new event in spring 2026 celebrating Yosemite’s influence on global climbing culture. Elsewhere across the region, longtime favorites and new ventures alike are marking major milestones. YExplore Yosemite Adventures celebrates 20 years with special anniversary hikes that give back to the park, while The Ahwahnee prepares for its centennial in 2027 with commemorative experiences in the works. Climbing enthusiasts can stay where bouldering is just steps from the door at the newly opened Yosemite Boulder Farm, and Mariposa County’s first distillery is on the horizon, with 1850 introducing a new line of sips. Expanded lodging, new meeting spaces, fitness upgrades, and more are taking shape, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead. Read on for the details.

Yosemite Climbing Association Launches New Film Festival

The Yosemite Climbing Association is launching a new event in spring 2026 that will spotlight the stories, films, and voices shaping the climbing community today.

The inaugural Yosemite Film Festival and Storyteller Summit will take place May 21–24, 2026, bringing filmmakers, climbers, and outdoor creatives together in the birthplace of American rock climbing. While final programming is still being confirmed, the multi-day event is expected to feature film screenings, storytelling workshops, and Q&A panels with filmmakers and climbers.

Designed to celebrate Yosemite’s enduring influence on climbing culture, the festival aims to create a new platform for both emerging and established storytellers to share perspectives rooted in adventure, stewardship, and community.

More details will be announced in the coming months.

New Interpretive Art Installation Along Hiking Trails at Stockton Creek Preserve

A new interpretive installation along the hiking trails at Stockton Creek Preserve in Mariposa, California, just minutes from Yosemite National Park, offers visitors a fresh way to experience the Sierra Nevada foothills. Created by renowned California naturalist, writer, and illustrator Obi Kaufmann, the installation features ten exhibits integrated throughout the Preserve’s trail system. Kaufmann’s distinctive illustrations of native plants and wildlife encourage visitors to slow down, observe, and deepen their connection to the landscape as they explore the Preserve on foot. The trailhead is walkable from downtown Mariposa, making it easy to pair a hike with local dining and shopping.

YExplore Yosemite Adventures Celebrates 20 Years with Anniversary Series

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, YExplore Yosemite Adventures is launching a special series of anniversary hikes that reflect the company’s long-standing mission while supporting two of its favorite causes, Yosemite Facelift and The Yosemite Conservancy. July 6, 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of YExplore’s very first guided tour, a milestone that honors two decades of responsible, experience-driven exploration in Yosemite National Park.

YExplore Yosemite Adventures is a leading Yosemite tour company offering custom guided experiences year-round. Known for its exceptional standards of ethics and client care, YExplore was established by founder John P. DeGrazio in January 2006 after he and his family settled in the Sierra Foothills with a vision to build a sustainable eco-tourism business rooted in stewardship, education, and meaningful connections to Yosemite.

From Smoke to Shine: 1850 Brewing’s Sierra Nevada Flavors

1850 Brewing & Restaurant is launching the first distillery in Mariposa County, crafting unique spirits with a Sierra Nevada twist. Their inaugural distillation transforms wine “waste” from Casto Oaks Winery, affected by the 2022 Oak Fire, into a pink-hued “wine shine” aging in Syrah barrels. Future offerings will highlight neutral spirits infused with seasonal local ingredients like juniper and manzanita berries, while a whisky program begins aging this fall. This exciting new venture adds a creative, local flavor to the region’s craft beverage scene.

Wildhaven Yosemite Expanding in 2026

Wildhaven Yosemite continues to move forward with its planned expansion following its successful debut. The property is actively adding new glamping accommodations, with additional tent platforms already set and ready for installation. A highly anticipated new pool is currently under construction and is expected to be completed and open for guest use this summer. Guests can enjoy scenic walking trails with stunning mountain and sunset views, as well as communal and private fire pits designed for gathering under the stars. Once fully built out, Wildhaven Yosemite will grow from its original 40 tents and cabins to a total of 80 thoughtfully designed glamping accommodations.

Ahwahnee Announces Centennial Celebrations in 2027

2027 marks the centennial of The Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park’s most iconic lodge. Planning is currently underway, and Yosemite Hospitality will roll out details in the coming months for a yearlong series of commemorative experiences and celebrations honoring the property’s 100-year legacy.

Yosemite Boulder Farm Opens Airbnb Stay, with Climbing and Disc Golf Experiences to Follow

The Yosemite Boulder Farm has officially opened its on-site Airbnb, offering guests a chance to stay at a unique outdoor property rooted in climbing, creativity, and play. Looking ahead to spring 2026, plans are underway to open the Boulder Farm for bookable bouldering and disc golf experiences through Airbnb Experiences, with additional amenities and programming continuing to take shape. Set on 6.3 scenic acres with climbable boulders, walking paths, and sweeping views, the property is emerging as a new hub for outdoor recreation and community gatherings near Yosemite.

National Environmental Science Center New Retreat Space

Discover the National Environmental Science Center (NESC) at Henness Ridge, NatureBridge Yosemite’s inspiring new retreat campus nestled within Yosemite National Park. Designed for group retreats, wellness getaways, corporate gatherings, and community events, the NESC combines comfortable group lodging with indoor and outdoor spaces, buffet-style dining, and scenic surroundings that offer access to miles of trails and iconic park views. Built with sustainability in mind and located among forests and high Sierra landscapes, the center provides a unique setting for connection, exploration, and rejuvenation just minutes from Yosemite’s most legendary landmarks.

Yosemite Cedar Lodge Debuts New Fitness Studio and Refreshed Guest Rooms

Yosemite Cedar Lodge has introduced a new on-site fitness studio along with several newly updated room types, offering travelers a comfortable, convenient place to unwind and maintain wellness routines after a day in the park. Refreshed interiors, modern finishes, and thoughtful amenities make it easy to recharge

Tenaya at Yosemite Latest Enhancements

Tenaya at Yosemite is undergoing exciting enhancements to elevate the guest experience across its property. Guests can now enjoy the newly refreshed Grand Terrace, with final surface updates coming later this spring. The main banquet space is also being refreshed with updated finishes and fixtures, giving the venue a modern, inviting feel.

Beyond these updates, Tenaya continues to invest in its broader campus, with additional improvements in progress to make every stay even more enjoyable. Stay tuned for more details as official announcements are shared later this year, there’s plenty to look forward to at Tenaya at Yosemite.

Yosemite View Lodge NEW Dell Hart Conference Center and Rooftop Suite

This summer, Yosemite View Lodge unveils the Dell Hart Conference Center, featuring a 1,700-square-foot (158 m²) open-air deck overlooking the Merced River and a private rooftop suite where guests can sleep beneath the stars and wake up surrounded by Yosemite’s natural beauty. Whether gathering with family or friends or simply enjoying the serene river views, the new spaces offer inspiring spots to relax and take in the scenery.

Yosemite Cedar Lodge New Fitness, Pool, and Room Updates

Yosemite Cedar Lodge has added a new on-site fitness studio and continues phased guest room renovations, enhancing comfort and wellness for visitors. The fitness studio offers a mix of cardio and strength equipment, while the outdoor pool and Chandelier Grove firepit area will soon feature a second spa tub. Refreshed rooms create a comfortable, convenient base for exploring Yosemite National Park and the surrounding Sierra Foothills.

New Ways to Stay at The Redwoods in Yosemite

The Redwoods has welcomed a new cabin to its collection with the addition of Camp Duke (Cabin #45R). Now live and bookable, this inviting cabin offers guests another comfortable option for experiencing Yosemite year-round. Professional photography is coming soon, but reservations are already open.

For larger families and groups, The Redwoods has also introduced Retreat and Recharge Cabin Clusters, a new lodging option designed to accommodate 16 to 32 guests across multiple adjacent cabins. These clusters provide the ideal balance of togetherness and privacy, making them well suited for reunions, retreats, and multi-family getaways.