Mariposa

Travel Guide

Mariposa featuring mountains and tranquil scenes
Mariposa which includes heritage elements and signage
Mariposa
Mariposa which includes flowers and signage
Mariposa

Experience the welcoming community spirit and Gold Rush history in this town at the edge of Yosemite National ParkOpens in a new window and all its natural wonders.

Visit the easygoing town of Mariposa, a popular layover for travelers on the way to Yosemite ValleyOpens in a new window’s spectacular wilderness. Mariposa got its start in 1849 as a gold mining settlement. At the heart of Mariposa County, it is the southernmost town on California’s historic Gold Rush Trail.

Wander along the streets of the Historic Old Town, which retains some appearances of the bygone Gold Rush era. Find hotels, restaurants and shops housed in 19th-century wooden buildings characterized by their colorful façades and shuttered windows. Spot architectural landmarks such as Mariposa County’s Old Stone Jail and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Inaugurated in 1854, Mariposa County Courthouse is California’s oldest courthouse still in operation.

Browse collections of mining artifacts and examples of indigenous dwellings at Mariposa Museum and History Center. The California State Mining and Mineral Museum delves deeper into the town’s mining history, offering an impressive display of gold, gems and minerals. See works of local artists at the Sierra Artists Gallery.

Enjoy a gentle stroll along Mariposa Creek Pathway, a scenic trail bordered by native California plants. It cuts through Mariposa Arts Park, which hosts free concerts during the summer. Spend an afternoon at Mariposa County Park, a wooded area with barbecue grills, picnic tables, tennis courts and a skate park. Ride amusement attractions, attend a rodeo and watch a demolition derby at September’s Mariposa County Fair.

Come to Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch for some family fun. Travel above the treetops on a zip line, challenge your agility on an aerial rope course, pan for gold and participate in a Wild West shootout. Experience California’s acclaimed viniculture with a tour and tasting session at Butterfly Creek Winery.

Reach Mariposa by flying to San Francisco International Airport, about 170 miles (270 kilometers) to the west, and renting a car. Mariposa County incorporates Yosemite Valley, the majestic heart of Yosemite National Park. Extend your trip to discover hiking trails, imposing granite cliffs and waterfalls, forming some of the most spectacular U.S. scenery.

Miners Inn
Miners Inn
2 out of 5
5181 Highway 49 N, Mariposa, CA
Stay at this hotel in Mariposa. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Very pleasant nice stay"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Miners Inn
Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel
Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel
2.5 out of 5
4999 Highway 140, Mariposa, CA
The price is RM927 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
RM927
RM1,052 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Mariposa. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great location, rooms very clean and comfortables! Breakfast was excellent as well!"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel
AutoCamp Yosemite
AutoCamp Yosemite
4 out of 5
6323 CA-140, Mariposa, CA
The price is RM1,278 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
RM1,278
RM1,600 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star lodge in Mariposa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (546 reviews)
"This place was a great experience. Beautiful airstreams. Very clean"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

AutoCamp Yosemite
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping
Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping
1 out of 5
4808 California 140, Mariposa, CA
Stay at this campground in Mariposa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch and California ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (158 reviews)
5 stars
"This was my first time glamping and it was amazing"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping
Romantic Forest Loversnest by Casa Oso
Romantic Forest Loversnest by Casa Oso
2 out of 5
Mariposa
Stay at this vacation home in Mariposa. Enjoy free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Butterfly Creek Winery and Cold Spring are located nearby.
Romantic Forest Loversnest by Casa Oso
Sierra Meadows
Sierra Meadows
3 out of 5
46513 Opah Dr., Ahwahnee, CA
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Ahwahnee. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (779 reviews)
"Nice and quiet! Staff was friendly"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

Sierra Meadows
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Mariposa

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 48%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Mariposa is a great place. I would be prepared to stay there again if we visited Yosemite on another occassion

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely town just outside Yosemite National Park

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Good supermarket, pioneer supermarket but a sleepy town!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Mariposa is a very small town. Everything is located along a one mile stretch of road. All your basic needs are catered for.