Yosemite Stories

A highway-adjacent hamlet just west of Yosemite National Park’s famed Arch Rock entrance, El Portal offers much more than meets the eye.

From adopting a zen attitude to using regional maps and exploring outside of peak seasons, here are 10 tips & tricks for visiting Yosemite.

Mediating both the threat and promise of fire in Yosemite Mariposa County is naturally a “hot” topic as wildfires continue to happen with more regularity and intensity year to year. Most uncontrolled wildfires in California are accidental, and there are measures we all can take to reduce their risk.

Live music is playing all across Yosemite Mariposa County. The music scene is strong at bespoke indoor venues and lively outdoor settings.  Pair a show with a delicious meal and overnight stay, and you’ve got a visit that hits all the right notes.

Yosemite’s gatherings, celebrations and revelries bring locals and visitors together in a high-spirited way that’s hard to beat.  From fairs and fests to voluntourism and vibing with live music, September Yosemite events are guaranteed to knock it out of the Park.

Within Yosemite’s hotel category, resorts stand out.  Webster’s defines a resort as “a place designed to provide recreation, entertainment, and accommodation, especially to vacationers.”  Yosemite Mariposa County has you covered, both inside the Park and across its charming gateway towns.  Here’s the line-up of Yosemite’s “elevated” resort accommodations, organized by region. 

Discover a multitude of fun family events and festivals in Mariposa County. These county celebrations provide extra interest and entertainment in a county filled with things to see and do. Whether you enter the howling competition at the Coyote Festival or help clean up trash at Yosemite’s Facelift, you’ll be glad you did.

Treat yourself to luxury hotels and cabins in Yosemite Mariposa County – lodging options to match the majesty of the mountains.

Try this triangle tasting tour itinerary for delicious drinks. You’ll find wineries, breweries, and coffee makers in Yosemite Mariposa County that are second to none.

Alex Honnold captured the national spotlight with the documentary FreeSolo. Here is what you need to know about climbing El Capitan that puts that tremendous feat into context, and gives you a sense for what is really happening up there on El Capitan.

Exactly who benefits from midweek travel is just as notable. Indeed, retirees have long taken advantage of these midweek dividends, but in Yosemite the experience opens up wide to other groups well. From college friends to families on break, remote workers, and kid-free couples who want to explore the spa menu at their luxe hotel, the peace and quiet of midweek travel to Yosemite is sure to pad your pocketbook and soothe your soul.

Bring the family out for a celebration of butterflies at the annual Mariposa Butterfly Festival. Kids of all ages enjoy the parade, music, delicious food and the much-anticipated butterfly release. New this year – a classic car and truck show with categories like “My daddy would be proud”. Hope we’ll see you there!