Yosemite Mariposa County Media Kit

Catheys Valley • Coulterville • El Portel • Fish Camp • Foresta • Hornitos • Mariposa • Midpines • Wawona • Yosemite Valley • Yosemite West

TABLE OF CONTENTS Fast Facts ............................................................................................. 1 Itineraries ............................................................................................. 2 Accommodations .............................................................................. 3 Family Travel ........................................................................................ 4 Beyond The Valley .............................................................................. 5 Things To Do ....................................................................................... 9 Events ................................................................................................ 10 Meetings .............................................................................................12

FAST FACTS YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY: Fast Facts Navigating Mariposa County Yosemite Mariposa County covers more than 1,460 square miles (3781.383km2) of the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, rising from the edge of the California’s Central Valley through golden foothills and all the way up to the alpine heights of Yosemite National Park and the High Sierra. Experiencing the entire county is a lot for one day so breaking the county into eight geo-distinct regions can help when planning your epic road trip.

You can see our regional map here.

How to get to Mariposa:

By Air • Fresno Yosemite International Airport: 90 miles (144.84096km) • Sacramento International Airport: 160 miles (257.49504km) • Oakland International Airport: 165 miles (265.54176km) • San Francisco International Airport: 170 miles (273.58848km) • Los Angeles International Airport: 300 miles (482.8032km) • Mariposa/Yosemite Airport (private charters): 10 miles (16.09344km)

By Train

Learn more at www.yarts.com or call 1.877.989.2787

You can book your trip to Yosemite on Amtrak’s website and connect to the YARTS bus from the Amtrak station in Merced from both northern and southern California destinations.

By Bus The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) is safe, comfortable, economical and convenient. Your entrance fee is also included, so this Yosemite transportation option is green in more ways than one!

Once you’re here, leave your car behind One of the best services to take advantage of during your trip to Yosemite is the free shuttle bus. Parking (especially in the busy summer months) can be difficult and it’s best to park your car and take the shuttle wherever you need to go around the Valley Floor. Plan your route by viewing the shuttle map.

High Country Weather

Ice skating at Curry Village

Early spring can be wet with cool evening temps and the occasional spring storm. Spring temperatures range from can be high 40s (9°C) to low 60s (18°C).

Summer is very warm in the valley but can still be cool in the higher elevation parts of the park. Summer temperatures range from low 50s (13°C) to low 90s (32°C).

Autumn is one of the best seasons for hiking Yosemite, with warm, sunny days and cool nights. Temperatures in the fall range from mid 30s (1°C) to the mid 70s (23°C).

Winter is one of the most beautiful times to explore the Valley Floor, but you may encounter snow on the trails. Snowshoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing, and ice skating are popular winter activities. Temperatures range from mid-twenties (-2°C) to high fifties (13°C).

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ITINERARIES YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY SAMPLE ITINERARIES Whether you’re coming to Yosemite Mariposa County for the first time or a frequent visitor, there’s always something new to experience. To get started, here are a few ideas to inspire your adventure.

Two Days Two days probably isn’t enough to explore this 1,200 square mile (3107.986km2) UNESCO World Heritage site, but it’s plenty of time to take in some of the park’s icons, learn about indigenous art and culture and get your steps in exploring the Yosemite Valley and its gateway town.

• If you’re coming from the north, stop in the charming Gold Rush town of Mariposa. The Old Town District is great place for a variety of lodging, restaurants, museums, and shopping for locally made gifts and products.

• If your drive brings you down Highway 41 through Fishcamp, be sure to stop at Wawona to see the Victorian-era Wawona Hotel and the Yosemite History Center.

Historic Mariposa

• In the summer, entering Yosemite Valley via Tioga Pass or Highway 120, you shouldn’t miss the aquamarine blue waters of Tenaya Lake, the so-called “jewel of the high country”.

• Take a a great hike (from dozens of options inside and out of the park!)

Tenaya Lake

• Explore the Yosemite Valley on foot or bike or jump on the Valley Floor Tour and take in the majesty of the park’s icons - Half Dome, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls.

• In Yosemite Village, visit the Yosemite Museum to learn more about Native American culture and Miwok and Paiute Native American traditions in Yosemite.

Yosemite Museum

Yosemite Valley Floor

• View Yosemite-inspired art at the Ansel Adams Gallery.

• Grab a quick lunch at Degnan’s Deli or head to the The Ahwahnee Hotel to enjoy the finest cuisine in the park.

• Take the Sentinel Dome Trail for incredible views and fewer crowds.

The Ahwahnee

• Catch a high Sierra sunset. In winter and spring, the prime viewing spot is in Cook’s Meadow and or Glacier Point or Sentinel Dome are best in summer and fall. Check to see if there is a full moon and if yes, catch the lunar rainbows “moonbows” under waterfalls in the early spring.

Glacier Point

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Three or Four Days If you have a little more time, you can delve a little deeper into the park and surrounding region. Historic pioneer towns provide a step back in time and provide a relaxing alternative to all of the region’s outdoor activities.

• The town of Coulterville – all 42 buildings – are on the California register of historic places making the entire town a historic landmark. Start your tour at the Northern Mariposa County History Center. Stretch your legs on the main street with a copy of the Coulterville self-guided walking tour which includes the Sun Sun Wo Mercantile Building, the pioneer cemetery, and the Hotel Jeffrey.

Northern Mariposa County History Center

• Nearby Lake McClure and Lake McSwain offer a combo of fishing, swimming, water skiing, and even the on-water obstacle course/fun house of Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park.

• Just 15 miles from Coulterville, be sure to bring your mountain bike, too, and bomb some runs at the Exchequer Mountain Bike Park along Lake McClure’s hilly shores.

• Have happy hour in Mariposa at 1850 Brewing Company. Enjoy its locally made flagship brews like Cowboy Lager, Timberline West Coast IPA and Dark Horse Coffee Stout.

Exchequer Mountain Bike Park

• For flights of Sierra foothill wines and house made ramen, stop by Little House of Ramen and the Local Grape on Main Street. The Alley is a great choice for elevated pub cuisine, live music and rotating taps.

ACCOMMODATIONS YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY: Accommodations Style. Privacy. Rustic Charm. Individuality.

Many places say they have accommodations for any kind of traveler, but Yosemite Mariposa County truly has a diverse variety of lodging options – from campgrounds to luxury hotels. To provide a starting point on your lodging selection journey, here are five excellent Mariposa County options for the ultimate winter stay.

AutoCamp Yosemite: A unique twist on the iconic Airstream trailers with a combination of vintage class on the outside and modern style inside. The property also features a seasonally heated pool, trailer-side grills, and host experiences like complimentary yoga sessions and occasional live music.

AutoCamp Yosemite

The Redwoods in Yosemite

Yosemite View Lodge: Location, location, location.

Yosemite View Lodge has the distinction of being the closest resort to Yosemite Valley.

Most rooms have personal balconies overlooking the Wild & Scenic Merced River and two restaurants on site.

Yosemite View Lodge

The Redwoods in Yosemite: Cozy cabins and luxury mountain homes come together into an amazing location within Yosemite National Park.

More than 125 fully equipped units come with 24-hour support from a full-service front desk, nearby grocery stores, a gas station and a historic restaurant at the Wawona Hotel within walking distance.

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Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders: This community of more than 130 cabins located mostly in the Yosemite West and Wawona regions are a great starting point for High Sierra adventures in all four seasons. Many cabins boast views of the wild and Scenic Merced River Canyon, as they are perched above the canyon at nearly 6,000 feet (1,828.8m) above sea level.

With varying sizes and styles of cabins, Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders offer options for all groups and budgets.

Yosemite Scenic Wonders

Tenaya at Yosemite

Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort

The Ahwahnee: The crown jewel of national park lodges, the hotel is a must-visit destination within Yosemite Valley for its dining, décor and architecture that complements the natural setting of the park.

Tenaya at Yosemite: This full-service The Ahwahnee resort nestled in the Sierra National Forest is only minutes from the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. A variety of lodging offers from hotel rooms and spacious modern suites in the main lodge to Explorer Cabins with private living rooms and decks.

Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort: Tucked away on its own bend along a stream, perched under a grove of black oaks, the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort has a magical feel. The Bug offers a relaxed and social atmosphere where families, backpackers and international travelers all feel welcome in its variety of affordable accommodations and old-time mountain resort vibe.

FAMILY TRAVEL YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY: Family Travel Mariposa County is the backdrop for unforgettable family getaways. Yosemite National Park’s iconic granite peaks and rushing waterfalls draw families to the region, but beyond the park, kids of all ages will enjoy rugged foothills, sapphire lakes and Gold Rush charm.

Lake McClure and Lake McSwain: At an elevation of 867 feet (264.2616m), these sun-soaked lakes are nestled in the oak-studded Sierra foothills and fed by the Merced River. Both offer full-service family resorts featuring protected swim areas, day-use picnic tables and even a floating obstacle course called the Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park. Camping, fishing and waterskiing are also popular here.

Lake McClure

Exchequer Mountain Bike Park: with 700 acres of crunchy, chain-stretching joy overlooking Lake McClure, the daredevil in the family will jump at the opportunity to ride.

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad’s Exchequer Mountain Bike Park historic steam engine locomotives chug along the narrow gauge right-of-way of the Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company with tall trees on either side.

The on-site museum details the local logging legacy. During the summer months, enjoy a full evening of dining, entertainment, train riding and adventure when joining the “Moonlight Special” evening events.

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

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Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures offers unique journeys into the woods and back in time. The outfitter offers an all-day trip through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and one-hour Big Creek crossing rides.

AirBORRN Aviation Services Scenic Tours takes visitors high above Mariposa County and Yosemite National Park with spectacular views of waterfalls, rivers, lakes and signature sights like Half Dome, El Capitan and more.

Badger Pass Ski Area: Yosemite Mariposa’s snowYosemite Trails Horseback Adventures covered terrain comes into play at the oldest ski resort in California. At 8,000’ elevation (2438.4m), Badger Pass Ski Area offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowboard terrain park, tubing and more. It’s intimate with just five lifts providing access to mostly beginner and intermediate runs, and the heralded ski school at Badger Pass is a great place to learn to ski.

Badger Pass Aki Area

Goat Meadow is a classic under-the-radar sledding hill offering tubing, sledding, and all-around snow play.

Mariposa Butterfly Festival honors the founding flyers that give the county its name. Mariposa was named by the 1806 Spanish expedition of Gabriel Moraga, when so many butterflies swarmed his camp that they nearly blocked out the sun. He named that place Las Mariposas, Spanish for “The Butterflies.” The festival is a celebration of music, art, food, education that culminates with the release of about 5,000 butterflies.

Mariposa Butterfly Festival

Mariposa Museum & History Center: Named a “Best Little Museum” by the Smithsonian Institution, the center’s wow-worthy attractions demonstrate how the first settlers lived while pursuing their quest for gold.

BEYOND THE VALLEY YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY: Beyond the Valley Dotted with hidden gems, a journey through Mariposa County takes travelers back in time and through some of the most beautiful under-the-radar natural wonders.

Coulterville

Coulterville

At the Junction of Highway 132 and Highway 49 sits Coulterville, a laid-back nexus of old & new. With nearly as many California Historical Landmark buildings (40) as residents (60), you can park your car and walk main street for a true Gold Rush experience. Built in 1854, the reputedly haunted Hotel Jeffrey, set to reopen in 2023 as the Hotel Bluey, oozes Old West charm and once hosted the likes of John Muir and President Teddy Roosevelt. The Northern Mariposa County History Museum assays all the diggings in one place while the abandoned Sun Sun Wo Store offers a glimpse into the past as the last remnant of the Mother Lode’s largest Chinatown.

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Greeley Hill Heading northeast from Coulterville, Highway 132 officially becomes the John Muir Highway as it climbs towards Greeley Hill, on the doorstep to the western edge of Stanislaus National Forest.

Visitors can hike & bike its vast network of fire roads, as well as enjoy fishing and camping.

John Muir Highway

Buck Meadows Just 12 miles (19.312128km) from the Big Oak Flat Entrance to Yosemite National Park, Buck Meadows is a great place to grab a bite of American comfort food at the Lucky Buck Cafe. Book a cozy cabin for the night at the budget-friendly Buck Meadows Lodge, or a spacious room next door at the Yosemite Westgate Lodge.

Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers fret not the juice — there’s a shared Electrify America charging station on-site.

Foresta Buck Meadows Lodge

Foresta Falls

Situated at 4,314 feet (1,314.9072m), Foresta has an interesting history and is one of only three areas of private property within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park. Worth seeing in Foresta are the McCauley & Meyer Barns (National Historic Landmarks) while hikers can check out the lightly-visited Foresta Falls — an easy two mile out-and-back hike to a cascade along Crane Creek. There are no hotels in Foresta, but you can stay in a handful of vacation rentals, some with views of a surprisingly close Half Dome to the east. Note: This is private property so please be respectful of the residents and park clear of any driveways or roads.

McCauley and Meyer Barns

El Portal

Whitewater Rafting on the Merced River

El Portal is the gateway to Yosemite’s western entrance and features trout fishing, whitewater rafting (spring/early summer) and several day-use picnic areas where baskets are always welcome.

Boasting the closest overnight accommodations outside of the Park’s gate, El Portal offers a range of options from hotels to campgrounds. You’ll also find some of the last remnants of the Yosemite Valley Railroad, which used to be the main way for visitors to get into Yosemite. Still standing are a caboose, a turntable and the Bagby Station, which was deconstructed and moved upstream to El Portal when the Bagby Dam was built.

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Briceburg Briceburg sits where the South and Main Forks of the Merced River meet. Though not technically a town, a small store was built here in 1926 during the construction of Highway 140 that catered to tourists and locals alike. The store has been transformed into the Briceburg Visitor Center, where visitors can stop and learn more about the area’s fascinating past. In addition to fishing, hiking, swimming and rafting, there are three first come/first served campgrounds.

Briceburg Wildflowers

Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort

Midpines Midpines sits at 2,585 feet (787.908m) and was founded in 1926

by Newell D. Chamberlain as a resort along the newly built Highway 140. There’s a mixture of pine & oak dotting the landscape with a smattering of homes tucked between. The Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort, affectionately known as The Bug, offers a variety of accommodations from hostel beds to cabins on stilts and several vacation rentals. The on-site Yosemite Health Spa is a great place to decompress after a long day on the trail with treatments like aromatic herbal baths and massage, while the daily-changing menu at the June Bug Cafe is known by locals as one of the best restaurants in the region, dedicated to healthy & tasty road eats including a solid selection of vegan and vegetarian options.

AutoCamp Yosemite with its armada of iconic Airstreams that have been carefully appointed for ultimate Sierra comfort.

Enjoy ACY’s “Experiences” such as Say Om Beneath the Trees (yoga) and Live Music Happy Hour at the Clubhouse.

Bear Valley

AutoCamp Yosemite

Bear Valley was the hub of Colonel John C. Fremont’s mining empire after he purchased the 44,000-acre Mexican land grant Rancho Los Mariposas. The Gold Rush history runs deep and the original buildings from the mining days including the BonTon Saloon, Trabucco Store and Odd Fellows Hall. Look for the Bear Valley Historical Marker (California Historical Landmark No. 331) for information on this transformative period of California history.

Hornitos

Trabuco Store, Bear Valley

St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Hornitos

The fascinating Gold Rush “ghost town” of Hornitos, was home to the first Wells Fargo stagecoach office in the county. Hornitos has a current population of 66 but was once home to 15,000 people during in the 1870’s. Word on the street has it that bandit-hero Joaquin Murrieta built a tunnel from the Hornitos dance hall to his private horse stable to evade lawmen, all part of the high-spirited local lore. The remnants of this bustling time can now be found in the many architectural ruins that dot the landscape, including the crumbling walls of famed chocolatier Domenico Ghirardelli’s (that Ghirardelli!) general store. Not to be missed: the annual community “Enchilada Festival” held on a weekend every March for more than 70 years.

Hornitos Enchilada Festival

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Catheys Valley Catheys Valley was originally an agricultural and ranching community known by local miners for producing fruit and grains. You’ll find a clean well-kept family park with the original 1879 schoolhouse, accessible restrooms, playground and more. This is a great place to ride bikes and watch sunsets. Local eats include the Oasis Cafe where you can get everything from red & green chilaquiles to a double B.L.T. Lodging includes the Posada Mariana Bed & Breakfast, a 25-acre hacienda where each of its four rooms is named after a different town in Mexico and enters through a central courtyard.

Catheys Valley

Tenaya at Yosemite

Fish Camp Two miles (3.218688km) from Yosemite National Park’s South Gate, the historic hamlet of Fish Camp is the hub of many old and new recreational activities. Access the Sierra National Forest behind the first class resort Tenaya at Yosemite, which offers ample excursion options. Winter opens the sled runs at Goat Meadow Snowplay Area and many family winter activities. Just down the tracks is Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, a memorable ride through the woods alongside the former logging flumes that once dropped into the central valley. And of course there is the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias (Park entrance fee required) where guests can feel the strength of these titan trees whether on foot or via snowshoes. Hotels, local market, attractions, camping and vacation rentals are available making Fish Camp a small-town destination with big possibilities for fun.

Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias

Goat Meadow Snowplay Area

Wawona Golf Course

Yosemite History Center

Wawona Located inside Yosemite National Park, historic Wawona is set at an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,219.2m). Here, the diversity of flora & fauna allowed the native Miwuk people to thrive here for millennia.

The Buffalo Soldiers of Yosemite — a little known but fascinating chapter of Black history — were instrumental in developing Wawona.

In the 1870’s, Wawona became a waystation for the increasing number of tourists until the building of the Wawona Hotel in 1875.

Now a rare National Landmark & treasure, hotel guests and campers alike can play nine holes at the Wawona Golf Course or take a lap around Wawona Meadow to see spring wildflowers. Fans of the days of yore are encouraged visit the Yosemite History Center, while hikers can shake it out on the less-visited but equally impressive Chilnualna Falls Trail and swimmers can take a dip in the South Fork of the Merced River.

Wawona Bridge

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THINGS TO DO YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY: Free (and almost free) Things to Do 1. Roadside History California gold rush legacy still runs through Mariposa County, a rambling, topographically diverse realm with history crackling through it like current through a wire. There are at least 80 historical markers in Mariposa County, making for an informative throwback road trip itinerary through the scenic hills and dales.

2. Starry, Starry Nights Mariposa Museum and History Center

Any cloudless night is the right night for stargazing in Mariposa County.

Clear and dark, the mountain air is a reliable lens through which to relax and explore the universe. Big star shows like the Perseids in August really pop.

Here’s a little astronomy tip: if the moon’s waxing bright, place some large structure or natural object – a tree, barn, cabin, mountain – between you and the moon. You’ll see more stars and meteors from the moon’s shadow.

3. Riverside Picnics Is there anything better than a riverside picnic spread, really? Day use picnic areas are available all along the banks of the Merced River. These sites generally offer tables, barbecue grills, and toilets, as well as paved parking areas. A perfect trio of options is Indian Flat Picnic Site, Cranberry Flat and Mcclendon Beach ($10 day-use fee applies).

4. Take a Hike!

Stargazing in Mariposa County

No one can put a price on hillsides filled with gold – golden California poppies, that is. Take a walk on the Hite Cove Trail in spring to stake your claim. Dance through fields of plush purple, firecracker red and creamsicle orange on what may be the best wildflower walk in the region. More superflora awaits via the Shadow of the Giants Interpretive Trail, a pleasant one-miler with a huge payoff: the Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias.

5. Snow Play Goat Meadow Snowplay Area is under the radar for many, but for those who take the road less traveled, they’ll find pure sled ecstasy. The sledding hill starts at the edge of the parking area and drops into the clearing below, delivering long runs and wild peals of joyful laughter.

6. Take the Shot Take the Shot

There are few landscapes that beg to be photographed more than those in Yosemite Mariposa County. You’ll find people from around the world capturing precious moments with friends and family. Being in the right place at the right time, waiting in breathless anticipation for Mother Nature to arrive and work her magic is a priceless experience – and totally free.

7. Mariposa Walking Tour Grab a map at the Mariposa County Visitor Center and take a self-guided historic tour to the many buildings featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Discover buildings from the boomtown bustle of the mid-1800s as well as charming shops, restaurants, and other contemporary diversions. Mariposa County Courthouse is California’s oldest courthouse and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mariposa County Courthouse

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8. Freebird Mariposa County encompasses a mighty range of Sierra topography and biodiversity, allowing nearly 300 species of birds to thrive. The diversity of habitat attracts a teeming range of feathered mountaineers. The 410acre Stockton Creek Preserve is a magnet for many bird species, and numerous amphibians and reptiles, including the Western Pond Turtle (the West Coast’s only native freshwater turtle).

9. Time Travel Stockton Creek Preserve

The “Best Little Museum of Its Size West of the Mississippi” according to the Smithsonian Institution, the Mariposa Museum & History Center has Gold Rush documents and displays, artwork, photos, and Native American crafts. The Miwuk exhibit contains an awesome collection of baskets, artifacts, and an Umacha, a traditional Miwuk dwelling. Kids 12 and under are free; adults are $5, so practically free!

10. Free Wheeling The free Yosemite Bike Share in Yosemite Valley offers a great way to get around and see the valley floor, including El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls et al. Using the bike share is easy: download the Yosemite Bike Share app, unlock a bike and start pedaling! The Yosemite Conservancy and the National Park Service work together to run the bike-share program.

Northern Mariposa County HIstory Center

EVENTS YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY: Signature Events Mariposa County festivals and special events are about celebrating longstanding traditions, all while taking a plunge into the pool of inspiration whether that’s music, food, history or culture. Set against the stunning backdrop of Yosemite National Park Mariposa County’s annual events are infused with the region’s deep Gold Rush, agricultural and western history.

Mariposa Butterfly Festival: The annual jamboree takes flight with a parade through downtown Mariposa (Mariposa means “butterfly” in Spanish) on Saturday, then gains altitude at the Fairgrounds with two days of live music & tasty food, classic car & truck show, kids’ bounce houses & pony rides, and exotic bird & reptile show – and butterflies.

Usually takes place around the end of April and the start of May

Mariposa Butterfly Festival

Mariposa County Fair: Throwing hay-makers since 1939, the Mariposa County Fair is the undisputed champ when it comes to big-time fun. Families can enjoy agricultural events and competitions, live demonstrations, authentic rodeo and demolition derby and, of course, great food, rides & treats at the carnival midway.

Annually takes place during Labor Day Weekend CoyoteFest: The charming town of Coulterville boasts deep California roots and nowhere is that spirit more on display than at CoyoteFest.

Come saunter down historic Main Street for the CoyoteFest Car Show, the Kids Korner pony rides and petting zoo, an authentic Ti Pi village, food trucks and local crafts. CoyoteFest benefits the Northern Mariposa County History Center.

Usually takes place during the last weekend of September

CoyoteFest

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Hornitos Day of the Dead: Dia De Los Muertos (All Souls’ Day) comes to Southern Mariposa County in the most ethereal way. Every November 2nd, hundreds of candle-wielding celebrants gather for the Hornitos Day of the Dead remembrance. Kicking it off with mariachi music in the town square, the procession follows the narrow streets past the ruins of famed chocolatier Domenico Ghirardelli’s first store, by the dancehall where bandit/hero Joaquin Murietta purportedly built an escape tunnel, and then a short distance uphill to the historic St. Catherine’s Catholic Church.

Takes place annually on All Souls Day

Hornitos Day of the Dead

Merry Mountain Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting: Every year holiday cheer comes to the Old West for the Merry Mountain Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting. The parade kicks off on the historic main street of Mariposa where shopkeepers do it up right with holly jolly trimmings and bells a jingling. After the parade, head over to the landmark Mariposa Courthouse for the tree lighting ceremony.

Usually takes place on one of the first Saturdays of December

Christmas Tree Lighting at the Mariposa County Courthouse

Mariposa Gem and Mineral Show

Mariposa Gem and Mineral Show: Kids love cool rocks, and the Mariposa Gem and Mineral Show brings out the glitter for the whole family. Held at the Mariposa Fairgrounds, it’s a fitting venue considering the town’s Gold Rush roots and features a gem and mineral show, food, demonstrations, raffle and geode cutting.

Usually takes place in early April Mariposa Storytelling: Storytellers unite for the Story Slam! competition in Mariposa. Hosted by Mariposa Storytelling, rotating and thoughtprovoking themes not to mention cash prizes keep things lively for these 5-minute tales in a variety of styles.

Usually takes place in early March Mariposa Yosemite Hot Rod and Custom Car Show: With over a decade of experience tricking out rides, the Mariposa Yosemite Hot Rod & Custom Car Show puts rubber to the road for two days every fall in downtown Mariposa.

Usually takes place in mid-October

Mariposa Storytelling

Mariposa Octoberfest Sausage & Suds Sampler: Twenty different varieties of the best wurst are dished up at the Mariposa County Fairground at the Mariposa Octoberfest Sausage & Suds Sampler. The event features over 100 brews, including Mariposa’s own 1850’s beers, to pair with brats, artisan cheese and other treats from local vendors.

Usually takes place near the end of October Music On The Green: The Music On The Green series brings live outdoor performances to downtown Mariposa’s Art Park every Friday and Saturday night in summer. From folk to country and rock to reggae, concertgoers can enjoy the tunes while sitting on the sloped grass with the majesty of Yosemite National Park.

Weekends in summer

Music On The Green

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Yosemite National Park Earth Day Festival: Can you imagine a better placed to celebrate Earth Day than Yosemite National Park? In addition to simply taking in some of Mother Nature’s best work, Junior Rangers of all ages can explore with Rangerguided tours and learn about native wildlife and how to protect the natural and cultural resources of this region.

Takes place each year on Earth Day

Earth Day

Yosemite Facelift: Founded by Mariposa County local and long-time rock-climbing rock-star, Ken Yager, Yosemite Facelift is a way for the rock climbing community to give back to Yosemite.

The annual week long event brings thousands together with the goal of protecting the park.

Grab a trash bag and help with the cleanup, followed by nightly talks from rock climbing’s top athletes.

Usually takes place annually during the final week of September

Yosemite Facelift

MEETINGS YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY: Meetings Conference rooms getting you down? Get inspired at your next team meeting or retreat with the natural beauty of Mariposa County as your backdrop. The wide array of meeting spaces and unique venues highlight the region’s natural scenery. The wide-open vistas and fresh mountain air set the tone for open minds and fresh ideas.

Tenaya at Yosemite offers the largest conference venue, meeting space and amenities in the Yosemite region in a 4-diamond resort setting. This deluxe hotel and resort has the meeting space to accommodate up to 850 people, though smaller groups will fit right in with customizable meeting spaces and party rooms, intimate board rooms and richly appointed breakout rooms. The resort has many great amenities, including the world-class Ascent Spa, and when it comes to team-building the activity concierge can arrange climbing walls, archery, and winter ice skating and snowshoeing can all be enjoyed right from the front door, not to mention indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Tenaya at Yosemite

The Ahwahnee

The Ahwahnee is the clear choice for historic elegance and majestic meeting spaces. Wellappointed interiors and impeccable service set the stage for elegant solutions and thoughtful discussion. The Ahwahnee accommodates groups of 25 to 150 people across several different small group venues and larger reception areas. This is an excellent location for your awards dinner or special dining function, regardless of the meeting space selected in the Yosemite region.

Yosemite Valley Lodge near the iconic Yosemite Falls offers several unique meeting rooms, including the Cliff Room, Falls and

Yosemite Valley Lodge

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Garden, and the Mountain Room Restaurant is available for groups for first-class daytime meals or concurrent sessions.

Curry Village, rustic and close to nature, provides meeting spaces set below Half Dome. The Curry Village Pavilion accommodates as many as 400 people with options for smaller break-out meeting spaces. You can also consider the outdoor amphitheater for award ceremonies, and presentations beneath the majestic cliffs.

Curry Village

Wawona Hotel is an authentic Victorian-era hotel with vines encircling wrap-around porches and spacious verandas with a view of the immaculate grounds and a nine-hole golf course across the street. Delicious dining options and nearby activities like hiking and horseback riding make this a popular meeting destination for groups of 25 to 150 people.

The Redwoods In Yosemite’s Wedding and Event Center has space for 100-person meetings or seated table service for up to 80. In addition to the spacious interior and adjacent catering kitchen, the center also boasts a wide-open deck area with two large outdoor fireplaces. Organize this space as a dining area or a meeting with a view. The center is surrounded by rental cabins at a variety of bedroom configurations and price points making it ideal for groups.

Wawona Hotel

The Redwoods in Yosemite

Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort is ideal for nurturing the creative spirit. With five different meeting areas across the property and a relaxed, nature-loving vibe, you’ll find your gathering resonating June Bug Café with the environment that makes “The Bug” a popular local destination for artists, thinkers and creatives! The June Bug Café’s Dining Hall, summer deck, and Tenaya Room double as mid-day event space for up to 50 people with buffet and table setups. The Tenaya Room comfortably hosts small groups of up to 16 people as well.

Yosemite View Lodge perches above the wild and scenic Merced River just a few minutes from the Arch Rock Entrance Gate for Yosemite. Two meeting rooms above the River Restaurant and Lounge are perfect for small weddings and small groups. Two conference rooms hold between 45 and 60 people.

Yosemite Cedar Lodge conference room is a popular meeting destination for groups of up to 175 people. The lodge features a full-service meeting and event space that is customizable for your needs.

Yosemite View Lodge

Yosemite Cedar Lodge

AutoCamp lives up to its motto: “Where great design meets the great outdoors.” The Clubhouse’s has meeting space in addition to the spacious lawn which can accommodate up to 100 guests – whether a reception or a yoga class with equal panache. Meanwhile, the scenic private Upper Flat is perfect for cocktails or wedding ceremonies.

AutoCamp Clubhouse

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For inquires about Yosemite Mariposa County: Tony McDaniel - tonym@yosemite.com Jennifer Sweeney - jennifer@jsweeneycomms.com

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