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Recommendations

Let's get you out and exploring!

Here's our favorite things to do when visiting Yosemite and Mariposa.



* Yosemite National PArk *


Hikes

  • Super Easy: Walk the paved path to the base of Yosemite Falls and marvel at its 2,400-foot drop
  • Easy: Take the mostly flat Mirror Lake trail to the lake and bask in a Half Dome reflection view
  • Moderate: Nothing beats the Mist Falls Trail to Nevada Falls (particularly in waterfall season of May to June/July) & looping back via the incredibly scenic John Muir trail
  • Challenging: If it's a one-of-a-kind Stairmaster hike with a view you're seeking, try Yosemite Falls before late summer when the falls loses a lot of its majestic power

Other Ways To Move

  • Go horseback riding: The national park has a stable with horses and mules right on the valley floor
  • Bike the valley floor: Spend more time outdoors by renting a bike and cruising the park's great network of paths
  • Go rock climbing: The park has a mountaineering school that offers lessons from beginner to advanced
  • Glide on ice:  From Nov-March, it's a wondrous feeling to skate outdoors at Curry Village Ice rink in the heart of the valley
  • Float the Merced: A refreshing way to explore the valley. Great for a calm-water, summer day. Rent a raft to float from Curry Village to Sentinel Beach

Mellower Activities

  • Picnic on a beach: There are actually beaches in Yosemite. We like the view at Sentinel Beach. Grab some picnic supplies at Curry Village before heading over
  • Get the Tunnel View: You'll want to visit this spot on your trip. We recommend later in the day while the sun is still up. You want the light behind you, lighting up this famous view
  • Drive to Glacier Point: Yes, it's worth the driving time to arrive at one of the most unique viewpoints in the park
  • Take a park tour: Choose from 2-hour, 4-hour, or all-day tram and bus tours of park highlights
  • Do Yoga in Yosemite: Sign up for an unforgettable, guided yoga or meditation class held inside the park with our friends from Yogasemite.


* Mariposa & SURROUNDINGS *


Dining


Tasting Experiences


  • Beer: We love the wide variety of tasty brews at 1850 Brewery
  • Wine: Just one mile from your tent or cabin, we recommend swinging by Casto Oaks on main street
  • Cider: Take a short country drive to sample the tasty offerings and scenic outdoor tasting room at Sierra Cider. Enjoy their petting zoo, tours, and beautiful orchard views

Water Activities


  • Rafting: Run the wild Merced river with OARS or Zephyr
  • Boating: Visit the marina at Bass Lake in Oakhurst for boat & jet ski rental. 45 minutes away
  • Swimming: The Briceburg area has great summertime swimming holes. Head downriver from Highway 120 on the dirt road to find some beautiful spots to jump in. 20 minutes away
  • Fishing: Check out the best spots for fishing and fly fishing

Family fun


OTHER NATURE ACTIVITIES


  • Waterfall Hike & Bar With a View: Travel to Bass lake to hike the Angel Falls trail and wash it down with a tasty meal at the marina bar, seated over the water
  • Hite's Cove: A beautiful hike just outside the park is Hite's Cove, which follows a scenic section of the Merced River. Best in April (when wildflowers bloom) or Fall/winter (since there isn't much sun protection)
  • Skydive: Get a bird's eye view of the Sierra Nevadas and Yosemite with Skydive Yosemite
  • Climbing Museum: Learn about the history and evolution of climbing by exploring the photography, artifacts, and hardware at the Yosemite Climbing Museum.

CLOSEST ESSENTIALS


  • Grocery Stores: Pioneer Market is the main game in town, while High Country offers a great selection of healthier items
  • Pharmacy: Check out the Rite Aid at the north end of town
  • Hospital: John C. Fremont Healthcare District operates the nearest hospital with emergency services
  • Gas Station: You've got 3 options in Mariposa (Grizzly, Stage Stop, and Chevron) as well as Cathy's Valley Food & Gas 11 miles back toward Merced
  • Electric Car Charging: There's a Tesla Supercharger at the Pioneer Market mentioned above. Wildhaven currently does not provide electric car charging stations
  • Camping Supplies: The Ace Hardware at the corner of 49 and 120 has a great selection.

Need more Tips?


Ask away! Call our Guest Services Team from 9-6 any day at 209-966-4808.

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