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 travellers 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 characterised by their colourful 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 artefacts and examples of indigenous dwellings at Mariposa Museum and History Centre. 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 kilometres) 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"The staff was great. The property was convenient for either north or south entrance to Yosemite, especially if visiting both. The room was good except the bathtub drain was 3/4 plugged and filled 1/4 full when taking a shower. The shower curtain is torn in multiple spots. The sink was missing a stopper. ..."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Miners Inn
AutoCamp Yosemite

AutoCamp Yosemite

4 out of 5
6323 CA-140, Mariposa, CA
The price is RM799 per night from 13 Nov to 14 Nov
RM799
RM1,077 total
13 Nov - 14 Nov
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! (579 reviews)
"Staying in a beautifully furnished Airstream, excellent - what more can you say. Very comfortable and spacious Airstream. Short walk to main lodge, which was very chilled, staff friendly, excellent strong coffee and granola. Good location for Yosemite."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

AutoCamp Yosemite
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 RM531 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
RM531
RM603 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Best Western Plus Yosemite Way Station Motel
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! (211 reviews)
"We loved our time at Wildhaven. It felt like camping but a warm, dry, and relaxing place to unwind from the activity of the day. The showers were clean, and the bathrooms were great. The dishwashing station and shared cooking area were all well kept and clean. We will stay here again."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping
Pet Friendly Mariposa Retreat w/ Spacious Patio!

Pet Friendly Mariposa Retreat w/ Spacious Patio!

3 out of 5
Mariposa
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly cottage in Mariposa. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and a pool table. Popular attractions Butterfly Creek Winery and California ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Great cabin for vacation and entertainment
"In great condition, plenty of rooms and bed space. A lot of entertainment, especially love the pool table. The host is very thoughtful, all our needs are met. Just a small suggestion, we cannot find any band aid, hope there could be some prepared."

Reviewed on 29 Sept 2025

Pet Friendly Mariposa Retreat w/ Spacious Patio!
33 Mi to Yosemite NP: Custom Log Home w/ Deck!

33 Mi to Yosemite NP: Custom Log Home w/ Deck!

3 out of 5
Mariposa
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Mariposa. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Butterfly Creek Winery and Cold Spring are located ...
33 Mi to Yosemite NP: Custom Log Home w/ Deck!
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.