California Vacation Guide 2015 - Y5

4 ENTRANCES. 4 UNIQUE WAYS TO DISCOVER THE REGION.
WEST
Experience the
small-town charms
and big-time dreams of
the West's Gold Rush history.
ATTRACTIONS
ADVENTURES
FOR GOLD RUSH HISTORY AND ADVENTURE
- go west! Experience the charm and authenticity
of historic Mariposa County. Nestled in the Sierra
Nevada foothills, this region is known for its diverse
terrain, Old West towns, and its accessibility in all
four seasons.
Aside from being the
home of Yosemite National
Park, Mariposa County also
features many attractions
such as the authentic
California Gold Rush towns
of Mariposa, Coulterville, and Hornitos. In Mariposa,
you can walk the same streets as prospecting
miners and even try your hand at gold panning.
Enjoy many attractions such as the California
State Mining and Mineral Museum, the Mariposa
Museum and History Center, The Hotel Jeff rey,
and the Mariposa Superior Courthouse: the oldest
continuously-used courthouse west of the Rockies.
FOUR SEASONS OF FUN
MARIPOSA COUNTY OFFERS GREAT ACTIVITIES
YEAR-ROUND with the best availability and
rates in the off -season (September through May).
Plan a mountain retreat in autumn to enjoy cool
temperatures, fewer crowds, and great fall color.
Winters are mild in the west, meaning you can
enjoy the historical landmarks, museums, cultural
events, lodging, and restaurants all year and have
clear access to Yosemite Valley via Highway 140.
In spring, Mariposa County is renowned for the
displays of wildfl ower
blooms that set the Merced
River Canyon ablaze with
stunning color. Amateur
photographers and botany
enthusiasts fl ock to walk
among the dense fi elds of
poppies and lupines.
BIG ADVENTURES and
great fun for the whole family
can be found in Mariposa
County. Zipline through oak
groves and over lush valleys
or experience the thrills of
whitewater rafting on the
Merced River. You can experience Gold Rush-era
excitement by promenading the historic Mariposa
streets in a stagecoach.
FESTIVALS
SMALL-TOWN CHARM AND AMERICANA can
be found at Mariposa County's various festivals held
through the year. The Storytelling Festival in March
features world-class yarn spinners and tall-tale
tellers. The Butterfl y Festival in spring celebrates
the town's namesake ("Mariposa" is Spanish
for "butterfl y") with a parade, live butterfl y release,
and renowned
hat contest. In
autumn, head to
Coulterville for
the CoyoteFest,
featuring coyote
howling contests,
wagon rides,
and more.
WINE & DINE
WHEN IT'S TIME
TO RELAX, Mariposa
County provides
a wide range of
restaurants, wineries,
and breweries so
that you can enjoy a taste of the Sierras. With
rolling grasslands comes great farming and that is
refl ected in fresh, local, and sustainable fare. Enjoy
artisanal, local beers that are just the thing after
a day of High Sierra hiking. Visit local vineyards to
meet with winemakers and taste their off erings.
WHERE TO STAY
WHETHER YOU WANT TO STAY in a luxurious
four-star resort, an authentic 1850s' hotel (complete
with ghosts!), a charming B&B, or dream of getting
away from it all in a secluded vacation rental,
Mariposa County off ers Gold Rush adventures and
small-town charm close to Yosemite.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP
VISIT YOSEMITEEXPERIENCE.COM for more
information and a FREE travel planner.
SIERRA NEVADA GEOTOURISM
SierraNevadaGeoTourism.org
Get off the beaten path. Download our free Sierra
Nevada app for recommendations by locals and
National Geographic about world class adventures,
local culture, and events.
http://www.YOSEMITEEXPERIENCE.COM http://www.SierraNevadaGeoTourism.org
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of California Vacation Guide 2015
