Mariposa County, California
Mariposa, California is a top spot for getting outdoors. With its scenic trails, top-notch activities and must-visit attractions, it is the perfect spot for an outdoor adventure. The best trails and activities in and near the area include hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and camping. There are also plenty of attractions to explore such as Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, and the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day trip or an exciting outdoor experience, Mariposa has something for everyone.
Top Spots in and near Mariposa County
-
Bridgeport, California
Climb Matterhorn Peak via the East Couloir
10 mi / 6000 ft gainMatterhorn Peak in the northeastern Yosemite Wilderness is an SPS Emblem Peak and many regard it as the beginning of the High Sierra, as there are no peaks higher to the north in the Sierra Nevada.There are many routes to the summit, but the shortest and most direct (though not easiest) begins at...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Matterhorn Peak
5.012.1 mi / 5036 ft gainMatterhorn Peak is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Bridgeport, California.Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Hike to Barney Lake in Hoover Wilderness
3.0Barney Lake makes for an incredible day hike or trail run, but is also very accessible for camping.Start at the trailhead near the Mono Village Resort at Twin Lakes and follow the Robinson Creek Trail. If you plan on hiking during the winter, the resort will be closed and you will have to park at...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Lake George Trail
5.01.34 mi / 89 ft gainThe Lake George Loop is perfect for exploring the shoreline and fishing near the top of the Mammoth Lakes wilderness. The lake can get quite cold due to the elevation and surrounding mountains not allowing the sun to hit it for an extended time, but if you go during mid-day you should have a refr...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Crystal Lake via Mammoth Crest Trail
4.82.5 mi / 1257 ft gainIn Lake George, park along Lake George Road and walk towards Crystal Crag Trailhead sign to begin the hike. If you couldn't find it, you can head to the boat rentals by the lake and you will see a sign saying trailhead is behind you. The trail is well maintained and it is really easy to follow. ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Panorama Dome
4.00.91 mi / 259 ft gainThis is a great short hike, located near the turn off for Twin Lakes. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with 360 degree views of the lakes basin, the town, Mammoth Mountain, and the White Mountains. There was a little snow left at the top, when we hiked it over Memorial Day weekend. Eve...Read more -
Pinecrest, California
Backpack to Chain Lakes
4.4 mi / 864 ft gainThis trip begins at ~7500 feet at the Box Springs Trailhead This trail is at the end of Forest Route 3N20Y. The trail, which is not regularly maintained and may at times be hard to follow, initially descends slightly to 7300', then stays mostly flat before rising just before the lakes. You will p...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Photograph Lake Mary, Mammoth Lakes
4.0Lake Mary is the largest of the 11 lakes in the Mammoth Mountain area. Explore the lake’s perimeter and find your own perfectly peaceful place to watch one of Mammoth’s signature stunning sunsets. Parking is easy to come by either on the side of the road or at the marina parking lot up the road.B...Read more -
Lee Vining, California
Hike Panum Crater Trail
3.3 mi / 874 ft gainIf you are visiting Mono Lake, the Panum Crater Trail is not to be missed! From 395, take highway 120 east for about 2.5 miles. Look for a small wooden sign for Panum Crater and turn left onto a dirt road. If you reach the turn-off to the South Tufa Area, you have gone too far! After about a mile...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Lake Basin Path
5.04.43 mi / 554 ft gainLake Basin Path is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Mammoth Lakes, California.Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Waterford Bridge
The Waterford Gap bridge creates a picturesque view of the Eastern Sierra as it crosses over Mammoth Creek as part of the town loop and connects Majestic Pines Dr, which runs up to Eagle Lodge, with old Mammoth Road, which is a main road along the south and east edges of town. This is a great spo...Read more -
Crowley Lake, California
Emerald Lake
4.01.76 mi / 417 ft gainEmerald lake is a relatively short 1.7 mile out-and-back hike. There is ample parking at the parking lot and trailhead. There is also overflow parking at the upper lot for Duck Lake and Skelton Lake. The trail has a decent amount of uphill, but you should arrive shortly (<30 mins) at your de...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Duck Lake via Duck Pass Trail
4.79.29 mi / 1880 ft gainThe Duck Pass trail in the John Muir Wilderness combines breathtaking views, wildflowers and plenty of icy mountain lakes for swimming into a trail that is moderate in both difficulty and distance. With multiple lakes along the way to pitch your tent and plenty of day hike options from a base cam...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Arrowhead Lake
5.02.25 mi / 538 ft gainIf you make your way to the Goldwater Campground there is plenty of parking. The trailhead you take leads to many lakes but the Duck Pass trailhead is the on you want to take. This is a easy trail to follow and walk with very little obstacles. You follow it along for around a mile and you won't ...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Pika Lake via Duck Pass Trail
9.41 mi / 1880 ft gainAs many of the other hikes start in this area, you start at the Goldwater Creek Campground where there is plenty of parking and restrooms. You will take the Duck Pass Trailhead for this hike. • I wanted to point out that this is not the easiest hike to do as a day hike. Many people do overnighte...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Skelton Lake Trail
5.03.2 mi / 804 ft gainThe hike to Skelton Lake in Mammoth Lakes, CA starts off at the Duck Lake Pass trailhead just past Lake Mary. The hike starts off with quite a few switchbacks as you climb through the John Muir Wilderness. About one mile up the trail, you'll see an option to veer off to Arrowhead Lake. Continue o...Read more
