The best walks and hikes in Mariposa County

Mariposa County offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 230 trails recorded on komoot. These range from easy strolls to challenging ascents, catering to all skill levels.

Yes, Mariposa County has many accessible options. The Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias offers an easy walk among ancient trees. Outside of Yosemite, the Wawona Meadow Loop and Tenaya Loop provide gentle strolls, often with beautiful wildflowers in spring and early summer. The Merced River Trail also has easy sections perfect for a relaxed outing.

Mariposa County is renowned for its waterfalls. Within Yosemite National Park, you can experience the iconic Vernal Falls and Yosemite Falls. Outside the park, the Lewis Creek Trail leads to Corlieu Falls and the more powerful Red Rock Falls, while Diana Falls along Bean Creek offers a relaxing hike to a seasonal swimming hole, best visited in spring and early summer.

While many trails within Yosemite National Park have restrictions on dogs, the historic Merced River Trail is a notable dog-friendly option, offering year-round hiking along the river. Other dog-friendly trails include the Tenaya Loop and the Wawona Meadow Loop, which are great for a gentle walk with your leashed pet.

Mariposa County's trails offer diverse natural beauty. You can explore ancient Giant Sequoia groves, such as the Tuolumne Grove, or witness the majestic granite formations and thundering waterfalls of Yosemite National Park. Many trails, like the Merced River Trail and the Hite Cove Trail, are also known for vibrant wildflower displays in spring. You can also find stunning lakes like Mirror Lake and Tenaya Lake, and impressive peaks such as Sentinel Dome.

Yes, several loop trails offer varied perspectives of the landscape. The Clark Point and Vernal Falls loop provides different views of Vernal Falls. The Wawona Meadow Loop and Tenaya Loop are also popular easy circular routes. For a longer option, consider the Lower and Upper Mirror Lakes loop.

Spring is ideal for experiencing vibrant wildflowers and powerful waterfalls. Early summer also offers excellent conditions for waterfalls and opportunities for swimming in places like Diana Falls. The Merced River Trail is a great year-round option, while higher elevation trails are best enjoyed from late spring through fall when snow has melted.

The komoot community highly rates the hiking in Mariposa County, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 5,200 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the breathtaking scenery, including the majestic granite formations and thundering waterfalls, as well as the diverse range of trails suitable for all abilities.

While popular areas like Yosemite National Park can be busy, you can find quieter experiences. The Stockton Creek Preserve offers shorter trails and excellent birdwatching opportunities away from the main crowds. Diana Falls along Bean Creek also provides a more secluded and relaxing hike.

Some areas, particularly within Yosemite National Park, may require permits for certain trails or during peak seasons. For example, day-use reservations or wilderness permits might be necessary for specific routes or overnight stays. It's always advisable to check the official National Park Service website for the most current permit requirements before your visit, especially for popular areas like Yosemite. You can find more information at nps.gov.

For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, Mariposa County offers demanding trails with significant elevation gains. The Four Mile Trail and the Top of Yosemite Falls Trail are known for their strenuous ascents and rewarding views. The Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls loop also presents a difficult but highly scenic option.