Home » Area Attractions

Area Attractions

halfYosemite National Park

Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Click here for more information on Yosemite, its trails and attractions from the National Park Service website.


bass-150x150Bass Lake

Bass Lake is popular for its watersports, boating, sandy beaches and fine resorts. Nestled in the mountains near Yosemite, it is a popular hot-spot for families in the summer. In the winter, you’ll find the perfect snowy, cozy cabin experience as Bass Lake is at a higher elevation that its neighboring communities of Oakhurst and Coarsegold.

Click here for more information about Bass Lake from the local website.


antiquesShopping & Antiquing

Oakhurst provides many opportunities for the shopping enthusiast! From the art galleries on the north side of town to the antique malls and thrift stores along Highway 41, there is something for everyone. There are three grocery stores in Oakhurst: Vons, Raley’s and the newer Discount Grocery. Each of these offers a full selection of produce, camping items and liquor.

Click here for more information on shopping in Oakhurst. For specialty items and more antiques, check out Coarsegold Historic Village, located 7 miles south of Oakhurst.


horseHorseback Riding

Just off of Hwy 41, near the small town of Fish Camp, is the mountain ranch of Yosemite Trails, a ranch that raises cattle and has been giving horseback rides for three generations. Experience what it was like to be an early pioneer as you wind your way through thick pine forest and cross clear mountain streams on horseback. 1 & 2 hour trail rides depart daily or join the exclusive ½ day horseback ride into Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove.

Click here for more information from the website.


trainSugar Pine Railroad

The Yosemite Sugar Pine Railroad is an exciting excursion on a real steam train! The ride is a one-hour narrated excursion through the beautiful Sierra National Forest. The ride will travel over four miles on the historic Madera Sugar Pine Railroad. Enjoy a brief stopover in the Lewis Creek Canyon to see the locomotive up close, or explore the outdoors before your return trip to the station. The train is open to people of all ages, and friendly dogs ride free!

Click here for more information from the Sugar Pine Railroad website.


zipZiplining

There are several places you can zipline above the trees of the most beautiful places in the area!

Zip Yosemite – Zip Yosemite is family friendly adventure, without compromise of height, speed, thrills, and smiles! Fun for multi-generational family gatherings, special events, wedding parties, corporate events, and more!

Yosemite Ziplines, Mariposa – A locally-owned, open year-round zipline and adventure course, located on Highway 140 in Mariposa, CA.


sleighWagon & Sleigh Rides

In the winter months, horse-drawn sleigh rides depart directly from Tenaya Lodge and glide guests through a Yosemite winter wonderland of towering Sugar Pines and stands of Incense Cedars. A wonderful treat for the family, as well as a perfectly romantic holiday escape.

To book a ride, call the Tenaya Lodge at 888-514-2167 and select Option 3. Winter months only. Click here for more information from the Tenaya Lodge website.


mariposaMariposa and Gold Mining Towns

The town of Mariposa, first settled in 1849, is the southernmost in the Gold Rush chain of towns. The streets follow the original street grid laid out by John C. Fremont in 1850. Several early fires convinced settlers to rebuild with stone, brick and adobe. Because of that, many of Mariposa’s existing structures in the historic downtown had been built by the late 1850s, with most of the remaining ones completed by 1900. Because they have always been in use, the old buildings haven’t had to be restored or recreated.

Mariposa offers excellent dining and shopping and is close to the eastern entrance of Yosemite National Park.


hikingOther Hiking Trails

There are many other friendly hiking trails around and near Yosemite, outside of the park.

Click here for a list of hiking trails from the Miner’s Inn website.

Sierra News Online