Yosemite Vacation Planner

Vacation Planner

1

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

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

2

www.YosemiteExperience.com

.  t  e  i e  l i  t i n t  l .    y  y    t  ’  t o  n  o  u   e  I  s i  ni  l  o  t a   o  o t  N o

WELCOME TO MARIPOSA COUNTY Nestled among natural monuments, vineyards, and historic Gold Rush landmarks, Mariposa County Count y is more than just California’s gateway to Yosemite National National Park. Alive with possibility, it’s a world-class destination for all seasons that inspires curiosity, refreshes the soul, soul , and proves that you don’t need to be rich to live life to its fulle st. The simple pleasures here are closer than you think—less than a tank of gas away for most Californians. There’ T here’ss a lot to see, but this county is not just jus t for viewing from a distance. It invites you to approach and experience it first-hand. It engages all the senses, including the sense of wonder w onder.. If you’ve ever felt caught up in the th e daily grind, standing among giant sequoias and impossibly high waterfalls has a way of putting life into perspective. If you can hear Mariposa calling, call 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 lanner will help you find them and inspire all kinds k inds of ideas.

OUR HISTORY

In your travels through Mariposa, Mar iposa, you might hear it referred to as the “Mother of all Counties.” That’s not meant as a boast. When Califor nia was granted statehood in 1850, Mariposa County was by far the largest county, comprising about one-fifth of the state. (It was later subdivided subdiv ided 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 it i t lasted long enough for roads and r ailroads 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 rom 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.

Vacation Va ca tion Planner

3

WHAT’S IN STORE Mariposa County, home of Yosemite National National Park, is known for its it s picturesque scenery, welcoming locals, charming & historic foothill communities, annual festivals, and of course, great outdoor recreation. The climate is also welcoming, with mild summers and winters, colorful springs and falls, and sunny skies most days of the year. year. Yosemite and Mariposa County dr aw people from all walks of life. Thrill seekers come Yosemite for the white water rafting and world-class wor ld-class rock climbing. Nature enthusiasts marvel at the variety of wildlife, from delicate butterflies & wildflo wers 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.

 s   l  l  a    a   n F  i  t  R   o  l l  r  e  e  a     e e   r  h  e  – t  i  m   l l  r  m   a   a   e  c    i i    s  s    r  o  l  a   m   a   e  F   m    l  A  w  t    e e  h  i n  o    t t   t    r r  n   o  e  n N  i  t  l l  a 

4

www.YosemiteExperience.com

ABOUT YOSEMITE Yosemite National Park has the unique ability to amaze, charm and surprise, no mat ter how many times you’ve been there. Many people visit, yet few ever see the pl ace in its entirety—which would take some time indeed. Established as one of the first national parks in October Oc tober 1890, the protected territory territor y encompasses 1,189 1,189 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 . About 3 - 4 million mill ion people visit each year, most during the summer, but Yosemite offers real adventure and inspiration for every season and every ever y type of traveler.

WHAT TO SEE

Yosemite sightseeing is all about the great outdoors and ever ything you can do to immerse immers e yourself in it. Take a quick tour of some of the natural wonders you’ll find here. Waterfalls are a Yosemite hallmark, drawing visitors from around the globe. Because many of Yosemite’s Yosemite’s waterfalls waterfall s are fed by snowmelt, the amount of water rushing over each one varies varie s widely throughout the year. year. Yosemite Falls (Upper, 1,43 1,430 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–nearly feet–n early half a mile! Waterfalls:

Rock Formations: 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. Rock climbers from around the world come to challenge their abilities on the s teep face of El Capitan, though most park visitors prefer to just watch.

WILDLIFE

With a keen eye, you’ you’re re likely to see some of Yosemite’s Yosemite’s thriving and diverse wildlife. w ildlife. 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 like 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 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!

Vacation Planner

5

Firefall at Horsetail Falls in February

6

www.YosemiteExperience.com

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

    O      D         S     U      M    a     e    n     e

Twilight Strolls at Yosemite: Yosemite 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 midwinter, 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 www.nps.gov/yose/ www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/gu planyourvisit/guide.htm. ide.htm. Starry Skies Over Yosemite/Wawona: Yosemite/Wawona: Go on a cosmic voyage as you lay beneath the stars in a valley meadow. On this heavenly Yosemite Yosemite experience, you’ll learn about the moon, the Milky Way, meteors, constellations, comets and all the folklor folklore e that goes with them. Starry Skies is offered summer to fall, conditions permitting, at Wawona once a week and in Yosemite Valley Valley several nights a week. It’s a great hour and a half for star gazers of all ages. Sign up for Yosemite Valley tours at any Tour and Activities Desk or call 209-372-4FUN. NatureBridge: The largest educational partner of the National Park Service. Nature Bridge provides children aged 10-17 with customized, hands-on, educational adventures in the world’ world’s s greatest classroom: Yosemite National Park. Offering tailored multi-day programs and a Summer Field Research Course there is a program for every student. To find out more, call 209-379-9511 or visit www.naturebridge.org. family-friendlyy Yosemite Kids Attractions: Yosemite National Park is definitely a family-friendl destination. The Yosemite kids programs are designed to bring families closer to nature and closer together. Wee Wild Ones  features  features stories, songs, crafts, games and other activities for kids six and under. The Story Time  program  program delivers entertaining storytelling for kids age twelve and under. Ranger Ned’s Big Adventure  is  is theatrical fun for the whole family. And the Winter the Winter Family Celebration Celebration offers  offers crafts, nature walks, stories, and general winter fun.

 P O I N T  L A C I E R G  M O  R S E E N  F

 s  s  p  i    l l  e   e  v  c  m   a  .    e e   c  n  I  o  e  e  e n  s  o s

Vacation Planner

7

8

www.YosemiteExperience.com

Vacation Planner

9

 r  u   o   Y  �  r  a  S h 

EXPERIENCE We’re on Facebook, Pinterest, Pin terest, Instagram, Instag ram, and Twitter. Twitter. 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

10

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

facebook.com/yosemitenation

twitter.com/yosemitenation

INSTAGRAM

PINTEREST

instagram.com/yosemitenation ins tagram.com/yosemitenation

pinterest.com/yosemitenation

www.YosemiteExperience.com ww.Yosemit E ri n e . o

GETTING THERE There are four entrances to Yosemite National Park, all of which go through Mariposa County. The South Entrance is on CA 41, 64 miles north of Fresno;  West Entrance is on CA 140, 75 miles northeast of Merced; North Entrance is on CA 120, 88 miles from Manteca; and East Entrance is on Highway 120, 10 miles west of Lee Vining. The park is open year-round. However, the Tioga, Glacier Point, and Mariposa Grove roads are closed from October/November through May/June due 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 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: 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: If you prefer relaxing in an air-conditioned, state-of-the-art coach o n

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 ch day. YARTS also operates during the summers summe rs in Tuolumne and Mono Counties. For schedules and ticket information contact www.yarts.com. Once you arrive into Yosemite you can still take advantage of o f stress-free sightseeing by hopping on the Yosemite Shuttle in the valley floor. The shuttles are Free and you can find the schedules on www.nps.gov. Ride a Bicycle: 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: The simplest method of all. Bring your camera, and really

stop to smell the wildflowers along the way.

To Reno

Truckee

To Redding

CARSON CITY

Lake Tahoe

SACRAMENTO 395

99

SAN FRANCISCO

120

205

Yosemite National Park   G GROVELAN D 120

NORTH ENTRANCE

STOCKTON

OAKLAND

Bridgeport

120

Don Pedro Reservoir

Coulterville 140

580 132

MODESTO

El Portal

WEST ENTRANCE

99

SAN JOSE

Lee Vining

Yosemite Village Foresta

Mono Lake

EAST ENTRANCE June Lake Mammoth Lakes

Wawona Midpines Yosemite West

Fish Camp OAKHURST

140

140

Bodie State Historic Park

41

MERCED

SOUTH ENTRANCE

MADERA

152

MARIPOSA 41 68

MONTEREY

395 Salinas

FRESNO

 T RA V E L

Fresno  to n to  Sacrame

 9 3

 02 2. 0

16 5

 32  3. 3

c i issco

BAKERSFIELD

ere y  te Mon t es  le  l Los Ange o

oe La ke Ta h s Las Vega

58

 5 0  3. 5

214

395

TO LAS VEGAS

 0 0 4. 0

2 0 9

 San Jose

eg  San D i ie

99

 0 0 1. 0

4 5

posa Mar i ip

 San Fran

 M E  T I M

 L E S  M I L

58 99

2 0 3

 32 4. 3

 31 0

 5.4 5

4 3 0 1 8 9 4 8 7

Santa Barbara

 3 8  7. 3  81  3. 8  8.4 5

LOS ANGELES

5 15

TO SAN DIEGO

12

www.YosemiteExperience.com

MARIPOSA COUNTY COMMUNITIES COMMUNITI ES & TOWNS HIGHWAY 140 If you’re arriving on Highway 140, the first Mariposa community you reach is Catheys 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 Hornitos, west of Catheys Valley. Valley. Back in its mining heyday, the plaza was probably one of the wildest spots in California, with monte tables, fandango halls, shooting scrapes, and gold dust in abundance. Joaquin Murietta, an outlaw who gained Robin Hood-like notoriety, is said to have frequented saloons like the old Plaza Bar and made many an escape through a secret s ecret passageway under the old Campodonica store. Further up Scenic Highway 140 you’ll find the historical town (and county seat) of Mariposa. Several disastrous fires early in the settlement’ settlement’ss history convinced settlers to rebuild with stone, brick and adobe. Many of those structures still exist today and have been in more or less continuous use without need for major restoration. You’ll You’ll feel as if you’re reliving reliving the Old West as you stroll up the historic main street. The town also 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 Colorado. The highway then descends through the woods and meadows of Midpines on its way to the Merced River. Here, it’s it’s easy to find hiking trails, swimming holes, fishing spots and river rafting outfits. Tack northwest to visit Bear Valley, another interesting near-ghost town. It’s connected to Tack Hornitos by Bear Valley Road (county road J16), which was part ar of the original route between the towns of Mariposa and Merced. ce . The upper part of Bear Valley Road offers an impressive vista of o Hunters Valley, the lower Merced River canyon, and the Great Central Valley extending to the Coast Range. Continuing up Highway 140, a picturesque suspension bridge crosses the Merced River at Briceburg. The former Yosemite Valley Railroad, Railroad, which runs along the river’ river’ss north bank, is flanked by several campgrounds and beaches. From Briceburg, the highway follows the Merced Canyon to El Portal, where you can find picnic areas, campgrounds, andd a fully-restored fully-restored logging locomotive and caboose on display displ ay..

 e  d a   a ccool d e l A  -A in  Y  Yoos e   e m  m 

Vacation Planner

133

O S AC  R  R  N O  O  E  C A I  O R  R  I 

O 

u c  c  M e  ea    d  a   o  d   w  o   s  w    s H 

O 

o u  ul  l    e  e  v  e 

R  H  R E  E A

I  H 

N  E 

C 

T  E 

l  o r  r t  ta     a

A C  W A I N N  

S E  EM    I  M I    E  W E S  S T  T 

o r  rn     t o  n os     s

I  P I  IN   E  N     S  E S 

i s  s  r  c   c  r i  i  a  e  R C  C  D  H B A M  N T  T  E  Y &  Y B A Y 

o ld 

 H 

a  u 

 H 

m u  u s  s 

O F R  R  O  A

N O  O,  G  LE  A R S  S  L A S  I  LD , S  S V E  E G  G  S 

M A R  I P  I  P O  O S  S A C  O U  O  U N  N T  T Y  H W  Y  W Y 1 2 0  0  H W  W Y 1 3 2  2 

H W  W Y 4 1 H W  W Y 1 4 0 

HIGHWAY 41 The air cools and the scent of pine mingles with fir fi r and cedar as you head toward Mariposa County’s southern border on Highway 41. The community of Fish Camp, just two miles from the Yosemite National Park boundary, is h ome to charming bed-and-breakfa bed-and-breakfast st inns, cabin rentals, and the magnificent 4-Star luxury accommodations. Once inside the park borders, continue north to Wawona, where you’ll find the Victorianstyle Wawona Hotel, the Pioneer History center, and the 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 lovely place to camp, meditate, or swim. The Wawona Road continues on to Yosemite Valley, passing through Yosemite West, where a number of privately owned mountain homes and condos are offered as vacation rentals, such as Yosemite’ osemite’s s Scenic Wonder Wonder.. At Chinquapin, the Glacier Point Road leads to the Badger Pass ski area in winter, and to Glacier Point in summer. summer. Descending to Tunnel View, the road offers a spectacular panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, Valley, with famous landmarks including Bridalveil Falls, Half Dome and El Capitan.

14

www.YosemiteExperience.com

HIGHWAY 132 - JOHN MUIR HIGHWAY All roads into Yosemite run through Mariposa Coun ty, the heart of Gold Country Coun try.. For travelerss arriving from the west, Highway 132 traveler 1 32 provides a scenic, laid back route to Yosemite’ osemite’ss North Entrance. From east Modesto, the road follows the Tuolumne River R iver through rolling hills and picturesque cliffs to historic La Grange—a charming, sleepy country town with its own unique mining history history.. Continue east on Highway 132 to reach Lake McClure and Lake Don Pedro—both a water lovers’’ paradise, offering camping, fishing and sailing. Imagine spending several days on a lovers houseboat or enjoying beautiful weather while water skiing or jet skiing. There are nearly 20,000 acres of water to enjoy. Check out YosemiteExperience.com for more details. At the intersection of state highways 49 and 132, the community of Coulterville (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 walking tour to see why Coulterville has been named a California State Historic Site. Highway 13 2 from Coulterville to Highway 120 is now the John Muir Highway (J132) in honor of John Muir, the world renowned explorer and preservationist, preservationist, who took the same route on an early  journey into Yosemite Yosemite over 100 years years ago. After Coulterville, Highway 132 climbs toward Greeley Hill, offering impressive vistas in every direction. You You may pause there just long enough to eat or stock up. Or, if you’re ready for action, you may decide to rent an ATV or a horse and try out some of the many trails and off-road areas. HIGHWAY 120 On the way to Yosemite National Park, Highway 132 merges with Highway 120, the th e scenic route that skirts along the northern edge of Mariposa County. Travelers Travelers on Highway 120 will pass through the quaint towns of Groveland  and Buck Meadows, which are just minutes away from all the excitement Yosemite has to offer.

 e   r     u  u     s s  e   k  a   M :  p  v  l T i  o n  r  v  T   y  a     w w  h    H H    e  e    n  n  e   m   u   o m   o u  .  r   e     o o  n a     e  e   v a  e   n  e a  a   g   g   n a a     m  a    e  a   e 

Vacation Planner Vacation

155

HISTORIC SITES & MUSEUMS The historic and natural sites throughout Mariposa County and Yosemite National Park all have fascinating stories to tell. The best way to learn about those stories and gain a fuller perspective is by visiting some of the wonderful museums and landmarks here. Mariposa County Courthouse: Built 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-HALFDOME to set up your tour.

 r   e   D si c  v e   he   r i  ni  e   g   o  n g 

California State Mining and Mineral Museum, Mariposa County Fairgrounds: Get a fascinating glimpse of California’ California’ss mineral wealth, 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 piece of crystalline gold found in the American River in 1864. Visit www.parks.ca.gov. Yosemite Museum, Yosemite Village:  Yosemite Museum tells what we know of native Miwok and Paiute people since European settlers began arriving in drove drovess from 1850 on. Behind Yosemite Museum is the Indian Village Vil lage of Ahwahnee, a re-creation of an Indian settlement in the Yosemite Valley. Visit www.nps.gov/yose/historyculture/yosemitemuseum.htm.

Northern Mariposa County History Center, Coulterville: If 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 www.coultervillemuseum.org. Pioneer Yosemite History Center, Wawona in Yosemite National Park:  Across the covered bridge from the Wawona Store, the Pioneer Yosemite History Center brings to 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 www.yosemite.ca.us/pioneeryosemite-history-center.

Mariposa Museum and History Center, Mariposa: This award-winning small museum presents an authentic picture of people and life in M ariposa, concentrating on the Gold Rush and late 19th 19 th century. Exhibits include artifacts of the mining days and rooms re-creating re-cr eating old dwellings dwellin gs and stores from the era. Visit www.mariposamuseum.com.

16

www.YosemiteExperience.com . .

Historic Mariposa County Courthouse

Vacation Planner

17

A DESTINATION FOR ALL SEASONS It’s always a good time to visit Mariposa County and Yosemite. Bring layers of clothing, since on any given day, temperatures var y with the elevation and hour hour.. Whatever the season, there’s plenty of exciting things to see and do. Winter 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 . Others take on the trails cross-country st yle or snowshoe through the sequoia groves. An d after a day of tubing or ice skating, nothing beats warming up next to a roaring campfire. Winter is als o a time to enjoy greater availability and more af fordable rates. Spring is, simply put, a must-see. As winter recedes, the park comes to life in dramatic fashion. Roaring waterfalls are at their peak, and but terflies alight on blooming wildflowers ever ywhere. V isitors can still take advantage of winter conditions at higher elevations or enjoy the warmth of the sun in the low-lying areas. Summer is a great time to plan your escape. If you’re a water lover, it’s the perfect time to hit Lakes Don Pedro & McClure or raft down the Merced River. And hiking through the shaded groves of giant sequoias is an experience to remember. Fall brings a veritable firework s display of red, orange and yellow leaves. It’s so breathtaking it brings out the amateur photographer in many visitors. It’s a great time to get on your mountain bike and explore Tuolumne Meadows in the High Sierr a. And the crisp autumn air is as refreshing as the lodging specials towards the end of Oc tober tober..

  s   k   o   o   C

 e w   e  w   e  t   t  r om  m ssnow  oo t   t s o h k  i in 18

www.YosemiteExperience.com

o e   e  n m inu  e   e s.

Merced River Canyon

Vacation Planner

19