Sierra Art Trails: Yosemite’s Fall Palette

The modernist painter Marc Chagall once said “great art picks up where nature ends,” and in the case of Sierra Art Trails that handoff is supercharged on the doorstep to Yosemite National Park. Held the first two weekends of October with the Gold Rush towns of Mariposa and Madera Counties as its canvas, Sierra Art Trails gives visitors the opportunity to meet local artists in their studios as Yosemite’s fall colors start to ignite.

From painting and sculpture to photography and glass, the variety of media is matched only by the abundance of things to do between gallery hops. Wine tasting, local dining and shopping are all in play, not to mention exploring the natural wonders of Yosemite — a masterpiece in its own right.

The Main Exhibit: Sierra Art Trails

The 22nd Annual Sierra Art Trails will be held October 3–5, 2025 and October 10–12, 2025 with scores of artists participating.  Works will be shown from 10 am to 5 pm in an array of settings from private homes and studios to galleries and local businesses.

For those who are new to open studios tours, there’s something special about meeting artists in their element. You get the opportunity to chat in a casual setting, learn about process and inspiration, and in some cases see the artist at work.  Combine that with the option to purchase original art and you’ll have an experience you’ll never forget.

Sierra Art Trails uses a unique (and affordable!) ticketing process. For $25 dollars you receive your Sierra Art Trails catalog:  a guide to the individual artists; examples of their work; and a map of where they’ll be showing. This catalog serves as your “ticket for two” to the event, and covers BOTH weekends which means double the fun. Want to literally elevate your getaway? Explore the iconic cliffs and canyons of Yosemite National Park in between two weekends of Sierra Art Trails!

The benefits of Sierra Art Trails are like the reach of sunlight through a majestic forest canopy. Not only does the event support talented local artists, but it raises funds for student scholarships and public arts as well, while visitors get to experience lively Yosemite Mariposa County culture.

Companion Pieces: Curated Things To Do

Whether you want to complement your studio tour or stay awhile and explore all that Yosemite National Park has to offer, there are any number of “companion pieces” that take your art-loving experience to the next level.

Wine and art have a celebrated history, and Yosemite Mariposa County tastings make for the perfect pairing.  Casto Oaks Fine Wine & Art in historic downtown Mariposa offers tastings such as Man’s Best Blend and May Rock Cab sourced from their nearby Mt. Bullion vineyard. For the craft beer lovers out there, 1850 Restaurant & Brewery celebrates local suds with such offerings as Bridalveil Honey Blonde and Trail Blazer American Pale Ale, not to mention their non-alcoholic house-brewed Sarsaparilla.

A truly unique experience can be found at Sierra Cider, where visitors can stroll through the apple orchard (tours available by appointment) or catch some October rays at their shipping container tasting room, all while sampling their delicious hard ciders aka “Campfire Champagne.” If a happy hour chat to discuss what you’ve just seen sounds like the perfect way to wrap up your tour, then consider one of Mariposa’s local bars as your own personal art salon.

From white tablecloths to bbq on an outdoor patio, Yosemite Mariposa County dining offers a tasty menu of signature dishes.  Sample the Osso Buco at Fredrick’s of Savourys in downtown Mariposa, or the field-to-fork Pasta & Wine Party at Happy Goat Farm. Tenaya at Yosemite boasts a four or seven-course dining experience at Embers, while its more casual eatery Jackalope’s Bar & Grill balances tasty dishes such as Angus Beef Korean Short Ribs and Lemon Pepper Grilled Sea Bass with inviting outdoor fire pits.

If the car isn’t already loaded up with one-of-a-kind art pieces (or there’s more room in the roof box), then a spin around the shops of Mariposa is satisfying finale to your studio tour. Whether you like to peruse the vintage racks, shop for unique home goods or simply pick up Yosemite souvenirs, there are plenty of options at a bounty of price points.

Connect Art Trails With Hiking Trails

The ultimate companion piece to your Sierra Art Trails weekend is taking the extra time to appreciate autumn’s “brushstrokes” in Yosemite National Park. Wind your way towards heaven along Tioga Road and witness the late-season majesty of Tuolumne Meadows before it closes for the winter, or feel the rustle of golden yellow quaking aspen along Glacier Point Road near Bridalveil Creek.

In Yosemite Valley inspiration fuels your creative side you as you experience such icons as El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall, or catch a glimpse of Half Dome reflecting in Mirror Lake.  Hike the Yosemite Valley Loop Trail along its south side from Bridalveil to Yosemite Village for blushing dogwoods and electric yellow big leaf maples as they cozy up to the cliffs.

Southern Yosemite is where landscape painting gets supersized at the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.  Walking beneath the boughs of these arboreal titans is a master class in perspective, while the trees furrowed bark is a sublime tutorial in texture. Fun Fact:  The bark of Sequoiadendron giganteum is spongy and can reach a thickness of 2 feet at its base which helps protect the trees from wildfires.

The Art of Accommodations: Where To Stay

Whether you’re escaping the city for a romantic mountain rendezvous or plan on connecting the art + history trails for a longer stay, the range of accommodations in Yosemite Mariposa County is nuanced and notable.

Art lovers (and hikers) can always use a little pampering, and full-service resorts such as Tenaya at Yosemite with its Ascent Spa and the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort with its Yosemite Health Spa do not disappoint. Both properties offer room types ranging from singles and suites to cabins, and have on-site dining options to boot.

Want to sip some sparkling in front of the fire after your day on the art trail?  Then look no further than a Yosemite Mariposa County cabin rental.  The comforts of home, a private vibe and in some cases a hot tub — bubbles all around!  Pro Tip:  For that romantic dinner you plan on cooking be sure to pick up fresh groceries at Pioneer Market or High Country Health Foods in downtown Mariposa.

With respect for all the striving artists out there, camping in Yosemite Mariposa County during Sierra Art Trails is necessity meets invention.  If you want to glamp things up, then staying in a fully-outfitted Airstream trailer at AutoCamp Yosemite is a shiny option, or check out Wildhaven Yosemite with its luxurious tent cabins, high thread counts and hilltop deck (with propane fireplace) where you can watch epic autumn sunsets after your studio tour.

Art For All Seasons

While Sierra Art Trails is a signature fall event, art & culture in Yosemite Mariposa County is naturally on display year-round.  The unique interplay of light and shadow, of granite and blue sky, creates a mountain mood unlike any other. Visitors can immerse themselves in everything from art galleries to art classes in a setting that evolves with the seasons, and yet it’s all an easy country drive from California’s major metro areas. So there you have it. Even the toughest critics agree — Yosemite is a triumph and a tour de force wrapped into one.