Mariposa, California
Mariposa, California, is a must-visit for outdoor adventures. One of the top activities is hiking the Hite Cove Trail, a moderately difficult route offering scenic views of the Merced River and the Sierra National Forest. The trail is known for its spring wildflower displays and historic mining sites. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is another popular attraction, featuring over 500 mature giant sequoias. For water activities, the Merced River is perfect for rafting and fishing. The California State Mining and Mineral Museum is a unique attraction showcasing the state's rich mining history. Mariposa is the gateway to Yosemite National Park, where you can explore the Yosemite Falls and El Capitan. These are the best trails and outdoor activities in and near Mariposa.
Top Spots in and near Mariposa
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Mariposa County, California
Clouds Rest via Tenaya Lake
5.011.65 mi / 2766 ft gainThe "younger" brother of the world famous Half Dome, Clouds Rest is in fact a solid 1,000 feet taller despite receiving significantly less attention. If you know about this hidden gem however, you're in luck. Starting out from the Tenaya Lake trailhead will save you crowds on the trail and the ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Clouds Rest to Half Dome
18.52 mi / 0 ft gainBecause this is not a loop, you will need to figure out a shuttle situation. There are two options for this: 1. Drive your car to the Tenaya Lake Trail Head, and leave it parked there. Once you reach the Valley you will be car-less, but then the next day you can take one of the free shuttles u...Read more -
Wawona, California
Climb Hermaphrodite Flake to Boltway in Yosemite National Park
This is a great 5.7/5.8 linkup for anyone looking for an intermediate climb in Tuolumne. Always read through beta on Mountain Project and Super Topo and having the book on hand is always a good idea. To find the route, this photo is super helpful. The flake is pretty obvious, it's the one feature...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Hike to Tuolumne Peak Plateau
11.68 mi / 1867 ft gainThe most direct route begins at Murphy Creek trailhead, on the north side of Tioga Road near Tenaya Lake. Walk north on Murphy Creek trail for 2.5 miles with minimal elevation gain. Polly Dome Lakes are a great side trip via the social trail on the right side of the trail before the first junctio...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
John Muir Trail: Camping at Lower Cathedral Lake
5.0Make the .75 miles detour off of the John Muir Trail to reach this spot and you won't regret it. Lower Cathedral Lake is typically less populated than nearby Upper Lake and has some of the mot beautiful scenery on the JMT. Sunrise and sunset with the reflection of Cathedral Peak on the glassy wat...Read more -
Wawona, California
Pothole Dome
5.01.01 mi / 220 ft gainGetting There From the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, head west on Tioga Road/ Hwy 120 towards Tenaya Lake. You'll only travel about 1 mile down the road until you see Tuolumne Meadows open up again on your right, and there will be a very large gravel pull out where you can park. Pothole Dome ...Read more -
Cathedral Lakes Trailhead
Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley
5.030.82 mi / 6109 ft gainYosemite is an iconic park, and if you are looking for isolation with spectacular views of the backcountry this trip is for you. The trail itself is approximately 33 miles and can be done in 3-4 days, but I recommend a 6 day hike to enjoy the scenery and to have the opportunity to soak in each lo...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Scramble Yosemite's Cathedral Peak
3.0Start at Toulumne Meadows (8000 ft), and take the John Muir Trail, on the south side of Tioga Road. After about 1 mile, an unmarked trail will appear on your left – it is a less-traveled path, primarily taken by climbers. This trail will lead you away from Cathedral Lake to the back of Cathedral ...Read more -
Wawona, California
Cathedral Lakes
4.89.04 mi / 1581 ft gainStarting at the Cathedral Lakes Trailhead near the Tuolumne Meadows parking lot (if parking is full at the TH), this trail wanders through the classic High Sierra forest with large white granite boulders and pine trees. After approximately 4 miles of quiet solitude in the forest, you will reach ...Read more -
Merced, California
Photograph the Merced National Wildlife Refuge
5.0Merced National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places to go and take photos of birds as the refuge plays host to the largest wintering populations of Lesser Sandhill Cranes and Snow/ Ross geese along the Pacific Flyway. Each autumn more than 20,000 cranes and 60,000 arctic-nesting geese termi...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Tulomne Meadows to Donohue Pass via JMT
5.027.56 mi / 2953 ft gainDonohue Pass lies on the border of Yosemite National Park and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Both the John Muir Trail (JMT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) route through this pass at 11,056 ft. A challenging but beautiful hike that starts from Tuolumne Meadows and follows the JMT for 12.5 miles t...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Boothe Lake
5.016.83 mi / 1854 ft gainStarting at the Tuolomne Meadows Visitor Center you will head south to jump on the John Muir Trail, move east for 2.8 miles on the JMT until the trail intersects with the Vogelsang High Sierra trailhead, you head south when you reach this trail. Once you hit the Vogelsang trail you are 5.5 miles ...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Backpack to Nelson Lake
17 mi / 1000 ft gainHead to any Yosemite wilderness station for a map, bear canister, and permit for Nelson Lake. The trail itself starts in the Tuolumne Campground at Elizabeth Lake trailhead. Follow the trail 2.2 miles up to Elizabeth Lake and remember the lake itself is in a no-camping zone, so you must continue ...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Camp at Tuolumne Meadows Campground
5.0Tuolumne Meadows is on Tioga road northeast of Yosemite Valley, at elevation 8,600 feet. Sites are available July-September at $26. Dogs are allowed but be sure to pack the leash! More info: https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Fletcher Lake and Vogelsang Peak
19.03 mi / 2887 ft gainBefore you head out for the trip, you’ll need to get a wilderness permit. You can get one online from the Yosemite website or pick one up at the Tuolumne Meadows Wilderness Center or from the Wilderness Center in Yosemite Valley. Go to Yosemite and take Highway 120 up to Tuolumne Meadows. You ca...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Tuolumne Meadows
5.0Tuolumne Meadows at an elevation of 8,619 feet exemplifies the high country of the Sierra Nevada, with its sweeping sub-alpine meadows, granite domes, summer wildflowers and meandering rivers. When the forest opens up park along the side of the road and find a trail. There are also plenty of ne...Read more
