Arch in from the West (Mariposa County, West Entrance)

Dog at Yosemite West entrance in Mariposa County

Open the windows and let your pup take in the smells as you drive Highway 140 from Merced to Yosemite’s El Portal/Arch Rock entrance. This route offers plenty of dog-friendly fun along its windy way, passing through the towns of Mariposa, Midpines and El Portal. If you are coming south on Highway 49, be sure to check out Coulterville, a monument to another time. We recommend staying in one of these historic towns before heading into the park. Read more.

Mariposa County: West Entrance (Hwy 140)

dog at the Mariposa County West entrance to Yosemite

The Highway 140 corridor through Mariposa County leads to the Arch Rock entrance to Yosemite National Park, offering plenty of dog-friendly lodging choices and recreational opportunities along its winding way. Read more.

Mariposa County (West/Arch Rock) Entrance

While visiting Yosemite National Park might be the goal, a trip through the region is also about the journey. It would be a shame to arrive at the park’s Highway 140 (El Portal) entrance without having paused to explore Mariposa County along the way. Start in the town of Mariposa, the historic county seat, with breakfast at Jantz Bakery or lunch at the delightful Deli Garden Café. Read more.

Meandering Mariposa County With Your Dog

Dog sitting amidst trees in Mariposa County

Highway 140 through Mariposa County leads to Yosemite National Park, but there’s so much for you and Fido to see and do along the way that you might want to start your trip a day early. Start in Mariposa, the historic county seat, with breakfast at Jantz Bakery or lunch at the delightful Deli Garden Café. For an afternoon diversion, visit Butterfly Creek Winery, which welcomes dogs in its tasting room and picnic area; or try some of the big reds for which the region is known at the dog-friendly Casto Fine Wine & Art tasting room downtown. Read more.

Yes, you can bring your dog to Yosemite

white dog looking the panorama at El Capitan Tunnel View overlook

In the midst of the Civil War, a visionary President Lincoln signed the Yosemite Land Grant, setting aside the Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias as a scenic wilderness for public use and preservation. Read more.