YOSEMITE MARIPOSA COUNTY

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 history. 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 discover 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 butterfly, 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 sentinels 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 mesmerized 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.