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
Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge
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 an eyeful of scenery in Mariposa County, which is bisected by Highway 140 leading to the park’s El Portal entrance on the west and Highway 41 on the south.
Spring is the perfect time to visit with your pup, as temperatures are on the rise, waterfalls are gushing and wildflowers are starting to bloom. You’ll find dog-friendly lodging, dining, hikes and historic sites in small towns including Mariposa, Coulterville, Fish Camp, Midpines/El Portal and Catheys Valley.
You’ll find fun places to stay with your pup, too. Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite in Fish Camp, just two miles from the park's southern entrance, is a luxury resort with a lodge, cottages and 50 dog-friendly cabins. Go online to check out the property’s Fido Friendly Package.
Images provided courtesy of Tenaya Lodge. 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 »
All images courtesy of Tenaya Lodge
The English proverb ‘let sleeping dogs lie” might have been the right advice back in the 13th century, but certainly doesn’t apply when your pup wakes up in a beautifully appointed room at Yosemite’s Tenaya Lodge or in the privacy of one of 50 two-bedroom dog-friendly Explorer Cabins, surrounded by wide open spaces. more »
You’ll find dog-lovers and dog-friendly Yosemite lodging options throughout the region. To review them all, visit the lodging page on Yosemite.com, choose the general type of accommodation you prefer – hotels and motels, bed and breakfasts, cabin rentals or camping. Then use the Advanced Filter to show pet-friendly options inside and outside of the park. You can also use the feature to choose what area you would like to stay, from Yosemite Valley to Wawona and Fish Camp to Mariposa. more »
“Is Yosemite dog-friendly?” That’s one of the questions most asked by DogTrekker readers. The answer depends on how “Yosemite” is defined. We at DogTrekker define it not only as inside the park, but dog-passionate Mariposa County, affectionately known as the "Mother of Counties" because it initially encompassed one-fifth of the state of California, Including Yosemite National Park.
Inside the park, leashed dogs are allowed on most fully paved roads, sidewalks and bicycle paths, unless there is a sign that specifically forbids them. more »