Mariposa Grove is the largest giant sequoia grove in Yosemite National Park and is home to more than 500 mature giant sequoias. Mariposa County is home to Yosemite National Park. Alongside this distinctive natural feature, historic sites, collections, and a variety of trails shape the region’s attractions.
Giant Sequoias and Trails Throughout the Year
In winter, the trails in Mariposa Grove remain open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Mariposa Grove Road is a separate matter: it is closed to cars from late November until at least April 1. Winter conditions can change; check them before your trip.
Wildflowers on the Hite Cove Trail usually reach their peak from March to May. The trail is closed in summer because of fire danger; in winter, some sections may be inaccessible because of poor trail conditions. These seasonal notes highlight how much conditions can vary from one trail to another.
For 28 miles, the Merced River Trail follows the former route of the Yosemite Valley Railroad from Bagby on Highway 49 to El Portal, near the Arch Rock Entrance to Yosemite National Park. Important for planning: the entire trail is not maintained. Keep its length and this note in mind when considering the route.
Along the Merced River and on Other Trails
The Merced River Recreation Management Area is downstream from Yosemite. Activities there include whitewater boating, wildflower viewing, camping, swimming, and recreational gold panning or prospecting. The area is known for gold panning and prospecting; hiking is possible year-round.
The Stockton Creek Preserve Trail is designated for hiking and mountain biking and passes through Stockton Creek Preserve, which features Stockton Creek, a small lake, and a waterfall. Check local trail conditions before setting out. Splash-N-Dash Aqua Park is also located on Lake McClure in northwestern Mariposa County; its seasonal operating schedule may vary.
Gold Rush History and Historic Sites
Mormon Bar was first mined in 1849 by members of the Mormon Battalion. The Mariposa County Courthouse was built in 1854 and is considered the oldest continuously operating courthouse west of the Rocky Mountains. The two dates tell different chapters of the region’s history: the beginnings of mining and a historic courthouse that continues to serve as one today.
Another important date is June 30, 1864. On that day, an act signed by President Abraham Lincoln transferred Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Big Tree Grove to the State of California for public use, recreation, and enjoyment. It was also the first authorization at the federal level in the United States to preserve scenic and scientific values for public benefit.
Museums, Collections, and Archives
The California State Mining and Mineral Museum collection was started in 1880 and comprises more than 13,000 objects. The museum includes a mine tunnel and a working scale model of an ore stamp mill. This extends the story of mining beyond historic sites to a substantial collection and engaging exhibits.
The Mariposa Museum & History Center explores the history of Indigenous people, Spanish settlement, the California Gold Rush, Yosemite, and Mariposa County in its exhibits. Its tours cover the history of the town of Mariposa, the local Southern Sierra Miwuk, the regional Gold Rush, and mining. Check in advance to see whether a tour is available.
The Yosemite Archives are located in El Portal on Highway 140, just west of the park. An appointment is required to use the archival collections; check the current requirements before your visit.
Plan Your Trip and Stay
Yosemite Area Regional Transportation (YARTS) offers seasonal public transportation to Wawona. Check the schedule before traveling.
Discover more destinations: Wawona, Mariposa, El Portal, Coulterville, Buck Meadows, Yosemite Valley, Bootjack, Midpines, Yosemite National Park, North Wawona.
Return to the main travel overview: California.
