Mariposa County
Mariposa County, known affectionately as the “Mother of Counties,” was one of California’s original counties created at the time of statehood in 1850. It initially encompassed one-fifth of the state, but over time pieces of its territory were ceded to 12 other counties.
Today, Mariposa County’s eastern extremes comprise the central portion of Yosemite National Park, with Highway 140, a main artery, leading to the preserve’s El Portal entrance.
Dog-friendly lodging, chow, hikes, water, activities and local services abound in the towns along Highways 140 and 49 and throughout the rest of the county.
Photo courtesy: Yosemite/Mariposa County Tourism Bureau
Yosemite National Park is open, including the valley, Highway 41 through Madera County, Fish Camp, Mariposa Grove and Glacier Point. The weather is cooling off for crisp fall evenings, and Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, just minutes from the newly re-opened Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, has tons of great fall activities to get you and your favorite four-legged friend outside. more »
Photo Credit: Petra Jagodic (CC)
The Ferguson fire in Yosemite National Park that shut off the scenic Yosemite Valley for three weeks was fully contained on Aug. 19, and all entry roads through Tuolumne County (Highway 120), Mariposa County (Highway 140) and Madera County (Highway 41) are now open. Early fall is a great time to visit this iconic California attraction—and yes, there’s plenty for you and your dog to do together. #yosemitenow more »
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Photo Credit: @bodhi_mastiff
OK, you’ve just missed “fee-free” day at our nation’s 400-plus national park units (next one is Sept 22). But that doesn’t mean you’ve missed peak season for waterfalls roaring all over California as the snowmelt season gets underway. We can’t gush enough about the dog-friendly waterfall hikes and photo opportunities waiting for you and yours on federal lands. Here’s a trio of suggestions. more »
You coming?
Photo Credit: @rubyinthebay
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. more »
Kylo's Yosemite Adventure - Photo Credit: @kyloandkonacastro
Is Yosemite dog-friendly? Every DogTrekker headed in this direction wants to know. And the answer is…“Yes!”…with caveats. More than 4 million people visit Yosemite each year, and while no one counts the dogs, we know from experience that many visitors share the trip with four-legged companions. Here are the basics of what you need to know (but be sure to read up on the rules before you go): more »