Yosemite Vacation Planner

(1)

(2)

(3)

Vacation Planner Vacation Planner ₁₁ Vacation Planner Vacation Planner ₁₁

(4)

2

2 www.YosemiteExperience.comwww.YosemiteExperience.com H

H I I S S T T O O R R I I C C S S T T A A M M P P

M

M I I L L L L

C

C O O U U L L T T E E R R V V I I L L L L E E H H I I S S T T O O R R

Y

Y M M U U S S E E U U M M

I

’

e

t

.

l

i

N

o

t

a

s

i

n

l

e

t

o

l

i

t

i

n

o

u

n

t

y

.

(5)

Vacation Planner Vacation PlannercacationtionPlannerPlanner 33

Va

WELCOME TO MARIPOSA COUNTY

Nestled among natural monuments, vineyards, and historic Gold Rush landmarks,

Mariposa Count

Mariposa County is more than just California’s gateway to Yosemite Nay is more than just California’s gateway to Yosemite National Park.tional Park.

Alive with possibility, it’s a world-class destination for all seasons that inspires curiosity,

refreshes the soul

refreshes the soul, and proves that you don’t need to be rich to live life to its fulle, and proves that you don’t need to be rich to live life to its fullest. Thest. The

simple pleasures here are closer than you think—less

simple pleasures here are closer than you think—less than a tank of gas away for mostthan a tank of gas away for most

Californians. T

Californians. There’here’s a lot to see, but this county is not juss a lot to see, but this county is not just for viewing from a distance. Itt for viewing from a distance. It

invites you to approach and experience it ﬁrst-hand. It engages all the senses, including

the sense of w

the sense of wonderonder. If you’ve ever felt caught up in th. If you’ve ever felt caught up in the daily grind, standing e daily grind, standing among giantamong giant

sequoias and impossibly high waterfalls has a way of putting life into perspective. If you

can hear Mariposa call

can hear Mariposa calling, you should answer.ing, you should answer.

It’s said that Yosemite offers the experience of a lifetime, but it would take several

lifetimes to discover all the treasures that await you there. We hope that this p

lifetimes to discover all the treasures that await you there. We hope that this planner willlanner will

help you ﬁnd them and inspire all k

help you ﬁnd them and inspire all kinds of ideas.inds of ideas.

OUR HISTORY

In your travels through Mar

In your travels through Mariposa, you might hear it referred to as the “Mother of alliposa, you might hear it referred to as the “Mother of all

Counties.” That’s not meant as a boast. When Califor

Counties.” That’s not meant as a boast. When California was granted statehood in 1850,nia was granted statehood in 1850,

Mariposa County was by far the largest county, comprising about one-ﬁfth of the state.

(It was later subdiv

(It was later subdivided into eleven additional counties.) Soon after, the discovery of goldided into eleven additional counties.) Soon after, the discovery of gold

lured prospectors by the thousands, all with dreams of striking it rich. The easy gold

only lasted for a couple of decades, but i

only lasted for a couple of decades, but it lasted long enough for roads and rt lasted long enough for roads and railroads toailroads to

be built. Communities evolved even as the local economy was shifting to quartz mining,

ranching, farming and logging. Today’s visitors will ﬁnd many remnants f

ranching, farming and logging. Today’s visitors will ﬁnd many remnants from those earlyrom those early

days, from preserved landmarks to obscure ruins—all of them a testament to the county’s

fascinating past.

With Yosemite in Mariposa’s backyard, tourism played a role as far back as the 1870s,

though it didn’t really take off until automobile travel did too. Nowadays, about four million

people visit Yosemite National Park each year. As they make their way through Mariposa

County, they enjoy a surprising variety of landscapes, events and activities. Over the years,

the county has become host to a wide variety of popular annual festivals. Whichever month

you arrive in, you’re bound to ﬁnd something fun going on.

(6)

4

4 www.YosemiteExperience.comwww.YosemiteExperience.com

WHAT’S IN STORE

Mariposa County, home of Yosemite Nat

Mariposa County, home of Yosemite National Park, is known for itional Park, is known for its picturesque scenery,s picturesque scenery,

welcoming locals, charming & historic

welcoming locals, charming & historic foothill communities, annual festivals, and offoothill communities, annual festivals, and of

course, great outdoor recreation. The climate is also welcoming, with mild summers

and winters, colorful

and winters, colorful springs and falls, springs and falls, and sunny skies most days of and sunny skies most days of the yearthe year..

Yosemit

Yosemite and Mariposa County dre and Mariposa County draw people from all walks of life. Thrill seekers comeaw people from all walks of life. Thrill seekers come

for the white water rafting and wor

for the white water rafting and world-class rock climbing. Nature enthusiasts marvel atld-class rock climbing. Nature enthusiasts marvel at

the variety of wildlife, from delicate butterﬂies & wildﬂo

the variety of wildlife, from delicate butterﬂies & wildﬂowers to majestic eagles nestingwers to majestic eagles nesting

among sequoias. And many visitors enjoy feeling as though they’ve stepped back in

time. In Mariposa County, you’ll ﬁnd many historic landmarks, few franchises and no

trafﬁc lights.

n

F

a

l

s

w

o

s

e

m

i

e

a

l

R

i

e

n

t

i

n

e

l

F

a

l

–

t

h

r

e

o

t

a

l

t

i

n

N

o

r

t

h

A

m

e

r

i

(7)

Vacation Planner Vacation Planner 55

ABOUT YOSEMITE

Yosemite National Park has the unique ability to amaze, charm and surprise, no mat

Yosemite National Park has the unique ability to amaze, charm and surprise, no matterter

how many times you’ve been there. Many people visit, yet few ever see the pl

how many times you’ve been there. Many people visit, yet few ever see the place in itsace in its

entirety—which would take some time indeed. Established as one of the ﬁrst national

parks in Oc

parks in October 1890, the protected territortober 1890, the protected territory encompasses 1,1y encompasses 1,189 square miles of scenic89 square miles of scenic

wild lands in the Sierra Nevada, ranging from 2,000 feet above sea level to more than

13,000 feet. The park is home to alpine meadows, mountain forests, lakes, waterfalls,

plentiful wildlife, and groves of giant sequoias

plentiful wildlife, and groves of giant sequoias. About 3 - 4 mill. About 3 - 4 million people visit each year,ion people visit each year,

most during the summer, but Yosemite offers real adventure and inspiration for every

season and ever

season and every type of traveler.y type of traveler.

WHAT TO SEE

Yosemite sightseeing is all about the great outdoors and ever

Yosemite sightseeing is all about the great outdoors and everything you can do to immersything you can do to immersee

yourself in it. Take a quick tour of some of the natural wonders you’ll ﬁnd here.

Waterfalls:

Waterfalls: _{Waterfalls are a Yosemite hallmark, drawing visitors from around the globe.}_{Waterfalls are a Yosemite hallmark, drawing visitors from around the globe.}

Because many of Yosemite’

Because many of Yosemite’s waterfalls waterfalls are fed by snowmelt, the amount of water rushings are fed by snowmelt, the amount of water rushing

over each one varie

over each one varies widely throughout s widely throughout the yearthe year. Yosemite Falls (Upper, 1. Yosemite Falls (Upper, 1,43,430 ft.; Middle,0 ft.; Middle,

675 ft.; Lower, 320 ft.) is one of the tallest in North America and ﬁfth highest in the world

with a total drop of 2,425 feet–n

with a total drop of 2,425 feet–nearly half a mile!early half a mile!

Rock Formations:

Rock Formations:_{Yosemite Valley represents only one percent of the park area, but this}_{Yosemite Valley represents only one percent of the park area, but this}

is where most visitors arrive and stay. Approximately 3,000 feet deep and less than a mile

wide, the valley is known for its incredible rock formations. The sheer granite cliff known

as Half Dome is among the most recognized natural features.

as Half Dome is among the most recognized natural features. Rock climbers from aroundRock climbers from around

the world come to challenge their abilities on the s

the world come to challenge their abilities on the steep face of El Capitan, though mostteep face of El Capitan, though most

park visitors prefer to just watch.

WILDLIFE

With a keen eye,

With a keen eye, you’you’re likely to see some re likely to see some of Yosemite’of Yosemite’s thriving s thriving and diverse wand diverse wildlife. Oneildlife. One

of the easiest animals to spot in Yosemite, the Mule Deer can be found throughout the

park, but most often near open meadows. At night, nothing beats hearing the wail of a

coyote echoing against the walls of Yosemite Valley. Perhaps the park’s most famous (and

notorious) residents are Black Bears.

Some formerly endangered species

Some formerly endangered species like the Peregrine Falcon and Golden Eagle are oncelike the Peregrine Falcon and Golden Eagle are once

again ﬂourishing under the watchful eye of the National Park Service. The most common

bird of prey in Yosemite, the Red-tailed Hawk, is distinguished by its

bird of prey in Yosemite, the Red-tailed Hawk, is distinguished by its red and yellow feet.red and yellow feet.

The most impressive plant specimen is the Giant Sequoia, considered to be the most

massive living thing on earth. In Mariposa Grove, the oldest living tree is known as the

Grizzly Giant. Its age is somewhere between 1,900-2,400 years old, and it has a base

diameter of 30 feet across!

(8)

6

Firefall at Horsetail Falls in

Firefall at Horsetail Falls in FebruaryFebruary

6

(9)

Vacation Planner

Vacation Planner 77

GUIDED OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Within the park you’ll ﬁnd educational and enriching experiences for all ages.

Twilight Strolls at Yosemite:

Twilight Strolls at Yosemite: Yosemite twilight strolls are easy guided walks to many inspiringYosemite twilight strolls are easy guided walks to many inspiring

locations in the park and are the perfect way to wrap up a day. Late afternoon lighting is

beautiful for photos, and you will also discover new insights into the park’s natural and cultural

history along the way. They’re designed for all ages and take place from late spring to

mid-winter, conditions permitting. You don’t have to pre-register or pay a cent—just show up at the

winter, conditions permitting. You don’t have to pre-register or pay a cent—just show up at the

back porch of The Ahwahnee. The strolls last about an hour, but the start time varies. You can

ﬁnd a schedule for this and many other events and programs in the bimonthly Yosemite Guide

available at

available atwww.nps.gov/yose/www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/guplanyourvisit/guide.htm.ide.htm.

Starry Skies

Starry Skies Over Yosemite/WOver Yosemite/Wawona:awona:Go on a cosmic voyage as you lay Go on a cosmic voyage as you lay beneath the starsbeneath the stars

in a valley meadow. On this

in a valley meadow. On this heavenly Yheavenly Yosemite experience, you’ll learn about osemite experience, you’ll learn about the moon,the moon,

the Milky Way, meteors, constellations, comets and all the

the Milky Way, meteors, constellations, comets and all the folklorfolklore that goes with e that goes with them.them.

Starry Skies is offered summer to fall, conditions permitting, at

Starry Skies is offered summer to fall, conditions permitting, at Wawona once a week andWawona once a week and

in Yosemite Vall

in Yosemite Valley several nights a ey several nights a week. It’s a great hour and week. It’s a great hour and a half for star a half for star gazers of allgazers of all

ages. Sign up for Yosemite Valley tours at any Tour and Activities Desk or call 209-372-4FUN.

NatureBridge:

NatureBridge: The largest educational partner of the National The largest educational partner of the National Park Service. NaturePark Service. Nature

Bridge provides children aged 10-17 with customized, hands-on, educational adventures

in the

in the world’world’s greatest classroom: Yosemite National Park. Offering tailored multi-days greatest classroom: Yosemite National Park. Offering tailored multi-day

programs and a Summer

programs and a Summer Field Research Course there is a Field Research Course there is a program for every student. Toprogram for every student. To

ﬁnd out more, call 209-379-9511 or visit

ﬁnd out more, call 209-379-9511 or visitwww.naturebridge.org.www.naturebridge.org.

Y

Yosemite Kids osemite Kids Attractions:Attractions: Yosemite National Park is deﬁnitely a Yosemite National Park is deﬁnitely a family-friendlfamily-friendlyy

destination. The Yosemite kids programs are designed to

destination. The Yosemite kids programs are designed to bring families closer to bring families closer to naturenature

and closer together.

and closer together.Wee Wild Ones Wee Wild Ones features stories, songs, crafts, games and other features stories, songs, crafts, games and other

activities for kids

activities for kids six and under.six and under.The Story Time The Story Time program delivers entertaining storytelling program delivers entertaining storytelling

for kids age twelve and under.

for kids age twelve and under.Ranger Ned’s Big Adventure Ranger Ned’s Big Adventure is theatrical fun for the is theatrical fun for the wholewhole

family. And the

family. And the Winter Winter Family CelebraFamily Celebrationtion offers crafts, nature walks, stories, and offers crafts, nature walks, stories, and

general winter fun.

S

S E E E E N N F F R ROO M M GG L L A A CC I I E E R R P POO I I N N T T

I

o

a

v

e

l

i

p

s

o

s

e

n

c

e

.

m

e e n n e e a a M M U U S S - D D O O

(10)

8

8 _{www.YosemiteExperience.com}_{www.YosemiteExperience.com} 8

(11)

Vacation Planner Vacation Planner ₉₉ Vacation Planner Vacation Planner ₉₉

(12)

10 10 _{www.YosemiteExperience.com}_{www.YosemiteExperience.com} 10 10 _ww.Yosemit_ww.Yosemit _E_E

EXPERIENCE

S

h

a

r

�

Y

o

u

r

S

h

a

r

�

Y

o

u

r

W

e’re

on Facebook, Pin

terest, Instag

ram, and T

witter.

So now

you can share more when you’re here. And visit more when

you’re not.

It’s more than you imagine.

YosemiteExperience.com

FACEBOOK

facebook.com/yosemitenation

ri ri nn ee... oo

INSTAGRAM

ins

tagram.com/yosemitenation

PINTEREST

pinterest.com/yosemitenation

TWITTER

twitter.com/yosemitenation

(13)

GETTING THERE

There are four entrances to Yosemite National Park, all of

There are four entrances to Yosemite National Park, all of which go through Mariposawhich go through Mariposa

County. The

County. TheSouth EntranceSouth Entrance is on CA 41, 64 miles north of Fresno; is on CA 41, 64 miles north of Fresno; West Entrance West Entrance is on CA is on CA

140, 75 miles northeast of

140, 75 miles northeast of Merced;Merced;North EntranceNorth Entrance is on CA 120, 88 miles from Manteca; is on CA 120, 88 miles from Manteca;

and

andEast EntranceEast Entrance is on Highway 120, 10 miles west of Lee Vining. is on Highway 120, 10 miles west of Lee Vining.

The park is open

The park is open year-round. However, the Tioga, Glacier year-round. However, the Tioga, Glacier Point, and Mariposa Grove roadsPoint, and Mariposa Grove roads

are closed from October/November through May/June

are closed from October/November through May/June due to snow. Other roads may closedue to snow. Other roads may close

temporarily due to heavy snow, rockslides or road repairs. Call the National Park Service

information line at 209-372-0200 for the

information line at 209-372-0200 for the latest road and weather updates.latest road and weather updates.

GETTING IN

The park’s general entrance fee is $20 per car. This is valid for unlimited entries to Yosemite for

seven days, and includes all occupants of the car. Other admission options include the Yosemite

Pass ($40, valid for one year), the Access Pass (free for US citizens or permanent residents

with permanent disabilities), and the Senior Pass (a $10 lifetime admission for US citizens or

permanent residents aged 62 or older). Obtain these passes at any park entrance station.

In Yosemite, pets are allowed on fully paved trails, roads and most campgrounds, if on a leash

6 feet or shorter. Ask about pet-friendly services and areas when making reservations.

GETTING AROUND

Driving:

Driving: Your best bet is to arrive early and leave late. Even on the busiest driving days in Your best bet is to arrive early and leave late. Even on the busiest driving days in

Yosemite Valley, trafﬁc does builds up around 9 or 10 a.m. and then subsides at 6 or 7 p.m.

Take advantage of the quiet times to get in and out of the Valley, and take advantage of

alternative transportation while you are there.

Ride the Shuttles:

Ride the Shuttles:If you prefer relaxing in an air-conditioned, state-of-the-art coach oIf you prefer relaxing in an air-conditioned, state-of-the-art coach onn

your journey then YARTS (Yosemite Area Rapid Transit System) is the option for you. YARTS

operates 365 days each year on the Hwy 140 corridor (Merced to Yosemite National Park,

through Mariposa County) with multiple runs ea

through Mariposa County) with multiple runs each day.ch day.

YARTS also operates during the summe

YARTS also operates during the summers in Tuolumne and Mono Counties. For schedulesrs in Tuolumne and Mono Counties. For schedules

and ticket information contact

and ticket information contactwww.yarts.comwww.yarts.com..

Once you arrive into

Once you arrive into YYosemite you can still take advantage oosemite you can still take advantage of stress-free sightseeing byf stress-free sightseeing by

hopping on the

hopping on the Yosemite Shuttle in the valley floor. The shuttles are Free and you can Yosemite Shuttle in the valley floor. The shuttles are Free and you can findfind

the schedules on

the schedules onwww.nps.govwww.nps.gov..

Ride a Bicycle:

Ride a Bicycle: Biking is one of the best and most fun ways to get Biking is one of the best and most fun ways to get

around the valley ﬂoor, especially during the busier summer months.

Twelve miles of paved bike trails allow trafﬁc-free travel to most places

within the eastern end of Yosemite Valley. Bicycle rentals are available

at the Curry Village Recreation Center and at the Yosemite Lodge Bike

Stand, weather conditions permitting.

Walk:

Walk:The simplest method of all. Bring your camera, and reallyThe simplest method of all. Bring your camera, and really

stop to smell the wildﬂowers along

(14)

12 12 www.YosemiteExperience.comwww.YosemiteExperience.com 152 152 58 58 58 58 68 68 140 140 140 140 140 140 395 395 395 395 395 395 580 580 205 205 15 15 Truckee Truckee Bridgeport Bridgeport Bodie Bodie

State Historic Park

OAKLAND OAKLAND SAN JOSE SAN JOSE MODESTO MODESTO Salinas Salinas Yosemite Yosemite Village Village Wawona Wawona Mammoth Lakes Mammoth Lakes June Lake June Lake STOCKTON STOCKTON To Reno To Reno CARSON CARSON CITY CITY Lake Lake Tahoe Tahoe SACRAMENTO SACRAMENTO D D OAKHURST OAKHURST MONTEREY MONTEREY MADERA MADERA SAN SAN FRANCISCO FRANCISCO Mono Lake Mono Lake o o Don Pedr Don Pedr Reservoir Reservoir BAKERSFIELD BAKERSFIELD TO LAS VEGAS TO LAS VEGAS

LOS ANGELES

TO TO SAN DIEGO SAN DIEGO Santa Barbara Santa Barbara FRESNO FRESNO 41 41 41 41 Midpines Midpines Fish Camp Fish Camp El Portal El Portal 120 120 120 120 99 99 99 99 99 99 To Redding To Redding 99 99 5 5

MARIPOSA

MERCED MERCED Lee Lee Vining Vining

Yosemite

National

Park

120120 T

T R RAA V V E E L L M M I I L L E E

S

S T T I I M M E E

M Maarr i ippoossaa 44 5 5 1 1.. 0 0 0 0 F Frreessnnoo 9 9 3 3 2 2.. 0 022 S Saaccrraammeenn t too 1166 5 5 3 3.. 3 322 S SaannFFrraanncc i issccoo 221144 3 3.. 5 5 0 0 S SaannJJoossee 22 0 0 9 9 4 4.. 0 0 0 0 M Moonn t teerree y y 22 0 0 3 3 4 4.. 3 322 L LoossAAnnggee l leess 3 311 0 0 5 5..44 5 5 S SaannDD i ieeggoo 44 3 3 0 0 7 7 . . 3 3 8 8 L Laa k kee T Taa h hooee 11 8 8 9 9 3 3 . . 8 811 L Laass V Veeggaass 44 8 8 7 7 8 8 . .44 5 5 Coulterville Coulterville 132 132 GROVELAN GROVELAN G G NORTH NORTH ENTRANCE

ENTRANCE EASTEAST

ENTRANCE ENTRANCE SOUTH SOUTH ENTRANCE ENTRANCE WEST WEST ENTRANCE ENTRANCE Foresta Foresta Yosemite West Yosemite West

(15)

Vacation Planner

Vacation Planner 1313

MARIPOSA COUNTY

COMMUNITI

COMMUNITIES & ES & TOWNSTOWNS

HIGHWAY 140

If you’re arriving on Highway 140, the ﬁrst

If you’re arriving on Highway 140, the ﬁrst MariposaMariposa community you reach is community you reach isCatheys ValleyCatheys Valley,,

which originated as a ranching community in the early 1850s. This is a great place to explore

by bicycle, especially in the springtime when wildﬂowers and butterﬂies abound.

Deﬁnitely worth a side trip is the quiet town of

Deﬁnitely worth a side trip is the quiet town of HornitosHornitos, west of , west of Catheys ValleyCatheys Valley. Back in . Back in itsits

mining heyday, the plaza was

mining heyday, the plaza was probably one of the wildest spots in probably one of the wildest spots in California, with monteCalifornia, with monte

tables, fandango halls, shooting scrapes, and gold

tables, fandango halls, shooting scrapes, and gold dust in abundance. Joaquin Murietta,dust in abundance. Joaquin Murietta,

an outlaw who

an outlaw who gained Robin Hood-like notoriety, is gained Robin Hood-like notoriety, is said to have frequented saloons likesaid to have frequented saloons like

the old Plaza Bar

the old Plaza Bar and made many an escape through a sand made many an escape through a secret passageway under the oldecret passageway under the old

Campodonica store.

Further up Scenic Highway 140 you’ll ﬁnd the historical town (and county seat) of

Mariposa

Mariposa. Several disastrous ﬁres early in the . Several disastrous ﬁres early in the settlement’settlement’s history convinced settlers tos history convinced settlers to

rebuild with stone, brick and adobe.

rebuild with stone, brick and adobe. Many of those structures still exist today and Many of those structures still exist today and havehave

been in more or less continuous use

been in more or less continuous use without need for major restoration. Ywithout need for major restoration. You’ll feel as ifou’ll feel as if

you’re re

you’re reliving the Old living the Old West as you stroll up the historic main street. The town West as you stroll up the historic main street. The town also boastsalso boasts

a number of excellent wineries, restaurants and shops.

Continuing northeast, Highway 140 climbs to Midpines Summit (elev. 2960) and winds

through the former mining districts of Whitlock, Sherlock and

through the former mining districts of Whitlock, Sherlock and Colorado. The highway thenColorado. The highway then

descends through the woods and meadows of

descends through the woods and meadows of MidpinesMidpines on its way to the Merced River. on its way to the Merced River.

Here, it’

Here, it’s easy to find s easy to find hiking trails, swimming hiking trails, swimming holes, fishing spots and holes, fishing spots and river rafting outfits.river rafting outfits.

Ta

Tack northwest to ck northwest to visitvisitBear ValleyBear Valley, another interesting near-ghost town. , another interesting near-ghost town. It’s connected toIt’s connected to

Hornitos by Bear Valley Road (county road J16), which was

Hornitos by Bear Valley Road (county road J16), which was partpart

of the original route between the towns

of the original route between the towns of Mariposa and Merced.of Mariposa and Merced.

The upper

The upper part of Bear Valley Road offers an part of Bear Valley Road offers an impressive vista ofimpressive vista of

Hunters Valley, the lower Merced River canyon, and the

Hunters Valley, the lower Merced River canyon, and the GreatGreat

Central Valley extending to the Coast Range.

Continuing up Highway 140, a picturesque suspension bridge

crosses the Merced River at

crosses the Merced River at BriceburgBriceburg. The former Yosemite. The former Yosemite

Valley Railr

Valley Railroad, which oad, which runs along the runs along the river’river’s north bank,s north bank,

is ﬂanked by

is ﬂanked by several campgrounds and beaches. Fromseveral campgrounds and beaches. From

Briceburg, the highway follows the

Briceburg, the highway follows the Merced Canyon toMerced Canyon to

El Portal

El Portal, where you can ﬁnd picnic areas, campgrounds, and, where you can ﬁnd picnic areas, campgrounds, and

a fully-restor

a fully-restored logging ed logging locomotive and cabooselocomotive and caboose

on displ

on displayay..

e

d

a

c

o

l

d

e

l

A

-

i

n

Y

o

s

e

m

Vacation

VacationPlannerPlanner 33

ar ar ce ce .. o o d d

(16)

14 14 www.YosemiteExperience.comwww.YosemiteExperience.com M M _A_A_R_R_I_I_P_P O O _S_S_A_A_C_C O O U U _N_N_T_T_Y_Y

H H W W _Y_Y₁₁₂₂ 0 0 H H W W _Y_Y₁₁₃₃ 2 2 H H W W _Y_Y₄₄₁₁ H H W W _Y_Y₁₁₄₄ 0 0 o

o r r n n _t_t_o_o_s_s

a

a _u_u

l

l _o_o_r_r_t_t_a_a

u u c c M

M e e a a d d o o w w _s_s

O O S S AAC C R R O O N N O O E E C

C AA _I_I_O_O

R R _I_I T T E E E E R R C C _D_D H

H B B AAY Y & & M

M _N_N_T_T

E E Y Y _B_B_A_A

O

O F F R R _N_N_O_O , , _A_A R R S S _I_I_L_L D D ,, O O _A_A _G_G L LE E S S _L_L_A_A S S V V E E G G _S_S O O _R_R H H R R E E AA o

o u u l l e e _v_v _e_e

a

a _e_e

H H I I _H_H A A C C _W_W_A_A I

I N N S S E E M M I I E E

W

W E E S S T T

I

I _P_P_I_I_N_N

E E S S C C i i s s _r_r_c_c r r i i

N

HIGHWAY 41 HIGHWAY 41

The air cools and the

The air cools and the scent of pine mingles with ﬁscent of pine mingles with ﬁr and cedar as you head toward Mariposar and cedar as you head toward Mariposa

County’s southern border on Highway 41. The community of

County’s southern border on Highway 41. The community of Fish CampFish Camp, just two miles, just two miles

from the Yosemite National Park boundary, is h

from the Yosemite National Park boundary, is home to charming ome to charming bed-and-breakfabed-and-breakfast inns,st inns,

cabin rentals, and the magniﬁcent 4-Star luxury accommodations.

Once inside the park

Once inside the park borders, continue north toborders, continue north to Wawona Wawona, where you’ll ﬁnd the Victorian-, where you’ll ﬁnd the

Victorian-style Wawona Hotel, the Pioneer History center, and

style Wawona Hotel, the Pioneer History center, and the Wawona golf course. Vacationthe Wawona golf course. Vacation

rentals are abundant here, many with Chilnualna Falls as a backdrop. The South Fork of

the Merced, crossed by a historic covered bridge, ﬂows gently through Wawona, a

the Merced, crossed by a historic covered bridge, ﬂows gently through Wawona, a lovelylovely

place to camp, meditate, or swim.

The Wawona Road continues on to

The Wawona Road continues on toYosemite ValleyYosemite Valley, passing through Yosemite West,, passing through Yosemite West,

where a number of

where a number of privately owned mountain homes and privately owned mountain homes and condos are offered as vacationcondos are offered as vacation

rentals, such as

rentals, such as YYosemite’osemite’s Scenic s Scenic WonderWonder. At . At Chinquapin, the Chinquapin, the Glacier Point Road Glacier Point Road leadsleads

to the

to theBadger PassBadger Pass ski area in winter, and to ski area in winter, and to Glacier Point in summerGlacier Point in summer. Descending to. Descending to

Tunnel View, the road offers a spectacular

Tunnel View, the road offers a spectacular panoramic view of Yosemite Vallepanoramic view of Yosemite Valley, with famousy, with famous

landmarks including Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome and El

landmarks including Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome and El Capitan.Capitan.

o

_l

_d

H

m

_u

_s

H

(17)

Vacation Planner

Vacation Planner 1515 Vacation

Vacation PlannerPlanner 55

HIGHWAY 132 - JOHN MUIR HIGHWAY

All roads into Yosemite run through Mariposa Coun

All roads into Yosemite run through Mariposa County, the heart ty, the heart of Gold Counof Gold Countrytry. For. For

traveler

travelers arriving from the west, Highway 1s arriving from the west, Highway 132 provides a scenic, laid back route to32 provides a scenic, laid back route to

Y

Yosemite’osemite’s North s North Entrance. From east Modesto, the Entrance. From east Modesto, the road follows the Tuolumne Rroad follows the Tuolumne Riveriver

through rolling hills and picturesque cliffs to historic

through rolling hills and picturesque cliffs to historic La GrangeLa Grange—a charming, sleepy—a charming, sleepy

country town with its

country town with its own unique mining own unique mining historyhistory..

Continue east on Highway 132 to reach

Continue east on Highway 132 to reach Lake McClureLake McClure and andLake Don PedroLake Don Pedro—both a water—both a water

lovers

lovers’ paradise, offering camping, ﬁshing and sailing. ’ paradise, offering camping, ﬁshing and sailing. Imagine spending several days on aImagine spending several days on a

houseboat or enjoying beautiful weather

houseboat or enjoying beautiful weather while water skiing or jet while water skiing or jet skiing. There are nearlyskiing. There are nearly

20,000 acres of water to enjoy. Check out

20,000 acres of water to enjoy. Check out YosemiteExperience.comYosemiteExperience.com for more details. for more details.

At the intersection of state highways 49 and 132, the community of

At the intersection of state highways 49 and 132, the community of CoultervilleCoulterville

(population: 115) is truly a must-see stop. One of the most unspoiled Gold Rush towns,

Coulterville features over 40 historical buildings. Take the downtown

Coulterville features over 40 historical buildings. Take the downtown walking tour towalking tour to

see why Coulterville has been

see why Coulterville has been named a California State Historic Site. Highway 13named a California State Historic Site. Highway 132 from2 from

Coulterville to Highway 120 is now the

Coulterville to Highway 120 is now the John Muir HighwayJohn Muir Highway (J132) in honor of John Muir, (J132) in honor of John Muir,

the world renowned explorer and preserva

the world renowned explorer and preservationist, who took the tionist, who took the same route on an earlysame route on an early

journey into Y

journey into Yosemite over 100 yearosemite over 100 years ago.s ago.

After Coulterville, Highway 132 climbs toward

After Coulterville, Highway 132 climbs toward Greeley HillGreeley Hill, offering impressive vistas in, offering impressive vistas in

every direction. Y

every direction. You may pause there just long enough ou may pause there just long enough to eat or stock up. to eat or stock up. Or, if you’re readyOr, if you’re ready

for action, you may decide to rent an ATV or a horse and

for action, you may decide to rent an ATV or a horse and try out some of the try out some of the many trailsmany trails

and off-road areas.

HIGHWAY 120

On the way to

On the way to YYosemite National Park, Highway 132 osemite National Park, Highway 132 merges with Highway 120, thmerges with Highway 120, the scenice scenic

route that skirts along the northern edge

route that skirts along the northern edge of Mariposa County. Trof Mariposa County. Travelers on Highway 120avelers on Highway 120

will pass through the quaint towns of

will pass through the quaint towns of GrovelandGroveland and andBuck Meadows,Buck Meadows, which are just which are just

minutes away from all the excitement Yosemite has to offer.

T

r

v

l

T

p

i

:

M

a

k

e

s

u

r

e

o

u

o

m

e

n

o

n

e

H

h

w

a

y

a

n

e

a

v

e

a

n

o

e

r

.

e

(18)

16

16 www.YosemiteExperience.comwww.YosemiteExperience.com... ...

HISTORIC SITES & MUSEUMS

The historic and natural sites

The historic and natural sites throughout Mariposa County and Yosemite National Park allthroughout Mariposa County and Yosemite National Park all

have fascinating stories to tell. The best

have fascinating stories to tell. The best way to learn about those stories and way to learn about those stories and gain a fullergain a fuller

perspective is by visiting some of the wonderful museums and landmarks here.

Mariposa County Courthouse:

Mariposa County Courthouse:Built in 1854, the Mariposa County Courthouse is the oldestBuilt in 1854, the Mariposa County Courthouse is the oldest

superior courthouse west of the Mississippi and the oldest courthouse in continuous

use west of the Rockies. Feel free to take a peek inside during normal business hours.

(Naturally, security checks and rules of appropriate behavior are in effect.) Or take a tour

on the weekend with one of our knowledgeable guides. Free to the public. Call

866-HALF-DOME to set up your tour.

DOME to set up your tour.

California State Mining and Mineral

California State Mining and Mineral Museum, Mariposa County Fairgrounds:Museum, Mariposa County Fairgrounds:Get aGet a

fascinating glimpse of

fascinating glimpse of California’California’s mineral wealth, s mineral wealth, colorful history and geologic diversity.colorful history and geologic diversity.

The State’s ofﬁcial collection contains over 13,000 gems, minerals and mining artifacts,

including the “Fricot Nugget,” a rare and beautiful 13.8-pound

including the “Fricot Nugget,” a rare and beautiful 13.8-pound piece of crystalline goldpiece of crystalline gold

found in the American River in 1864. Visit

found in the American River in 1864. Visit www.parks.ca.gov.www.parks.ca.gov.

Yosemite Museum, Yosemite Village:

Yosemite Museum, Yosemite Village: Yosemite Museum tells what we know Yosemite Museum tells what we know of nativeof native

Miwok and Paiute people since European settlers began arriving in

Miwok and Paiute people since European settlers began arriving in drovedroves from 1850 on.s from 1850 on.

Behind Yosemite Museum is the Indian Vil

Behind Yosemite Museum is the Indian Village of Ahwahnee, a re-creation of an Indianlage of Ahwahnee, a re-creation of an Indian

settlement in the Yosemite Valley. Visit

settlement in the Yosemite Valley. Visitwww.nps.gov/yose/historyculture/yosemite-

www.nps.gov/yose/historyculture/yosemite-museum.htm.

museum.htm.

Northern Mariposa County History Center,

Northern Mariposa County History Center, Coulterville:Coulterville:If you really want to see what aIf you really want to see what a

Gold Rush town looked like back in the day, Coulterville is the place to go. With over 40

historical buildings and landmarks, the town has a fascinating story, and the Northern

Mariposa County History Center tells it very well. Visit

Mariposa County History Center tells it very well. Visit www.coultervillemuseum.org.www.coultervillemuseum.org.

Pioneer Yosemite History Center, Wawona in

Pioneer Yosemite History Center, Wawona in YYosemite National Park:osemite National Park: Across the covered Across the covered

bridge from the Wawona Store, the Pioneer

bridge from the Wawona Store, the Pioneer YYosemite History Center brings osemite History Center brings to life theto life the

early days of white settlements in Yosemite and the experiences of tourists visiting the

park in the nineteenth century, including several horse-drawn wagons. It also explains

the inspiration and origin of our National Park system. Visit

the inspiration and origin of our National Park system. Visit www.yosemite.ca.us/pioneer-

www.yosemite.ca.us/pioneer-yosemite-history-center.

yosemite-history-center.

Mariposa Museum and History Center, Mariposa:

Mariposa Museum and History Center, Mariposa:This award-winning small museumThis award-winning small museum

presents an authentic picture of people and life in M

presents an authentic picture of people and life in Mariposa, concentrating on the Goldariposa, concentrating on the Gold

Rush and late 19

Rush and late 19th century. Exhibits include artifacts of the mining days th century. Exhibits include artifacts of the mining days and roomsand rooms

re-cr

re-creating old dwellineating old dwellings and stores from the gs and stores from the era. Visitera. Visit www.mariposamuseum.com.www.mariposamuseum.com.

D

s

i

c

v

e

r

h

e

r

i

n

i

o

n

g

(19)

Vacation Planner Vacation Planner ₁₇₁₇

Historic Mariposa County Courthouse Historic Mariposa County Courthouse

Vacation Planner Vacation Planner ₁₇₁₇

(20)

18

A DESTINATION FOR ALL SEASONS

It’s always a good time to visit

It’s always a good time to visit Mariposa County and Yosemite. Bring layers Mariposa County and Yosemite. Bring layers of clothing,of clothing,

since on any given day, temperatures var

since on any given day, temperatures vary with the elevation and y with the elevation and hourhour. Whatever the. Whatever the

season, there’s plenty of exciting things to see and do.

Winter

Winter in Yosemite is an almost mystical experience. The serene blanketed landscape in Yosemite is an almost mystical experience. The serene blanketed landscape

is punctuated by the sights and sounds of visitors having a great time in this winter

wonderland. Some enjoy skiing downhill at Badger Pass

wonderland. Some enjoy skiing downhill at Badger Pass. Others take on the trails. Others take on the trails

cross-country st

cross-country style or snowshoe through the sequoia groves. Anyle or snowshoe through the sequoia groves. And after a day of tubingd after a day of tubing

or ice skating, nothing beats warming up next to a roaring campﬁre. Winter is als

or ice skating, nothing beats warming up next to a roaring campﬁre. Winter is also ao a

time to enjoy greater availability and more af

time to enjoy greater availability and more affordable rates.fordable rates.

Spring

Spring is, simply put, a must-see. As is, simply put, a must-see. As winter recedes, the park comes to life in dramaticwinter recedes, the park comes to life in dramatic

fashion. Roaring waterfalls are at their peak, and but

fashion. Roaring waterfalls are at their peak, and butterﬂies alight on bloomingterﬂies alight on blooming

wildﬂowers ever

wildﬂowers everywhere. Vywhere. Visitors can still take advantage of winter conditions at higherisitors can still take advantage of winter conditions at higher

elevations or enjoy the warmth of the sun in the low-lying areas.

Summer

Summeris a great time to plan your escape. If you’re a water lover, it’s the perfect timeis a great time to plan your escape. If you’re a water lover, it’s the perfect time

to hit Lakes Don

to hit Lakes Don Pedro & McClure or raft Pedro & McClure or raft down the Merced River. And hiking through thedown the Merced River. And hiking through the

shaded groves of giant sequoias is

shaded groves of giant sequoias is an experience to remember.an experience to remember.

Fall

Fall brings a veritable ﬁrework brings a veritable ﬁreworks display of red, orange and yellow leaves. It’s sos display of red, orange and yellow leaves. It’s so

breathtaking it brings out the

breathtaking it brings out the amateur photographer in many visitors. It’s a great timeamateur photographer in many visitors. It’s a great time

to get on your mountain bike and explore

to get on your mountain bike and explore TTuolumne Meadows in the High Sierruolumne Meadows in the High Sierra. And thea. And the

crisp autumn air is as

crisp autumn air is as refreshing as the lodging specials refreshing as the lodging specials towards the end of Octowards the end of Octobertober..