Go the Distance – Work, Learn, Stay and Play in Yosemite Mariposa County
If 2020 taught anything to a large portion of the workforce, its that their jobs can be done from anywhere. Major companies like Apple, Workforce, Microsoft and countless more have gone to a work-from-home system. California schools have adopted distance learning as the new standard. While juggling remote work with distance learning is challenging for everyone in the family bubble, the option of working and learning from home has also created interesting possibilities.
Enter Yosemite Mariposa County. Creatively blending the new normal of work/study with quality outdoor adventure, natural beauty and authentic learning experiences, Mariposa County offers working parents the chance to swap their heels and wing-tips for waffle soles and “reboot” in an iconic national park paradise. Mariposa County has one of California’s lowest COVID-19 infection rates while at the same time possessing majestic landscapes, rich history and modern amenities. The result? Families can turn their base camp into a “base campus” with front-door access to quality outdoor recreation.
Educate From Anywhere
Tenaya Lodge’s Explorer Cabins offer space for the whole family to spread out, learn and work just minutes from Yosemite National Park.
The new rules and logistics of “school” are placing an unprecedented burden of screen time on parents and kids alike. Moving your “campus” to the Yosemite Mariposa region for a few days, a week or even a month can help balance digital with real life.
Imagine three hours of Zoomstyle distance learning followed by a locally-sourced organic lunch, and an afternoon’s field trip hiking to Yosemite Falls. Parent-teachers can even throw some math, geology, hydrodynamics, and poetry into the mix. Extra credit: Native American and Gold Rush history, botany, biology, animal tracking and birdwatching. Trailblazers get straight A’s, and just imagine the marvelous family team-building possibilities.
Properties like Autocamp Yosemite offer comfortable and chic amenities with great connectivity to inspire creativity in a beautiful environment.
Mariposa County has you covered with quality lodging options for your edutourism stay. Vacation rentals, fully-featured hotels and resorts such as Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, and places like Autocamp, where glamping meets dependable Wi-fi and offers a refreshing re-set. Pro tip: your Yosemite National Park pass is valid for seven consecutive days – make the most of it!
Take Your Vacation Already!
Call it the COVID standoff: companies want people to take vacation time, but with travel plans on hold due to the pandemic they’re hoarding days off. Workers have taken 25% to 30% fewer vacation days this year compared with normal years, a trend with implications not only for employee wellness.
The solution? Take advantage of the possibilities created by the brand-new normal and bubble up to the clean, clear air of Yosemite Mariposa. Only three to four hours’ drive from the Bay Area, Mariposa County is open and safe. It’s a win-win during a time when we could all use a little less stress and a lot more bliss.
To start planning your getaway, visit yosemite.com for information about lodging, dining, and things to do.
Yosemite National Park is home to many incredible attractions—magnificent granite cliffs, extraordinary wildlife and bright beds of lively wildflowers—but what really drives visitors to make their way to Yosemite? The chance to see Yosemite’s famous waterfalls.
Yosemite waterfalls are some of the largest in North America and a hike to the top results in stunning views many have only dreamt about. Yosemite waterfalls reach peak flow during late spring, specifically May and June when most of the snowmelt occurs. Each waterfall in Yosemite has an approximate peak flow season and some of them flow year-round.
While hiking to waterfalls in Yosemite is quite popular, many waterfalls can be accessed without undertaking a steep, all-day hike. From Glacier Point Road, visitors can head on an easy stroll to vista point where a quick glance to the right offers views of the Merced River as it makes its decent down Nevada Fall to Vernal Fall before hitting the valley floor. Views of both Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall can be grabbed from the Yosemite Valley floor, Sentinel Meadow and Cooks Meadow Loop via a series of boardwalks that have no elevation gain, too. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely jaunt or looking for more of a challenge, you can find waterfalls in Yosemite to fit your activity level.
Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Fall & Horsetail Fall
Yosemite Falls, Sentinel Fall and Horsetail Fall are some of the tallest waterfalls in Yosemite.
Yosemite Falls (on the cover), the world’s fifth tallest waterfall, is actually made up of three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall at 1,430 feet, the middle cascades at 675 feet, and Lower Yosemite Fall at 320 feet. Lower Yosemite Falls trail is an easy hike, but many visitors can’t stop themselves from trekking to Upper Yosemite Falls, which is 2,425 feet tall and ranked as the highest waterfall in North America. Hiking Upper Yosemite Falls is like hiking the Empire State Building—twice. The hike is pretty demanding with quite a few switchbacks, so don’t forget sunscreen and bring plenty of water. We promise the views are worth it. Check out the Yosemite Falls webcam for a current view of the falls!
While Yosemite Falls is the tallest, Sentinel Fall is a close second at about 2,000 feet and usually flows from March through June, with a peak flow in May. Located in the south side of Yosemite Valley, this Yosemite waterfall is comprised of multiple cascading pieces that range anywhere from 50 – 500 feet in height. You can see Sentinel Fall from across Yosemite Valley near Leidig Meadow, or more clearly from Southside Drive near Sentinel Beach Picnic Area.
Finally, Horsetail Fall generally flows from December through April. Horsetail Fall is located on the east side of El Capitan. To see Horsetail Fall, park at the El Capitan Picnic Area on Northside Drive west of Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Another famous Yosemite waterfall is Chilnualna Falls. Take a full-day hike to a yearround, steady flowing fall in the southern region of the park. Chilnualna Fall is located in Wawona and cannot be seen from the road.
If you’re in the northern part of Yosemite National Park, you’re bound to find some roaring falls at Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. John Muir once described the beauty of the Hetch Hetchy area as more beautiful than all of Yosemite Valley. The region was a valley prior to the construction of the O’shaughnessy Dam, and John Muir often wrote about the valley and its offerings in his travels. The trail leading around the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is flat and eventually leads to Wapama Fall. From there, you can continue to the cascades at Rancheria Flat.
Tips for Staying Safe on Yosemite Waterfall Hikes
When visiting Yosemite National Park, it is important to remember that many visitors will want to see the same iconic Yosemite waterfalls you do. To reach the best views, it will take some work, as hikes to waterfalls such as Yosemite Falls are steeper and can take most of the day.
Enjoying Yosemite National Park waterfalls is a favorite activity among travelers and hikers from all over the world but staying safe in the park is a priority. Whether you choose to take part in viewing some of the most beautiful and tallest waterfalls in the United States in spring or to make the trip to the valley in the later months of the year, there will always be something beautiful to see.
If you are planning to visit Yosemite National Park during the peak season for waterfalls, which is by far early spring, remember to pack appropriately. Always bring extra water, food and an extra pair of socks. Make sure that your hiking boots are good and worn in and you’ve packed a raincoat. Because we’re not kidding when we say the waterfalls will be roaring.
Yosemite waterfall hikes range anywhere from easy to difficult, and there are several handicap accessible trails as well, so no matter what level of hiker you are, you will be able to reach at least one Yosemite waterfall when you visit the park. Just make sure to do your research on the hike and its difficulty, review the rules of the trail and remember to waterproof your camera!
Check out our guide to Yosemite hiking trails with waterfalls to get a better idea of your options in Yosemite National Park (yosemite.com/ guide-yosemite-hiking-trailswith-waterfalls/). And always abide by posted safety signs, roped off areas and warnings.
The Zone. We’ve all been there. Lungs full of fresh air, thoughts crisp and focused as we achieve that blissed-outyet-energized state of oneness with our natural surroundings. Here in Yosemite Mariposa, the Zone awaits daredevils and nature lovers alike with a torrent of outdoor adventures travel opportunities all set in a mountain paradise unlike anywhere else on the planet.
Whether it’s rafting big water on the Merced River or climbing big walls like El Capitan, mountain biking down a gonzo fire road in the Sierra National Forest or skydiving from 14,000 feet as Half Dome stands guard in the distance, Yosemite Mariposa is a prime destination for all thrill levels and budgets. Here is a fiveday itinerary to get your heart pumping and your chi flowing on your next outdoor travel adventure.
Outdoor Adventure Travel Day One: Hiking
Day hikes in Yosemite Valley like Cloud’s Rest provide a challenge that results in views of Yosemite Valley that very few hikers get to experience.
Clouds Rest (via Sunrise Lakes Trailhead)
Distance: 14.2 miles (22.9 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: 1,775 ft (541 m)
Visitors to Yosemite can’t help but be awestruck when looking up at the prominent knife of granite known as Clouds Rest. Standing behind Half Dome like a big brother, its narrow ridge at the summit and lengthy approach make this hike truly challenging and requires at least a half-day trip to reach the end, yet it is wholly gratifying. The route begins along Tioga Road at the Sunrise Lakes Trailhead (8,150 feet) next to “Jewel of the High Country” Tenaya Lake. The first 1.5 miles of the hike are relatively flat but then the outdoor travel fun begins. A series of switchbacks climb 1,000 feet over the next mile giving way to a gentler climb over the next four-plus miles until reaching the summit of Clouds Rest (9,926 feet). Once there, pat yourself on the back and exalt in views of Half Dome and the dramatic Tenaya Canyon as it cascades down to Yosemite Valley.
Half Dome (via the Mist Trail) Distance: 17 miles (27.4 km) roundtrip Elevation Gain: 4,800 ft (1,463 m) Considered one of the most challenging day hikes in the world, Half Dome’s greatness lies not only in the sense of reward from calories burned but its incredible beauty inside one of the most gorgeous national parks. From the mist-soaked granite staircase along Vernal Falls to the iconic chunk of granite that marks your final ascent, this butt-kicker of a trail is a true accomplishment for those who want to test their Yosemite Mariposa mettle. Half Dome features a cable system to assist hikers in reaching its 8,842 ft (2,695 m) peak that goes up seasonally in mid-may and comes down mid-october. Permits are required via a preseason lottery (every March, with approximately 225 permits issued for each day of the hiking season) and a daily lottery (two days prior to the desired hike, with approximately 50 permits issued for each day). Be sure to plan ahead for your departure date. Apply for permits here. Of course, it goes without saying that hiking Half Dome requires excellent physical condition and necessary outdoor adventure travel gear/supplies, most importantly bringing at least 4 liters of water per person.
Day Two: Rock Climbing
Mariposa Yosemite is a climbing mecca. With its granite walls, knobs, pinnacles and domes, world-class ascents can be found whether you’re free climbing, aid climbing, free soloing or bouldering. In fact, the standard means of rating the difficulty of all climbs in North America is the Yosemite Decimal System (YDS), a tip of the hat to this bastion of worthy pitches.
Yosemite Valley Climbing
Whether tackling a 3,000 foot (900 m) wall like The Nose of El Capitan or bouldering around Camp 4 with some friends or small groups, Yosemite Valley granite is nothing if not popular. The most difficult climbs might require an extra day or two bivying on a ledge, but beginners should consider hiring a guide from the Yosemite Mountaineering School & Guide Service to literally learn the ropes on their outdoor travel adventure.
High Country/tuolumne Meadows Climbing
There’s room to roam once you get out of the Valley and hit the High Country of Yosemite. Tuolumne Meadows has that prehistoric feel, and you easily envision dinosaurs tromping along the meandering Tuolumne River between forest and unique extrusions of rock. An easy scramble up Pothole Dome is just a short distance from Tioga Road, and can be finished off with a dip in the Pothole Dome Cascades on the backside. Try Tenaya Peak for a great introduction to alpine climbs with only a 20 foot section higher than a 5.4 YDS rating. Craving some challenging bouldering problems? Solve away in areas with names like Puppy Boulders and The Gunks. Supertopo offers useful guidebooks to help find the right chunk of granite.
Day Three: Whitewater Rafting/kayaking/hiking
A river runs through it, indeed! With haystacks, funnels and hairy drops, the rush of whitewater along the mighty Merced River tingles the spine and satisfies the most ardent thrill-seekers. Changing its vibe with the seasons, spring snowmelt from the High Sierra rumbles through the steep Merced River canyon creating high and fast runs (Class IV) then — as summer progresses and the flow decreases — transforms into easy Class I ripples. If you’re looking for an outdoor travel company to guide your rafting experience, local outfitters such as Sierra Mac, OARS, Whitewater Excitement and Zephyr have years of experience running the Merced and offer half-day and full-day trips. A mile-by-mile guide to rapids with such names as Nightmare Alley, Stark Reality and Corner Pocket is a fun way to get an aerial view of what you’re about to experience.
Kayaking has become increasingly popular on the Merced, with the same rules applying: safety is a function of experience, time of year, and flow. Paddle to your heart’s desire, but beware of exposed rocks and always wear a helmet. A great flatwater option is heading downriver to Bagby Recreation Area where the Merced River Arm feeds Lake Mcclure. Historic Highway 49 crosses the river here, and the rolling oak-studded hills create yet another unique mood to the ever-dynamic Merced.
If spring has already sprung, you can hike areas of the Merced River Canyon and swim and explore along the way. Great hotel options for river canyon exploration at Yosemite View Lodge or Cedar Lodge in El Portal if you need a break from the outdoors part of your outdoor travel adventure.
Day Four: Skydiving/hang Gliding
We saved the biggest thrill in our Yosemite Mariposa quest for the final day. Getting airborne. Sure, it isn’t cheap, but the cost is commensurate with the experience — being one of the few who can claim they’ve jumped out of a plane with Yosemite National Park as their tandem.
Skydive Yosemite
Located at the MariposaYosemite Airport, Skydive Yosemite is the only skydiving option with a bird’s-eye view of iconic El Capitan and Half Dome. Dives can be reserved from 10K, 12K and 14K feet, including options such as an aerial tour of Yosemite National Park and professional video as you tug that ripcord amid the
roar and rush of adrenaline. Skydive Yosemite is family-run and staffed with experienced jumpmasters and pilots to help you take that big, exhilarating leap. Check here for special pricing and availability.
Hang Gliding
Keeping the local birds of prey company, the non-profit Mother Lode Sky Riders Association (MLSRA) promotes foot-launched flying out of its Lake Mcclure location. With over 80 miles of horseshoeshaped shoreline and situated at 867 ft (264 m), Lake Mcclure is a magnificent setting as the rugged Sierra mountains loom in the distance. The site once hosted a record 300 gliders on a single day (1986) and operates with permission from the Merced Irrigation District. Pilots must be an MLSRA member and have a USHPA pilot rating of 3+ in order to access the launch site.
Where to Stay During Your Outdoor Travel
The beauty of adventure travel in Yosemite Mariposa is not only the terrain but the slew of lodging choices it provides. Whether it’s #vanlife or a cozy hotel, setting up base camp is an essential part of a thrill-packed journey.
Campgrounds/rv Parks
One of the newest, coolest and most sought after places to stay in America right now is Autocamp Yosemite.
For those ballin’ on a budget, campgrounds abound not only in Yosemite National Park but throughout Sierra and Stanislaus National Forests. Deep in the woods, along the shores of Lake Mcclure or the banks of the Merced River, there’s a site for everyone that goes easy on the ATM.
Mobile comfort is a popular option these days, and there are numerous Rv-friendly parks in Yosemite Mariposa that are great for keeping some space while also providing the freedom to explore during your outdoor travel. For those who want to glamp without all the hauling fuss, Autocamp is just 10 minutes from the Merced River and offers finelyappointed Airstream trailers set on a 35-acre property complete with a communal sky deck for
stargazing and swimming pool.
Hotels & Lodges
If you want a soft spot to land after a full day of pounding, paddling or plummeting, Yosemite Mariposa boasts an array of hotels & motels as well as cabin & Airbnb rentals. Need a rejuvenating massage at a world-class resort to get you ready for the next day? Rent one of the Tenaya Lodge’s spacious Explorer Cabins and relax with the Hiker’s Trek Treatment. Want something a little more down-home? With its 1930’s vibe, the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort offers cabins on stilts in a small Midpines valley with a stream coursing through. In El Portal, Cedar Lodge and Yosemite View Lodge put you right near the action on the Merced River as well as just a stone’s throw from the gate to Yosemite National Park.
(Note: Due to state and local restrictions relating to the COVID-19, please contact destinations for current hours of operation.)
Mariposa County offers a full complement of unique places and distinctive things to do in and around Yosemite. If you’re looking for cool places to visit in California, no need to look farther. From soaring above Half Dome to sipping estatepressed olive oil and riding into the sequoias on horseback, here’s an insider’s list of unique places to visit in California.
For the Foodie:
Butterfly Creek Winery
The beautiful Butterfly Creek Winery in Mariposa is a great place to sample local wine, but also take in some gorgeous southern Sierra views. Butterfly Creek Winery produces wines that perfectly express Sierra foothill terroir. Start with 200 acres of granitic Sierra loam soil, add mountain spring water plus crystal-clear air, and fine wine is the natural result. Set in the picturesque Snow Creek area north of Bootjack, Butterfly Creek’s tasting room is open Tuesday – Sunday 11 to 5, and by appointment.
Sierra Cider
This Mariposa cidery in the heart of California gold
country creates liquid “gold” from estate-grown heritage apples. Orchard tastings start in mid-march to experience the flavorful Farmhouse Style (tasting notes: English Bittersweets) or Early Harvest (honey and apple blossom, extra-sparkly and great with food). One of the more unique places to visit in California if you’re into beverage-making, Sierra Cider offers a true taste of the Golden State. Sip artisan cider in a one-of-a-kind, onlyin-mariposa setting.
Costalivos Mountain Gold Olive Oil
At Costalivos estate, the heritage olive grove is warmed by the California sun and watered by fresh glacial underground mountain springs. The Costa family carefully tends their olive trees to produce the highest quality fruits, which are hand-picked and cold-pressed to yield most flavorful extra virgin olive oils. The Costalivos Mountain Gold Olive Oil Tasting Room is located on Highway 140 in Mariposa.
For the Horse Lover:
Yosemite Trails Whether you take a five-hour trip through the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias or the one-hour Big Creek crossing, Yosemite Trails offers unique journeys into the woods and back in time. Just off Highway 41 near Fish Camp, the Yosemite Trails ranch is close to Yosemite National Park’s south entrance and Tenaya Lodge.
For the Whole Family:
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Perhaps the Sierra’s most heralded all-family resort,
Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite has the right stuff for parents and kids alike. The Kid’s Adventure Course, archery lessons, rock wall, flashlight hikes, and pools everywhere make Tenaya pure paradise for kids, while the Ascent Spa offers next-level bliss for Mom and Dad. Located on Highway 41 in Fish Camp, it’s just two miles from Yosemite National Park’s south gate.
Goat Meadow Snow Play Area
Here’s your under-the-radar sledding hill, located just off Highway 41 in the Sierra National Forest between Fish Camp and Yosemite National Park. Tubing, sledding, and allaround snow play are featured. Since it’s located at just over 5,000 feet elevation, cooler temperatures and low snow levels are required conditions, so be sure to check the snow report.
Prospect Yosemite
Mariposa County was a Gold Rush hub, with rich veins of ore and history intertwined. The legacy lives on at Prospect Yosemite, where guests join old-time miners to seek their fortune at a historic mining site. Riverside gold panning is also offered for groups of six or more. If you’re looking for unique things to do in California that history buffs will love, you’ll strike gold here!
For the Art Lover:
Sierra Artists’ Gallery
The Sierra Artists’ Gallery is a cooperative gallery displaying
works by local artists located in downtown Mariposa. Works include paintings, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, cards, and gifts, all tastefully displayed and available for purchase.
Ansel Adams Gallery
Ansel Adams is photo laureate of the American West. The Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite Valley is the singular showcase of the Yosemite Sierra “Range of Light” that Adams captured in his famous Hasselblad camera. The gallery has the most extensive collection of his original photographs for sale in the world, not to mention beautiful photo books and prints for the more modest budget.