Things to Do in Mariposa City and County
BRICEBURG CANYON: Once home to gold mines, it’s still possible to dip a pan in the river and try your luck. Take time to get to this cool river and dip your toes in, too. yosemite.com
VISIT HISTORIC TOWN OF MARIPOSA: With its historic architecture, and wonderful arts, crafts and antique shopping, California’s first capital is still authentic and always original. Maps are available at the Mariposa County Visitors Center. mariposachamber.org
OLDEST COURTHOUSE WEST OF THE ROCKIES: Tour Mariposa Courthouse, the oldest courthouse still in operation west of the Rockies. mariposamuseum.com/
ONE OF THE OLDEST JAILS IN CALIFORNIA: Locals guarantee that one night in this granite-block jail built in 1860 would set anybody straight. Don’t believe them? Pay a visit and discover what they’re talking about. mariposacounty.org/
FABULOUS RIVER AND LAKE FISHING: The best place for top-quality reel and fly-fishing can be found here on some of the world’s most beautiful waters. Fishing guides are available at the Mariposa County Visitors Center. mariposachamber.org
WILDFLOWER WALKS: Wildflowers virtually carpet the rolling hills of Mariposa County every spring. Come enjoy Columbine, Indian Paint Brush, Dogwood and more. Maps are available at the Mariposa County Visitors Center. yosemiteexperience.com
HITE’S COVE TRAIL: The 70 different wildflowers you’ll see on your three-and-a-half-mile hike lead up to an exciting discovery – historic Gold Rush era ruins. fs.usda.gov
MARIPOSA MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER: The historic relics and buildings of the past make this museum one of the best small museums in America, according to the esteemed Smithsonian Institute. mariposamuseum.com
CYCLE COUNTRY ROADS: Rolling country roads dotted with stately oaks and ranchland scenery help create a memorable fat-tire tour of Mariposa County. Maps available at the Mariposa County Visitors Center. mariposachamber.org
MARIPOSA ARTS COUNCIL: Beautiful paintings, unique sculptures and an array of pottery are displayed and sold at the Treetop Gallery in this vibrant arts community. arts-mariposa.org
SILVER FOX VINEYARDS: Proudly producing award-winning red wines, this family-operated vineyard in the Mariposa foothills offers tastings and tours by appointment. silverfoxwine.com
CALIFORNIA STATE MINING AND MINERAL MUSEUM: Those in search of the historic 49er Trail will enjoy this museum of dazzling exhibits and displays, including an authentic 1860s-era operational gold-processing stamp mill. parks.ca.gov
MARIPOSA CREEK PROJECT: After lunch or anytime, take a relaxing stroll along a paved pathway that runs the length of Mariposa Creek in downtown Mariposa.
MUSIC ON THE GREEN: Jazz, blues, folk, Mexican and Native American music fills the air every Friday and Saturday night during the summer time in downtown Mariposa.
MERCED RIVER TRAIL: A rough-hewn and un-shaded 18-mile trek for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders follows the old Yosemite railroad grade from the Briceburg Visitor Center to the Highway 49 Bridge at Bagby. blm.gov/ca
WILDFLOWERS AND WILD WATERS: Witness a bursting celebration of blossoms and waterfalls during the late spring and early summer in and around Yosemite National Park.
BUTTERFLY CREEK WINERY: You’re invited to enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of Butterfly Creek, accompanied by a bottle of the vintner’s best. yosemitewine.com
MARIPOSA HOTEL INN: Once a primary stop-over for visitors during the 1900s known as the LeGrand Stage Stop, today this B&B inn welcomes visitors with historic accommodations. mariposahotelinn.com
MARIPOSA COUNTY FAIR: Become a kid again and take in the down-home charm found here. Cotton candy, a ferris wheel, prize livestock and cultural displays create the perfect atmosphere for the young at heart. mariposafair.com
ZIPLINING: A thrill for ages 3 to 93, Yosemite Ziplines and Adventure Ranch is Mariposa’s latest attraction and your ticket to thrilling zipline adventures. yosemiteziptours.com
RIVER RAFTING: Head out on a Merced River rafting trip with Zephyr Whitewater Rafting on trips that can be tailored for first-time rafters or advanced thrill-seekers.
Hornitos
THE ORIGINAL GHIRARDELLI CHOCOLATE FACTORY: Not much more than a ghost town now, Hornitos was once the site of a Ghirardelli warehouse long before the name became synonymous with San Francisco and chocolate.
Coulterville
VISIT THE GOLD RUSH TOWN OF COULTERVILLE: Stroll through this town’s rich Gold Rush heritage, and you’ll quickly discover why the entire town has been named a California State Historical Site. coultervillemuseum.org
NORTHERN MARIPOSA COUNTY HISTORY CENTER: Put yourself in the shoes of a real-life 49er with this complete collection of memorabilia, models and exhibits.
Lake McClure and Lake McSwain
SPEND THE DAY AT LAKE MCCLURE: Watersports of all kinds are available at Lake McClure, making the opportunities for fun endless. Camping and RV accommodations are also available to complete the experience. lakemcclure.com
SWIM, SURF AND SUN ON LAKE MCSWAIN: The sister lake to McClure, Lake McSwain is a water enthusiast’s dream, with house boating, waterskiing, sailing and jet skiing. Regular stocking of trout keeps the fishing poles bending all year long.