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
Checking out the view - Photo Credit: Callie Meeder
Considering a trip to the Yosemite Region in the fall? It’s a glorious time to visit not only the national park, but the surrounding national forests and Gold Rush-era towns in the adjacent counties. This season, DogTrekking visitors have two new pet-friendly options in the “cabins and cottages” category. First up: new, pet-friendly “Explorer Cabins” at Yosemite’s only four-diamond resort, Tenaya Lodge. more »
Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge
DogTrekker.com’s co-founders, Roxanne and Dave Kendrick, and Director of Barketing™ Maya, a yellow Labrador retriever, were on hand June 27 for the ribbon cutting for 50 new dog-friendly Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge just outside Yosemite National Park.
Tenaya Lodge has been a DogTrekker favorite for years and had already been given our highest pet-friendly honor: dog-passionate! The 50 new, two-bedroom, stand-alone cabins add to an overall experience that already included dog-passionate suites in the lodge and cottages; dog-friendly outdoor seating at Jackalopes Restaurant; dog-sitting; a Deluxe Pampered Pet Package; doggie massages; advice on nearby hikes and more. more »
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 »