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
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Mariposa County, California
Camp at Camp 4, Yosemite NP
4.5Camp 4 is located in Yosemite Valley near Yosemite Valley Lodge. It's a popular spot for climbers as there is bouldering within the site. It's also located close to the Upper Yosemite Falls trail. Pets are not allowed. First come, first serve, $6/night. More info at https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack to Yosemite's Eagle Peak via Yosemite Falls
12.6 mi / 3779 ft gainGet a permit. Any overnight backpacking in Yosemite requires a permit from the Wilderness Center. Before you leave make sure to get one! Get a bear canister! Bears are active in Yosemite and all backpackers must take the required measures to keep food away from them! Start at Camp 4. Eagle Pe...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Rock Climb in Camp 4
5.0Some of the best bouldering in Yosemite Valley is on these polished granite boulders. This is an incredibly popular spot, especially during the summer months because of the tourist season. There's a small parking lot for Camp 4, but if that fills up, you'll have to park elsewhere and either walk ...Read more -
37.741904,-119.601967
Upper Yosemite Falls
4.75.98 mi / 2700 ft gainYou can find the trailhead to Upper Yosemite Falls near Camp 4. There is plenty of free parking here and you can also take a shuttle to stop #7. Be sure to start this hike early in the day as it is strenuous and can get really hot as the day goes on. Bring plenty of water and snacks and take many...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Hike the North Dome Loop via Yosemite Falls Trail
4.018 mi / 5200 ft gainOne ofthe most challenging and rewarding hikes on the northern rim of YosemiteValley. This is an alternative to the often crowdedMist, Panorama or 4-Mile Trails. Or if you are not able to grab a permit tohike Half Dome this is great choice. Some of the highlights include hiking tothe top of Nort...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
El Capitan Trail
5.014.68 mi / 5052 ft gainStart on the Yosemite Falls trailhead and work your way up. Yosemite Falls can be anywhere from a huge flow to a slow trickle depending on the time of year. Hiking boots are absolutely necessary and hiking poles are a huge benefit. Say hello to rock climbers at the top as they finish their El Cap...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Yosemite Point
5.07.35 mi / 4354 ft gainStarting at the Yosemite Falls Trailhead in Yosemite Valley, the trek up to the Upper Yosemite Falls overlook has a steep 3,175 ft elevation gain across switchbacks, rocks, and gravelly trails. Hiking poles recommended, but not necessary. The trail to Yosemite Point beyond Upper Yosemite Falls ...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Bike Yosemite Valley
4.012 miBringing my bike to the Valley was one of the best decisions I have made on my many trips there. Everything changed after that visit and there will never be another time (unless in the dead of winter) that my bike will not be there with me. The reason is simple: everything is heightened.When Yose...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Rock Climb Penthouse Cracks, Yosemite NP
The Penthouse Cracks in Yosemite Valley are a great introduction to crack climbing, in a safe environment. With fixed protection above the routes, you are able to safely top rope these climbs. Featuring a 5.8, two 5.10 climbs, and a 5.11, everyone can find something fun to try.Park at Yosemite Lo...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Sentinel Meadow Cook's Meadow Loop Trail
4.51.99 mi / 85 ft gainThis short, easy walk provides some of the best views of several iconic Yosemite landmarks from the valley floor. If you complete the entire loop, expect to see Yosemite Falls from the Swinging Bridge, Half Dome from Sentinel Bridge (a popular spot at sunset), and the historic Yosemite Chapel. ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Bridalveil Fall
3.81.2 mi / 200 ft gainSince most things you want to see in Yosemite require a hike, this place is a nice change to see something without having to walk for hours. From the parking lot it is just about a 10 minute walk to the falls.If you scramble up the rocks, you can get a nice view of the falls and the pond. It used...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Lower Yosemite Falls
4.81.16 miAt 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America. The falls consists of three sections: Upper Falls, Middle Cascades, and Lower Falls. At 320 feet, Lower Yosemite Falls is one of the most popular attractions at Yosemite National Park. This 1-mile loop is a leisurely walk wi...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Photograph Moonbows at Yosemite Falls
1 miIn spring at Yosemite National Park, a unique phenomenon occurs, called “moonbows.” Seen during the full moon, moonbows are rainbows produced by light reflected off the surface of the moon, and are relatively faint and difficult to detect with the naked eye, but they do appear in long exposure ph...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack to Lower Ottoway Lake
32 mi / 2400 ft gainThe hike begins at Mono Meadows trailhead along Glacier Point Road, first descending 2.8 steep miles to Illilouette Creek. Above the Illilouette Junction, take in views of the Valley's granite domes before beginning the post-burn forested slog. The trail covers an additional 10 miles of relativel...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Thru-Hike the John Muir Trail
5.0203.17 mi / 44944 ft gainTo thru hike the JMT is probably one of the sickest trips to do! It's not a heavy commitment like the PCT or AT but it's also no week long vacation from work, backpacking the woods of your local forests either. There's a sweet spot in thru hiking and I believe this trail gives the full taste. You...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Half Dome via the Mist Trail
4.815.94 mi / 4800 ft gainBe sure to arrive early early in the morning to beat the crowds or if you want to break up the hike, first-come, first served campsites are available at Little Yosemite Valley Campground - make sure to check out the details in that adventure and obtain a wilderness permit. Even if you are just da...Read more
