Page 106 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to California

Spring Awakening in
YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY
B Y L A Y N E R A N D O L P H
ADVENTURE,
SCENIC, TIMELESS
HISTORIC
Yosemite Mariposa
County Tourism Bureau
Yosemite.com
YOSEMITE FALLS, YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK,
California, above; Family visits Coulterville, CA,
below.
Just a short drive from the Bay Area,
Sacramento, and Southern California,
Yosemite Mariposa County offers an
accessible and unforgettable escape into
Yosemite’s wild landscapes and quiet his-
tory. In spring, this magnificence is
intensified by the clarity of the sky, the
rushing sound of waterfalls, and the flora
that fills the valley. From April to June, the
wildflowers are in full bloom, and the
waterfalls are at their most spectacular.
In Yosemite Mariposa County, you’ll dis-
cover an ideal spring destination for nature
lovers, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.
A Tapestry of Natural Beauty
Yosemite Mariposa County stretches over
1,460 square miles, where the sweeping
foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains
rise to meet the towering heights of
Yosemite National Park. Once the largest
county in California, it now stands as a rich
mosaic of natural wonders, a bucket list
destination for the world’s explorers.
Fittingly, Mariposa is Spanish for but-
terfly, a symbol of nature’s renewal,
symbolizing how Mariposa County bursts
to life each year. Fueled by melting snow,
Yosemite’s waterfalls roar with life, and
wildflowers color the meadows. Orange
California poppies, lavender lupines, and
vibrant red snow plants create an awe-
inspiring living canvas in spring. One of the
best places to see California poppies is the
Merced River Canyon, where golden fields
sway like a sea of color. Further south, the
immense and ancient giant sequoias of
Mariposa Grove stand tall as majestic sen-
tinels of history. These trees—some over
3,000 years old—will leave you speechless.
Gold Rush Meets Nature’s Majesty
Although the lush valleys and towering
peaks are otherworldly, Yosemite Mariposa
County offers even more than that. It’s
also a place steeped in the rich history of
California’s Gold Rush era. The historic
streets of towns like Mariposa and
Coulterville, with their vintage wooden
storefronts and antique shops, offer
glimpses of the people who shaped this
land. These Gold Rush-era towns offer
must-see museums like the Museum and
History Center and the California State
Mining and Mineral Museum, which
showcase the state’s mining history and
geology. These museums cement their
significance in regional and national
history. The introspective step back in
time complements the majestic,
untamed wilderness and adds a layer of
intrigue for history enthusiasts.
Something for Everyone
Yosemite shines as the region’s star, and
during the shift from winter to spring, it
opens its doors to the world. As the snow-
capped peaks thaw, they become a
playground for adventurers. Hiking the
Mist Trail to Vernal Falls has been described
as ethereal, and taking in the view from
Glacier Point, you’ll find yourself mesmer-
ized by the grandeur of this iconic
landscape. Hike through ancient forests,
bike along scenic trails, or raft the Merced
River as it swells with spring runoff; there’s
an activity for everyone. From the towering
cliffs of granite El Capitan to the sweeping
vistas of Half Dome, Yosemite Mariposa
County offers a resplendent springtime
adventure for the senses and soul.
104 2025-26 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY TOURISM BUREAU