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
Image courtesy of Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Think about it this way. You’re with your dog just about every day. Do you really want to be apart from them on vacation? At Tenaya Lodge, you don’t have to leave a friend behind. Here, friendship travels.
Explore our yard today. You can learn more about Tenaya Lodge’s cool, dog-friendly accommodations and offerings at TenayaLodge.com. more »
Become a BARK Ranger!
Yosemite is home to a number of dog-friendly trails. Leashed dogs are allowed at picturesque Yosemite destinations including Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Glacier Point and Mirror Lake Trail.
Become a Yosemite B.A.R.K. Ranger (BARK Ranger), as leashed dogs can explore along most paved roads, sidewalks and bike paths inside Yosemite National Park. You don’t have to miss out on any famous sites if you have your dog with you. A few additional ideas include: more »
Image courtesy of Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Just two miles from the park, Tenaya Lodge is set among 50 acres of Sierra National Forest. It is a dog-friendly resort – one of the first to recognize that vacations are better with man’s best friend along for the ride.
Our best-in-show lodge offers a robust welcome with a long list of tail-wagging amenities. In fact, Tenaya Lodge is the West’s Best Pet-Friendly Resort, according to the Sunset Magazine Travel Awards. Our pet package includes: more »
Image courtesy of Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite
Yosemite is now open, as are the 50 new two-bedroom Tenaya Lodge Explorer Cabins that opened in 2019. Tenaya Lodge, a luxury establishment in Fish Camp, just two miles outside the park’s southern (Wawona, Highway 41) entrance, has long been a DogTrekker favorite. The dog-friendly Explorer Cabins are scattered over 27 forested acres walking distance from Tenaya Lodge, Jackalopes Bar & Grill and activities, including hiking. Book direct and save. more »
Cordelia visiting Yosemite National Park, photo by: Charlie Kelly
Heads up: you will once again need reservations to visit Yosemite National Park this summer, whether its for day-tripping, camping or lodging. But no big deal, just keep checking on protocols and procedures so you don’t travel all that way just to be locked out.
At any rate, you don’t even need to enter the park to get a eyeful of scenery in Mariposa County, which is bisected by highway 140 leading to the park’s El Portal entrance. more »