Discover detailed hiking guides, trail tips, and travel insights for your unforgettable Yosemite adventure
Comprehensive guides to Yosemite's best hiking trails. Find detailed information on distance, elevation, difficulty, trailheads, and insider tips to help you plan your perfect hike.
Travel tips, seasonal guides, and stories from Yosemite National Park to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
A sugar pine in Yosemite measured at nearly nine feet in diameter and 236 feet tall has been documented as potentially the largest known pine tree of any species on Earth. Here's what we know — and why its location remains protected.
The Sierra Seven Arts Alliance launches its inaugural regional touring exhibition, "From Here to There," at the Mariposa County Arts Council on May 8, 2026. Featuring works from seven Sierra counties, it's a perfect cultural complement to your Yosemite outdoor adventure.
On April 11, 2026, 78 volunteers with the Yosemite Climbing Association gathered for the Mariposa Facelift event and removed 990 pounds of trash from the town and Mariposa Creek Parkway. Here's how visitors can support stewardship on their next trip.
After seven years without a local bookstore, Oakhurst welcomes Raven and Pines, a mother-daughter-run shop with a dedicated Yosemite section, local author events, and a community spirit that travelers will love.
Madera County has broken ground on a historic $130 million expansion of State Route 41, widening the critical corridor connecting the Central Valley to Oakhurst and Yosemite National Park. Here's what travelers should expect through 2028.
A new regional arts collaboration launches in Mariposa with From Here to There, a multi-county exhibition celebrating Sierra landscapes and creative voices.
From custom day hikes to epic Half Dome summits, discover how the Yosemite Mountaineering School helps adventurers of every skill level explore the valley safely.
78 volunteers removed nearly 1,000 pounds of trash during the annual Mariposa Facelift, keeping Yosemite's gateway communities pristine for visitors.
Experience authentic western heritage at the 73rd Annual Coarsegold Rodeo. Bull riding, barrel racing, and family fun await near Yosemite's southern gateway.
Madera County begins a historic $130 million expansion of State Route 41, the main corridor to Yosemite. Learn how this four-lane project will improve your journey.
The U.S. Forest Service announces headquarters relocation to Utah, closure of 57 research stations, and a new state-based organizational model. Sierra National Forest says wildfire response will remain unchanged.
Caltrans has scheduled construction and maintenance on three key routes serving Mariposa County and Yosemite-bound travelers. Expect one-way controls and 5-10 minute delays through April 24.
The Mariposa Creek Parkway Artist in Residency program brings free nature journaling workshops, clay building days, and community art events through spring and early summer.
With lower snowpack and warming temperatures, fire season approaches the Sierra foothills. Learn how home hardening and defensible space protect mountain communities and what travelers should know.
State Route 140 remains closed through April 24 for emergency rock scaling. Learn alternate routes via Highway 41 and 120 to reach Yosemite National Park safely this weekend.
The U.S. Forest Service announces headquarters relocation to Utah, closure of 57 research stations, and a new state-based organizational model. Sierra National Forest says wildfire response will remain unchanged.
Caltrans has scheduled construction and maintenance on three key routes serving Mariposa County and Yosemite-bound travelers. Expect one-way controls and 5-10 minute delays through April 24.
The Mariposa Creek Parkway Artist in Residency program brings free nature journaling workshops, clay building days, and community art events through spring and early summer.
With lower snowpack and warming temperatures, fire season approaches the Sierra foothills. Learn how home hardening and defensible space protect mountain communities and what travelers should know.
State Route 140 remains closed through April 24 for emergency rock scaling. Learn alternate routes via Highway 41 and 120 to reach Yosemite National Park safely this weekend.
The Mariposa Fire Safe Council hosts Ember Stomp on May 30, 2026 at the County Fairgrounds—featuring fire education, family activities, and community preparedness resources.
A new CAL FIRE-funded fuel break project is improving wildfire safety and evacuation routes near Oakhurst. Learn how it affects visitors and residents along the Road 620 corridor.
The beloved Mariposa Butterfly Festival returns May 2-3, 2026 with live music, local performers, family activities, and a celebration of monarch migration through the Sierra foothills.
A record-breaking March heatwave caused rapid snow melt, bringing snowpack to just 27% of normal. Learn how this affects trail access, Glacier Point road opening, and water levels.
Caltrans has reopened Highway 140 near Briceburg following a debris slide closure. Learn about current conditions, traffic delays, and what this means for your Yosemite visit.
The Nature of Wildworks wildlife rescue center in Coarsegold invites community support through their 'Friend for Life' monthly giving program. Learn how you can help protect native Sierra wildlife.
CAL FIRE has launched its annual wildfire preparedness campaign. Learn about home hardening and defensible space strategies to protect properties in the Yosemite foothills.
Madera County supervisors have approved a multi-year plan to widen State Route 41 through Oakhurst. Learn about the construction timeline and how it will affect traffic to Yosemite.
Mariposa County is pursuing a 00,000 grant from the Sierra Nevada Conservancy to develop a multi-use hillside trail connecting downtown to surrounding communities.
The Trump Administration proposes drastic 36 million cuts to National Park Service funding. Learn how this may affect your Yosemite visit, staffing levels, and visitor services.
The annual Mariposa Facelift brings volunteers together next weekend to clean up trails, creek areas, and public spaces in the Yosemite gateway community.
Planning a weekend trip to Oakhurst, Bass Lake, or Yosemite? Local insider tips on traffic, parking, dining, trails, and making the most of your mountain getaway.
Everything you need to know about boating rules, safety requirements, and recreation tips for a perfect summer day at Bass Lake near Yosemite.
Spring hiking is arriving ahead of schedule in the Sierra foothills with wildflowers and clear trails at lower elevations, while Yosemite high country remains in winter conditions.
Yosemite Conservancy commits $19 million across 60 grants for meadow restoration, AI bear research, trail improvements, and tribal cultural programs.
Yosemite Conservancy commits $19 million across 60 grants to fund meadow restoration, AI-powered bear research, trail improvements, and tribal cultural programs in 2026.
Caltrans has active construction on SR-49, SR-132, and SR-140 near Yosemite this week. Expect 5-10 minute delays on key park routes.
Yosemite Conservancy offers career-boosting certification programs in the park, from interpretive guiding to naturalist training and Leave No Trace.
Fire officials in Madera County warn of earlier wildfire conditions near Yosemite as spring vegetation dries ahead of schedule.
Warmer spring temperatures are melting Sierra snowpack ahead of schedule, affecting Bass Lake water levels and the 2026 recreation season near Yosemite.
Bass Lake marks its 125th anniversary as south shore resorts open for spring 2026, with a packed calendar of events near Yosemite National Park.
The Mountain Artisans Market returns to Fresno Flats Historic Village in Oakhurst with handmade goods, live music, local food, and family-friendly fun — running monthly through October 2026.
Caltrans has traffic controls in place on major routes to Yosemite including SR-49, SR-132, and SR-140 through Mariposa County. Expect delays and plan your route accordingly.
High fuel prices, a new $100 surcharge for international visitors, and global uncertainty are reshaping the Yosemite tourism landscape for 2026. Here's what to expect.
Yosemite Conservancy offers career-building certification courses in the park, from interpretive guiding to naturalist training and Leave No Trace wilderness ethics.
Bass Lake's beloved lakeside resorts open for the 2026 season with milestone celebrations, boat rentals, dining, and a packed summer event calendar near Yosemite.
The annual Catheys Valley Homecoming returns April 18, 2026, along Highway 140 between Mariposa and Merced. A family-friendly community gathering with vendors, food, activities, and a corn hole tournament — a perfect reason to slow down on the drive to Yosemite.
UC Master Gardeners of Mariposa County are hosting their Annual Spring Plant Sale on April 25 at the Mariposa Fairgrounds. Find locally propagated tomatoes, native plants, and expert gardening advice perfectly suited to the Sierra foothills climate.
Eastern Madera County is expanding wildfire preparedness efforts with new fuel break projects, defensible space programs, and evacuation route improvements. Here's what visitors and residents near Yosemite should know.
Made in Mariposa is launching its Spring 2026 workshop series with art classes in digital illustration, jewelry-making, and more — plus family Easter events. A perfect stop for Yosemite travelers passing through Mariposa on Highway 140.
The Mountain Artisans Market returns to Fresno Flats Historic Village in Oakhurst this spring, offering handmade goods, live music, local food, and family-friendly fun every month through October 2026.
The Yosemite Mountaineering School has been guiding hikers through the park for over 55 years, offering everything from private custom day hikes and iconic group routes to the ultimate Half Dome challenge and overnight backpacking adventures.
Plein air painter Penny Otwell, who has been capturing Yosemite's landscapes outdoors since 1964, is the featured artist at Mariposa's Sierra Artists Gallery this March — making it the perfect stop on any Yosemite itinerary.
The Eastern Madera County Fire Safe Council is launching ambitious new wildfire preparedness projects near Oakhurst and Bass Lake in 2026, including fuel breaks, defensible space programs, and evacuation route improvements that benefit both residents and Yosemite visitors.
On May 2, 2026, Restore Hetch Hetchy invites the public to hike to breathtaking Wapama Falls and learn about the campaign to eventually restore one of Yosemite's most historically significant landscapes.
Yosemite's winter rangers report an unusually early spring in the high country, with record warmth at Tuolumne Meadows, stellar ski touring conditions, shifting avalanche risks, and the first bird migrants of the season already detected.
One-way traffic control is in place on SR-41 between Road 406 and Jewel Vista Court through March 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Expect delays on th
On May 2, Restore Hetch Hetchy invites the public to hike to Wapama Falls and learn about efforts to restore the flooded valley inside Yosemite Nation
All major Yosemite roads are open this spring except Tioga Road. Waterfalls are flowing high, bears are active, and campgrounds have limited availabil
Snow-dusted granite, a roaring fireplace, and a hotel that's been serving mountain royalty since 1927. Here's why a winter stay at The Ahwahnee belongs on your Yosemite bucket list.
After heavy snowfall hits the Sierra Nevada, not all roads get plowed at once. Here's how Madera County prioritizes snow removal — and what it means for travelers heading to Yosemite and Bass Lake.
Scott Socha, a senior executive at Delaware North — the company that ran Yosemite's in-park services for decades — has been nominated to lead the National Park Service. Here's what it could mean for visitors.
After a disappointing week with too little water and too many clouds, fresh snowfall at higher elevations could create ideal Firefall conditions through February 26. Here's what you need to know.
Yosemite National Park is eliminating its timed-entry reservation system for 2026, making spontaneous visits possible again — though planning ahead is still strongly advised.
The Armstrong Scholars Program invites young women ages 15-18 to apply for a life-changing two-week wilderness expedition in Yosemite's High Sierra, with full scholarships available.
Starting March 2026, camping along the scenic Merced River at Briceburg will require advance reservations. Here's what Yosemite area visitors need to know about the new system.
Oakhurst earns national recognition from Booking.com as one of America's most welcoming cities for travelers, cementing its status as the premier gateway to Yosemite National Park.
Plan your visit to witness Yosemite's famous Firefall phenomenon in February 2026. Learn about viewing dates, parking, and essential tips for this bucket-list natural event.
Discover the five most challenging and dangerous hikes in Yosemite National Park, along with essential safety tips and preparation advice for adventurous travelers.
The Armstrong Scholars Program offers young women ages 15-18 a transformative two-week wilderness experience in Yosemite. Applications now open for July 2026.
The Yosemite gateway town of Oakhurst receives national recognition for outstanding hospitality. Discover why travelers love this mountain community.
Planning to camp along the Merced River? Starting March 2026, reservations are required for Briceburg area campgrounds. Here’s what you need to know.
Everything you need to know about witnessing Yosemite’s famous Firefall phenomenon when Horsetail Fall glows orange at sunset each February.
Discover Yosemite's most challenging and potentially dangerous hikes, including essential safety tips for the Mist Trail, Half Dome, and other iconic routes that demand respect and preparation.
Watch snowflakes drift past granite cliffs from the warmth of Yosemite's iconic Ahwahnee Hotel—discover why winter transforms this national park lodge into a magical retreat.
The Helping One Woman grassroots organization brings Oakhurst together on February 17 to support a longtime mountain community family facing medical hardships—a glimpse into the heart of Yosemite's gateway communities.
From leisurely valley strolls to conquering Half Dome, Yosemite Mountaineering School offers expert-led hiking experiences tailored to every skill level—here's how to plan your guided adventure.
The Rotary Club of Mariposa Yosemite is seeking local artists to design promotional artwork for the 2026 Art, Wine & Wheels Festival—one of the gateway community's most beloved annual celebrations.
The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians invites visitors to discover traditional beadwork techniques through a hands-on cultural workshop this February—a rare opportunity to connect with the region's rich Indigenous heritage.
A recent incident near the North Fork of the Merced River serves as a crucial reminder for hikers: always prepare before venturing into Yosemites backcountry.
Aramarks new housing policy for Yosemite workers could affect park services—heres what visitors should understand about these operational changes.
From ancient Indigenous heritage to towering waterfalls and giant sequoias, explore why Yosemite remains one of Americas most beloved national parks.
Discover Badger Pass Ski Area, a historic gem nestled within Yosemite National Park—perfect for beginners, families, and anyone seeking winter magic.
A groundbreaking 2026 study argues that Hetch Hetchy Valley could finally be restored without compromising San Franciscos water supply.
Recent changes to worker housing agreements at Yosemite highlight the complex logistics behind keeping one of Americas most visited parks operational.
Caltrans maintenance work on State Routes 49 and 132 in Mariposa County means one-way traffic controls through late January 2026.
The Rotary Club of Mariposa Yosemite is calling for artwork submissions as the beloved Art, Wine & Wheels festival prepares for its 2026 celebration.
A recent nine-hour search and rescue near the Merced River offers valuable lessons for anyone exploring the rugged terrain around Yosemite.
Discover Badger Pass, California's oldest ski resort nestled inside Yosemite National Park. Perfect for families and beginners seeking a historic winter adventure.
Nature of Wildworks in Coarsegold offers visitors a chance to meet rescued wildlife—including Murray the Groundhog, mountain lions, and lynx—just 30 minutes from Yosemite.
Conservation advocates are urging Congress to consider draining the Hetch Hetchy reservoir and restoring what was once called Yosemite's twin valley.
The notorious Death Cap mushroom has been found in Mariposa County. Learn how to identify this deadly fungus and stay safe on Sierra foothill trails.
From ancient sequoias to thundering waterfalls and 4,000 years of human history, discover why Yosemite continues to captivate millions of visitors each year.
Caltrans maintenance work on State Route 41 through Rocky Cut may cause delays for visitors heading to Yosemite. Here is what you need to know before your trip.
From owl presentations to crab feeds - discover local events happening near Yosemite this season.
Conservation groups renew efforts to restore Yosemites second valley - heres what it could mean for visitors.
Important safety information for hikers and foragers - deadly mushrooms have been documented in Mariposa County.
Plan ahead for possible delays on SR-41 near Rocky Cut due to Caltrans maintenance work.
Discover what makes Yosemite special - from 4,000 years of history to towering waterfalls and ancient sequoias.
Beyond the famous landmarks lies a quieter Yosemite filled with hidden waterfalls, secluded trails, and breathtaking viewpoints. Discover 10 lesser-known gems that will transform your next visit.
Planning your first trip to Yosemite? This comprehensive guide covers the best times to visit, must-see attractions, hidden gems, and dining recommendations to make your visit unforgettable.
Make the most of a long weekend in Yosemite with this day-by-day guide. From iconic landmarks to scenic drives, here's how to balance adventure and relaxation in America's most beloved national park.
Your comprehensive introduction to Yosemite National Park, covering iconic attractions, outdoor activities, seasonal considerations, and essential tips for making the most of your visit to this natural wonder.
Experience the enchantment of the holiday season in Yosemite through festive events, community celebrations, magical light displays, and winter activities that create unforgettable seasonal memories.
Make the most of your August visit to Yosemite with this guide to summer events, outdoor activities, live music, artisan markets, and special experiences that capture the magic of Sierra Nevada summers.
Discover why Yosemite offers the perfect setting for a romantic Valentine's Day escape, with intimate cabin stays, stunning natural beauty, and opportunities to reconnect far from everyday distractions.
Explore Wawona, the peaceful historic community inside Yosemite National Park that offers privacy, proximity to iconic attractions, and the perfect escape from crowded tourist areas.
Discover the best dining options for Thanksgiving in the Yosemite region, from elegant hotel restaurants to lakeside eateries, plus tips for creating your own memorable feast in a vacation rental.
Start the new year with intention by making a Yosemite trip your resolution, discovering how time in nature promotes wellness, strengthens relationships, and provides the renewal and perspective we all need.
Discover how to plan a magical last-minute Christmas vacation to Yosemite, with tips for finding accommodations, packing essentials, and embracing the spontaneous adventure of a holiday mountain escape.
Experience the wonder of Christmas in Yosemite with ice skating beneath granite cliffs, the legendary Bracebridge Dinner, snowy winter hikes, and cozy cabin evenings that make the season magical.
Discover the most stunning and accessible spots in Yosemite for capturing magical family holiday photos, plus tips for timing, lighting, and creating portraits that will become treasured keepsakes.
Plan an unforgettable spring break getaway to Yosemite with this guide to seasonal activities, accommodation tips, and strategies for balancing adventure with relaxation during the perfect week away.
Discover why spring is the most magical season to visit Yosemite, with peak waterfalls, wildflower blooms, pleasant temperatures, and endless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Everything families need to know about creating an unforgettable summer adventure in Yosemite, from age-appropriate activities and packing tips to finding the perfect accommodations for traveling with children.
Discover the best locations to watch Fourth of July fireworks in the Yosemite region, from scenic meadows and lakeside views to community celebrations in nearby mountain towns.
Discover the lesser-known side of Yosemite with unique activities that go beyond the typical tourist experience, from mindful nature immersion to creative adventures in the wilderness.
Everything you need to know about planning a memorable Yosemite getaway with your four-legged companion, including pet policies, travel tips, and dog-friendly activities in the area.
A comprehensive guide to packing for your Yosemite adventure, with season-specific tips for clothing, gear, and essentials to ensure you are prepared for anything the Sierra Nevada throws your way.
Yosemite National Park will no longer require advance entry reservations in 2026. This major policy shift eliminates the timed entry system, returning to traditional first-come, first-served access for all visitors.
Visit Yosemite | Madera County tourism partnership named finalist for 2025 Visit California Poppy Awards celebrating excellence in destination marketing and sustainable tourism.
Caltrans has issued a traffic advisory for State Route 41 south of Yosemite Springs Parkway. Drivers heading to Yosemite National Park should prepare for potential delays and consider alternate routes.
The 45th Annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby offers over $55,000 in prizes including Chevy Trail Boss and Toyota Tacoma trucks. Anglers can win fishing boats, gear, and cash prizes at this legendary Madera County event.
The 45th Annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby offers over $55,000 in prizes, including a chance to win a Chevy Trail Boss or Toyota Tacoma. Here's everything anglers need to know about this legendary Madera County event.
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