WHAT YOU CAN DO IN MARIPOSA COUNTY IN EVERY SEASON

By: Sorin Dutoiu | 8 June, 2025

No matter the season, Mariposa County is a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and adventurers alike.

From snow-covered slopes to blooming wildflowers, golden vineyards, and sun-soaked rivers, every time of year reveals something new and spectacular in this gateway to Yosemite National Park.

Winter: Find Snow or Skip It

Mariposa County’s diverse elevation—from 1,000 to nearly 13,000 feet—offers a winter experience for every traveler. If you’d rather skip snowy roads, stay cozy in the charming towns of Mariposa or Coulterville, where you’ll find unique shops and festive cheer. Seeking snow? Head to higher-elevation spots like Fish Camp or Buck Meadows for snow play.

Yosemite National Park’s Badger Pass Ski Area—the only ski resort inside a national park—is set to reopen this winter. Whether you’re into downhill skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, it’s the perfect basecamp. Winter in Yosemite also offers quiet moments for wildlife watching, stargazing, and viewing the stunning natural Firefall at Horsetail Fall each February.

Spring: Wildflowers & Waterfalls

As the snow melts, Mariposa County comes alive with vibrant wildflowers and rushing waterfalls. Spring is the best time to witness Yosemite’s falls at full force and catch bursts of color along the trails. Hike, photograph, or simply take in the breathtaking views from multiple elevations.

Local roads and trails burst into bloom with California poppies, lupines, and dogwoods, creating stunning scenes across the Sierra foothills. Spring also brings perfect temperatures for outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, and scenic drives.

Summer: Sunshine & Family Fun

Summer in Mariposa County is a time for outdoor fun and family traditions. Whether you’re cooling off in the Merced River, exploring Yosemite’s backcountry trails, or camping under the stars, there’s no shortage of sunshine-filled experiences.

Families can spend the day swimming or hiking, or head out on a houseboat adventure on nearby lakes. Even in the summer heat, places like Gold Bug Park and Mine provide a naturally cool escape—inside a real mountain gold mine with temps hovering around 55°F.

Fall: Colorful Leaves & Harvest Vibes

Fall is a local favorite in Mariposa County. With fewer crowds and cooler temps, it’s a prime time for exploring Yosemite’s vivid autumn displays, where dogwoods, black oaks, and maples put on a spectacular show. Leaf-peeping begins in the high elevations in September and moves down to Catheys Valley through November.

It’s also harvest season—perfect for sampling local wines, beers, olive oils, and coffee. Farmers markets brim with seasonal bounty, and charming towns host pumpkin patches, chili cook-offs, and fall festivals. Climbers return to Yosemite’s granite walls as the cooler air sets in.

Four Seasons of Discovery

From snowy slopes to blooming trails, river rafting to fall harvests, Mariposa County is a destination for all seasons. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for a new adventure, let the rhythm of nature guide your journey. Discover a place where every season tells a different story—and each is worth experiencing.