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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June Lake, California
Agnew Lake via Rush Creek Trail
4.05.11 mi / 1590.55 ft gainJune Lake never ceases to amaze. In just about any weather, this particular portion of the 395 is something to be experienced in its entirety. If you are dedicating a day or two to explore the June Lake loop, then a trek to Agnew Lake is the perfect hike to throw into the plans. It is not extrem...Read more -
June Lake, California
Fern Lake via Yost Creek Trail
5.03.17 mi / 1583.33 ft gainLess than 30 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes, the beauty of the region is captured even on the drive to get to the trailhead. No bathrooms at the trailhead, however the town of June Lake is a short bit away. Out of the gate, the trail quickly climbs 850 feet in just less than a mile. The way up,...Read more -
June Lake, California
Parker Lake Trail
5.03.55 mi / 584 ft gainParker Lake is tucked beneath the giant mountains of Mount Wood, Mount Lewis, and Parker Peak. I hiked the Parker Lake trail during peak foliage season and I was blown away by the amazing fall colors. The trail starts off with a steady and rocky climb. After you pass the elevation gain, the trail...Read more -
Madera County, California
Backpack the Shadows of the Minarets Loop
5.016 miAnsel Adams Wilderness is located in Mammoth Lakes, California. The trail to Lake Ediza is frequently traveled and is usually completed as an out-and-back day hike. In the summer, from 7am-7pm the road to the trail head is inaccessible to cars. To reach the trailhead you must take the shuttle fro...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Agnew Meadows to Tuolumne Meadows
5.030.27 mi / 4757 ft gainUnlike most through hikes that require two cars or hitchhiking, you can accomplish this with only one car by using a YART. Another benefit is that by entering in Mammoth, it is usually much easier to get permits as opposed to starting in Yosemite where permits can be harder to get. Then once yo...Read more -
Madera County, California
Ediza Lake via Agnew Meadows
4.013.54 mi / 1804 ft gainStart at the Agnew Meadows Trailhead. You will need to arrive before 7:30AM or take the Shuttle from Mammoth Mountain. Start out by heading north on the John Muir Trail. You will pass Shadow Lake; walk around the south side of the lake for mountain views. Then, follow the trail up Shadow Creek u...Read more -
Madera County, California
Ansel Adams' Garnet Lake
5.014.46 mi / 2717 ft gainGarnet Lake is one of the premier stops along the Pacific Crest Trail. However, even if you don't have time for an entire thru-hike (like most of us), this beautiful lake is still easily accessible as an overnight trip! While there are many possible routes for reaching Garnet Lake, the Agnew Me...Read more -
Madera County, California
Thousand Island Lake via Agnew Meadows
5.019.6 mi / 3642 ft gainStart from Agnew Meadows about 7 miles away. You can take the High Trail out as part of the River Trail with a long detour passing by several other scenic lakes, including Shadow Lake, Garnet Lake, and Ruby Lake. You will arrive at Thousand Island Lake a few hours after lunch, just in time to set...Read more -
Madera County, California
Climb Mount Ritter
Mt Ritter is a long climb, but it is worth the effort. Start out by establishing camp at Ediza Lake prior to your ascent. The SE Glacier route (first ascent by John Muir) follows the path of least resistance up the SE side of Mt Ritter.The route first gains a broad bench below Ritter and Banner P...Read more -
Madera County, California
Backpack to Waugh Lake
5.011 mi / 1000 ft gainThere are several trailheads you can start at to get to the lake, but we chose the River Trail in Agnew Meadows because it was the only trailhead that hadn't met the quota yet. You can check on permit's and trailheads here. If the River Trail is booked other great options are Shadow Creek, Fish C...Read more -
Madera County, California
Cecile Lake via Agnew Meadows
16.11 mi / 2667 ft gainLocated in the heart of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Cecile Lake can be reached from a variety of trailheads. I chose to start out in Agnew Meadows. From here, the trail criss-crosses through a serene lowland environment with several crystal clear streams. After passing Olaine Lake, veer left an...Read more -
Bridgeport, California
Lundy Canyon Waterfalls
6.28 mi / 2226.38 ft gainIn order to get to the trail you first have to drive past the beautiful Lundy Lake nestled in deep canyon. When the pavement ends continue for a couple miles as the scenery gets more amazing passing two beaver ponds and an Indian head. The hike begins where the dirt road ends in a loop. The tra...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
John Muir Trail: Mammoth Mountain to Yosemite Valley
5.051.92 mi / 6952 ft gainCross country hiking can be a daunting idea. There are so many things to plan for, and such a long distance to cover. If you are an experienced backpacker, and you want to get a taste of hiking on the John Muir Trail this hike might interest you. Planning Plan to hike this from mid July ...Read more -
Madera County, California
Devils Postpile & Rainbow Falls
5.04.53 mi / 509 ft gainIf you do this once the shuttles are running from Mammoth Mountain, you'll want to park at the Mammoth Mountain Inn and took the Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus to the trailhead closest to Devils Postpile. It was a short and easy hike, about 0.5 miles to the base. While many walked past Devils Postpile a...Read more -
Mammoth Lakes, California
Devils Postpile Loop
5.01.28 mi / 243 ft gainDevils Postpile Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Mammoth Lakes, California.Read more -
June Lake, California
Gull Lake Loop
1.97 mi / 174 ft gainGull Lake trail is one of my favorite hiking spots in the June Lake Loop area. It is a very scenic trail that goes through varying terrains from meadows to marshes to aspen and conifer groves. Trailhead starts at the Mono County Community Center and winds counter-clockwise around the lake to th...Read more
