Courtney's Guidebook
Food scene
We love both the cafe and the store. Great breakfasts and lunches, smoothies, juices, etc. Fantastic selection of local produce, wines, honey, eggs, and other health foods. This place is a regular stop for us and a local favorite.
53 המלצות של מקומיים
High Country Health Foods
5186 CA-49We love both the cafe and the store. Great breakfasts and lunches, smoothies, juices, etc. Fantastic selection of local produce, wines, honey, eggs, and other health foods. This place is a regular stop for us and a local favorite.
This place has the hands-down best burgers in town, and the patio is dog friendly for those traveling with pups 🐾
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1850 Restaurant and Brewery
5114 Yosemite All-Year HwyThis place has the hands-down best burgers in town, and the patio is dog friendly for those traveling with pups 🐾
Very good dinner food in general, but the steaks are particularly great.
77 המלצות של מקומיים
Charles Street Dinner House
5043 Charles StVery good dinner food in general, but the steaks are particularly great.
Very good Mexican food. Definitely a local favorite. Sit in the courtyard if it's open!
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Castillo's
4995 5th StVery good Mexican food. Definitely a local favorite. Sit in the courtyard if it's open!
Jantz Bakery
5067 CA-140Good sandwiches and great pastries!
Super fun place to visit for a meal. Highly recommend. One of our absolute favorites. The ambience is so fun and the food is great. Their dinners are absolutely amazing. The outdoor areas in front are dog friendly 🐾
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June Bug Café
6979B CA-140Super fun place to visit for a meal. Highly recommend. One of our absolute favorites. The ambience is so fun and the food is great. Their dinners are absolutely amazing. The outdoor areas in front are dog friendly 🐾
Gold Cup Creamery
Fun place to chill out and enjoy some great ice cream
Delicious boutique lemonades and other goodies. Perfect for a warm day! Funky little gift shop too!
The Lemon Drop
4998b 7th StDelicious boutique lemonades and other goodies. Perfect for a warm day! Funky little gift shop too!
Sooo good. Everything made from scratch including the noodles and broth. Prepare for a bit of a wait because your meal is made to order, so grab a seat on the patio and enjoy the hustle and bustle of downtown while you sip your favorite drink
Little Shop of Ramen
Sooo good. Everything made from scratch including the noodles and broth. Prepare for a bit of a wait because your meal is made to order, so grab a seat on the patio and enjoy the hustle and bustle of downtown while you sip your favorite drink
Coffee beans are roasted onsite and brewed fresh daily. Grab one of their delicious pastries and enjoy the local scene. Bonus - dog friendly deck out front 🐾
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Pony Expresso Coffee House & Roasters
5182 CA-49Coffee beans are roasted onsite and brewed fresh daily. Grab one of their delicious pastries and enjoy the local scene. Bonus - dog friendly deck out front 🐾
The Californian Commissary
Such a fun spot to grab charcuterie or put together a picnic
Fantastic breakfast spot and really good coffee. The avocado toast is sooo good! This is our FAVORITE coffee place. The staff is friendly, and the coffee and food are delicious and high quality. And, for guests traveling with pups, their outdoor areas (best spots are out back) are dog friendly 🐾
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Sticks Coffee
4993 7th StFantastic breakfast spot and really good coffee. The avocado toast is sooo good! This is our FAVORITE coffee place. The staff is friendly, and the coffee and food are delicious and high quality. And, for guests traveling with pups, their outdoor areas (best spots are out back) are dog friendly 🐾
Excellent farm to table breakfast and lunch. We LOVE this place! And be sure to say hi to Zach (the handsome line cook and our youngest son) and Melissa (food server at Happy Goat and your friendly Airbnb cohost). Let them know you’re staying at our place and you’ll get extra friendliness!
Happy Goat Farm to Table
Excellent farm to table breakfast and lunch. We LOVE this place! And be sure to say hi to Zach (the handsome line cook and our youngest son) and Melissa (food server at Happy Goat and your friendly Airbnb cohost). Let them know you’re staying at our place and you’ll get extra friendliness!
Fun little hole in the wall with good food and friendly staff. We eat here pretty regularly.
Don Ruben's Mexican Restaurant
Fun little hole in the wall with good food and friendly staff. We eat here pretty regularly.
Great little cafe, especially close to guests of Black Bear Lodge, or any guests traveling to the South Gate of Yosemite on Highway 49 South.
Birdies Roadside Cafe
Great little cafe, especially close to guests of Black Bear Lodge, or any guests traveling to the South Gate of Yosemite on Highway 49 South.
SUCH a fun place to stop! Grab a cup of coffee and maybe a bag of fresh roasted beans. Absolutely beautiful setting and the smell of roasting coffee wafting on the breeze. Heavenly! Especially close for guests of Black Bear Lodge, but fun and accessible for any guests. And, a great stop if you’re driving to the South Gate of Yosemite.
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Mariposa Coffee Company
2945 CA-49SUCH a fun place to stop! Grab a cup of coffee and maybe a bag of fresh roasted beans. Absolutely beautiful setting and the smell of roasting coffee wafting on the breeze. Heavenly! Especially close for guests of Black Bear Lodge, but fun and accessible for any guests. And, a great stop if you’re driving to the South Gate of Yosemite.
Perfect place to spend an afternoon sampling award winning craft hard ciders and wandering the idyllic orchards. The scenery is beyond stunning. Check out their social media as they regularly host really fun community events.
Sierra Cider
5569 Meadow LnPerfect place to spend an afternoon sampling award winning craft hard ciders and wandering the idyllic orchards. The scenery is beyond stunning. Check out their social media as they regularly host really fun community events.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the favorite local pizza spot. Try the Big R - it’s our regular order 🍕
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Pizza Factory
5005 5th StI’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the favorite local pizza spot. Try the Big R - it’s our regular order 🍕
Sightseeing
The Mariposa Airport is home to Yosemite Air Tours. We’ve heard great things about their services and their prices for a one hour tour are very reasonable ✈️
Mariposa-Yosemite Airport
5020 Macready WayThe Mariposa Airport is home to Yosemite Air Tours. We’ve heard great things about their services and their prices for a one hour tour are very reasonable ✈️
Check out the nps website for Yosemite to learn about their bus tours of Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Tuolomne Meadows as well as the Grand Tour.
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Yosemite Valley Visitor Center
9035 Village DrCheck out the nps website for Yosemite to learn about their bus tours of Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, Tuolomne Meadows as well as the Grand Tour.
Visit yosemite dot com for information about the iconic valley tram tour. An unforgettable way to see the valley floor!
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פארק יוסמיטי הלאומי
Visit yosemite dot com for information about the iconic valley tram tour. An unforgettable way to see the valley floor!
A private tour company leaving from the South Gate. Fun for any of our guests, but closest to guests of Black Bear Lodge.
Yosemite 360 Tours
A private tour company leaving from the South Gate. Fun for any of our guests, but closest to guests of Black Bear Lodge.
The hike to Yosemite Falls is an easy, iconic hike that’s accessible to everyone. Stroller, wheelchair and dog friendly, with stunning views at the bridge. Not to be missed!
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Yosemite Falls Trailhead
Yosemite Falls TrailThe hike to Yosemite Falls is an easy, iconic hike that’s accessible to everyone. Stroller, wheelchair and dog friendly, with stunning views at the bridge. Not to be missed!
An absolutely stunning hike, no matter how far you decide to go. Definitely don’t stop before you get to Vernal Falls though!
From the nps website: The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s classic and most-popular hikes. Although many people hike to the top of Vernal Fall or Nevada Fall (or all the way to the top of Half Dome) using this trail, there are many intermediate destinations that can serve as a successful turn-around point.
You’ll find an excellent view of Vernal Fall from the footbridge just 0.75 miles (1.3 km) from the trailhead.
Beyond the bridge, at 0.2 miles, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. You can also take the John Muir Trail to the top of Vernal Fall (via the Clark Point cutoff) and the top of Nevada Fall, or combine the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail into a loop. See the map, profile, and description below for more information.
To proceed directly to the top of Vernal Fall, follow the Mist Trail 0.5 mile (0.8 km) up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer. Trail is usually accessible throughout the autumn season. Vernal Fall Mist Trail is closed in winter, but access is available via the John Muir Trail, which may be snowy.
Hikers can reach the top of Nevada Fall by continuing 1.3 miles (2.1 km) along the Mist Trail (from Vernal Fall). The John Muir Trail also leads to the top of Nevada Fall (bypassing Vernal Fall). The portion of the John Muir Trail between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall is closed in winter.
8 המלצות של מקומיים
Mist Trail Trailhead
Mist TrailAn absolutely stunning hike, no matter how far you decide to go. Definitely don’t stop before you get to Vernal Falls though!
From the nps website: The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s classic and most-popular hikes. Although many people hike to the top of Vernal Fall or Nevada Fall (or all the way to the top of Half Dome) using this trail, there are many intermediate destinations that can serve as a successful turn-around point.
You’ll find an excellent view of Vernal Fall from the footbridge just 0.75 miles (1.3 km) from the trailhead.
Beyond the bridge, at 0.2 miles, the Mist Trail and the John Muir Trail diverge. You can also take the John Muir Trail to the top of Vernal Fall (via the Clark Point cutoff) and the top of Nevada Fall, or combine the Mist Trail and John Muir Trail into a loop. See the map, profile, and description below for more information.
To proceed directly to the top of Vernal Fall, follow the Mist Trail 0.5 mile (0.8 km) up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps. Prepare for slippery footing and a tremendous amount of waterfall spray in spring and early summer. Trail is usually accessible throughout the autumn season. Vernal Fall Mist Trail is closed in winter, but access is available via the John Muir Trail, which may be snowy.
Hikers can reach the top of Nevada Fall by continuing 1.3 miles (2.1 km) along the Mist Trail (from Vernal Fall). The John Muir Trail also leads to the top of Nevada Fall (bypassing Vernal Fall). The portion of the John Muir Trail between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall is closed in winter.
This hike is strenuous if you do the whole 9.6 miles from the valley floor to Glacier Point and back again. If you want to just do the hike down from Glacier Point, and enjoy the indescribable views, without the difficult ascent, purchase a one way bus ticket from the valley floor to Glacier Point (recommend doing this in advance) and hike to the valley floor. Check out the nps website for more info and to purchase your bus ticket.
Four Mile Trail, California, USA
This hike is strenuous if you do the whole 9.6 miles from the valley floor to Glacier Point and back again. If you want to just do the hike down from Glacier Point, and enjoy the indescribable views, without the difficult ascent, purchase a one way bus ticket from the valley floor to Glacier Point (recommend doing this in advance) and hike to the valley floor. Check out the nps website for more info and to purchase your bus ticket.
The Mirror Lake Trail is great for kids as it’s mostly flat and not too long. It has some great views too!
From the nps website: This trail begins at shuttle stop #17. The first mile of this trail is a paved service road that leads directly to Mirror Lake. You may access the loop trail from the end of the paved path. The loop follows Tenaya Creek beyond the lake, and crosses two bridges after the Snow Creek Trail junction before returning past Mirror Lake on the south side of Tenaya Canyon. (There is no safe access to the north side of Mirror Lake directly from the south side of the loop, except via bridges at the west and east ends of the trail).
Mirror Lake has little water much of the year and, while pleasant at any time of year, it is fullest in spring and early summer, when Tenaya Creek flows freely with fresh snowmelt. When water is calm, the lake offers beautiful reflections of surrounding cliffs. Exhibits along the trail tell the story of Mirror Lake's lake-to-meadow succession, and also highlight some of the cultural history of the area. Mirror Lake is often referred to as Mirror Meadow in late summer due to the lack of water and the influx of grasses and sandy areas.
Mirror Lake, California, USA
The Mirror Lake Trail is great for kids as it’s mostly flat and not too long. It has some great views too!
From the nps website: This trail begins at shuttle stop #17. The first mile of this trail is a paved service road that leads directly to Mirror Lake. You may access the loop trail from the end of the paved path. The loop follows Tenaya Creek beyond the lake, and crosses two bridges after the Snow Creek Trail junction before returning past Mirror Lake on the south side of Tenaya Canyon. (There is no safe access to the north side of Mirror Lake directly from the south side of the loop, except via bridges at the west and east ends of the trail).
Mirror Lake has little water much of the year and, while pleasant at any time of year, it is fullest in spring and early summer, when Tenaya Creek flows freely with fresh snowmelt. When water is calm, the lake offers beautiful reflections of surrounding cliffs. Exhibits along the trail tell the story of Mirror Lake's lake-to-meadow succession, and also highlight some of the cultural history of the area. Mirror Lake is often referred to as Mirror Meadow in late summer due to the lack of water and the influx of grasses and sandy areas.
If you’re looking for a hike from Tuolomne Meadows, this is a good scalable hike to try. The scenery is spectacular! Make sure to acclimate slowly to the altitude. This one is in the high country.
From the nps website: Cathedral Lakes are nestled at the foot of Cathedral Peak. The trail through this area is the famous John Muir Trail, which sees high traffic all season. The area is popular with rock climbers. Hikers will enjoy views of Cathedral Peak and Echo Peak and access to Long Meadow, Sunrise High Sierra Camp, and Sunrise Lakes.
The trail climbs steadily to Upper Cathedral Lake. Near the top of the climb, it passes a spur trail to Lower Cathedral Lake (0.5 mile to lake). The return hike follows the same route. This is one of the busiest trails in the Tuolumne Meadows area. Since parking at the trailhead is limited, consider taking the shuttle bus.
7 miles (11.3 km) round-trip; 4-6 hours
1,000 ft (300 m) elevation gain
Other hiking destinations accessible from this trailhead include Sunrise High Sierra Camp and Yosemite Valley.
Cathedral Lakes Trailhead
If you’re looking for a hike from Tuolomne Meadows, this is a good scalable hike to try. The scenery is spectacular! Make sure to acclimate slowly to the altitude. This one is in the high country.
From the nps website: Cathedral Lakes are nestled at the foot of Cathedral Peak. The trail through this area is the famous John Muir Trail, which sees high traffic all season. The area is popular with rock climbers. Hikers will enjoy views of Cathedral Peak and Echo Peak and access to Long Meadow, Sunrise High Sierra Camp, and Sunrise Lakes.
The trail climbs steadily to Upper Cathedral Lake. Near the top of the climb, it passes a spur trail to Lower Cathedral Lake (0.5 mile to lake). The return hike follows the same route. This is one of the busiest trails in the Tuolumne Meadows area. Since parking at the trailhead is limited, consider taking the shuttle bus.
7 miles (11.3 km) round-trip; 4-6 hours
1,000 ft (300 m) elevation gain
Other hiking destinations accessible from this trailhead include Sunrise High Sierra Camp and Yosemite Valley.
Unmissable view of Yosemite Valley and an easy quick drive from the valley floor.
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Tunnel view
Unmissable view of Yosemite Valley and an easy quick drive from the valley floor.
Local Activities
Popular local trail rides with spectacular scenery.
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Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures
7910 Jackson RdPopular local trail rides with spectacular scenery.
Our favorite local lake to visit. Boat rentals, swimming, fishing, fun local eateries, fantastic Fourth of July fireworks show.
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Bass Lake
Our favorite local lake to visit. Boat rentals, swimming, fishing, fun local eateries, fantastic Fourth of July fireworks show.
Tucked up on Glacier Point Road, skiing or boarding here provides gorgeous views of Yosemite. Consider a cross country trek for stunning views.
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אזור סקי במעבר גירית
7082 Glacier Point RoadTucked up on Glacier Point Road, skiing or boarding here provides gorgeous views of Yosemite. Consider a cross country trek for stunning views.
Yosemite Outfitters Guide Service
47824 Brammer-Purl RdPopular guided fly fishing on the Merced River.
Fantastic art classes held outside in the beauty of Yosemite National Park. Practice drawing, painting, photographing the gorgeous scenery with an expert artist teaching tips and tricks.
Yosemite Conservancy Mariposa Grove Depot
Mariposa Grove RoadFantastic art classes held outside in the beauty of Yosemite National Park. Practice drawing, painting, photographing the gorgeous scenery with an expert artist teaching tips and tricks.
Mariposa Museum & History Center
5119 Jessie StVery fun museum, depicting the local history.
Interesting mineral exhibits and local history.
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California State Mining & Mineral Museum
5005 Fairgrounds RdInteresting mineral exhibits and local history.
Zephyr Whitewater Merced Office
6940 CA-140A super fun train ride for all ages. Beautiful scenery, interesting history, a cool little cafe and gift shop
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Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
56001 CA-41A super fun train ride for all ages. Beautiful scenery, interesting history, a cool little cafe and gift shop
Yosemite Axe Throw
40761 CA-41Nice spot to spend a day at the river. Be advised that during the spring thaw, the snowmelt will cause the river to run dangerously fast and will not be suitable for swimming at that time. Check in the visitors center for current info. During summer and early fall it’s an idyllic way to spend a day. Grab a picnic in town then go relax at the river!
Briceburg Day Use Area
Nice spot to spend a day at the river. Be advised that during the spring thaw, the snowmelt will cause the river to run dangerously fast and will not be suitable for swimming at that time. Check in the visitors center for current info. During summer and early fall it’s an idyllic way to spend a day. Grab a picnic in town then go relax at the river!
Stockton Creek Resevoir Trailhead
A really nice hike close to downtown Mariposa.
Grocery Shopping
Fantastic little mountain farmers market. Don't miss Raw Roots Farm! Every Wednesday May - October 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Mariposa Farmers' Market
Fantastic little mountain farmers market. Don't miss Raw Roots Farm! Every Wednesday May - October 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Neighborhood grocery store. Closest traditional grocery to our home.
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Pioneer Market
5034 Coakley CirNeighborhood grocery store. Closest traditional grocery to our home.
Our favorite local market. It’s like a little Whole Foods! The cafe, serving breakfast and lunch, is fantastic too. Dine in, or get picnic items to take on your adventures!
53 המלצות של מקומיים
High Country Health Foods
5186 CA-49Our favorite local market. It’s like a little Whole Foods! The cafe, serving breakfast and lunch, is fantastic too. Dine in, or get picnic items to take on your adventures!
Local option for convenience items and gas, either for our guests staying at Midpines House, or for any guests traveling to Yosemite on Highway 140.
Midpines Store and Gas
Local option for convenience items and gas, either for our guests staying at Midpines House, or for any guests traveling to Yosemite on Highway 140.
Convenience grocery items and gas, for our guests staying at Black Bear Lodge, or any guests traveling to the South Gate of Yosemite on Highway 49 South. Attached to the market is a really good little restaurant we like called Birdie’s Roadside Cafe.
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Triangle Market & Mini Storage
3125 Triangle RdConvenience grocery items and gas, for our guests staying at Black Bear Lodge, or any guests traveling to the South Gate of Yosemite on Highway 49 South. Attached to the market is a really good little restaurant we like called Birdie’s Roadside Cafe.
Convenience groceries and gas for guests of Black Bear Lodge.
10 המלצות של מקומיים
Bootjack Market & Deli
3939 Bootjack LnConvenience groceries and gas for guests of Black Bear Lodge.
We love stopping here on the way into Yosemite for snacks, last minute gas, forgotten items etc.
El Portal Market
We love stopping here on the way into Yosemite for snacks, last minute gas, forgotten items etc.
טיפים לגבי העיר
התמצאות בסביבה
YARTS - Yosemite Area Rapid Transit System
YARTS is an easy way to get to the national park. There are several park and ride locations along Highway 140. For guests of Main Street Boarding House, the bus stop is just steps from our home, directly across the street by The Lemon Drop and Subway. Guests at Midpines House and Black Bear Lodge can conveniently use the bus stop at Midpines County Park to leave their car for the day. Check out their website for more information.