Mariposa is the county seat of Mariposa County at the intersections of Highways 49 & 140. Mariposa is home of the historic Mariposa County Courthouse (pictured above & California’s oldest courthouse in continuous use).
You’ll also see a mineral display with gold bearing rock quartz…a reminder of the rich gold rush era when fortune seekers from all over the world came to Mariposa. Today the California State Mining & Mineral Museum offers exhibits which highlight world-class specimens as well as from some of California’s finest private collections.
On Highway 49, north of Mariposa between Lake McClure & Coulterville, you’ll see outstanding outcroppings of the green rock Mariposite found here and only one other place in the world.
We also suggest you visit the Mariposa Museum and History Center & the historic downtown district with many buildings dating back to the California Gold Rush. One of our favorites is the Trabucco Building.
Mariposa is home to quality lodging (including Indian Peak Ranch MountainTop Hideaway just a few minutes from town), unique shops, fine restaurants and various traveler services. Many Yosemite-bound visitors make Mariposa their close-to-the-park headquarters.
Outdoor recreation in Mariposa County is enhanced by a wide range of elevations and climates (with over 300 sunny days a year). Lowland wildflower, birdwatching or gold panning trips one day can be followed by spring skiing in Yosemite the next.
Some 20 minutes north of Mariposa on Highway 49 is the eastern access to Lake McClure at Bagby. Here you’ll find boating, water skiing, camping, bird watching and fishing.
Highway 140 is known as the “All Year Route” to Yosemite. This route into Yosemite Valley passes through beautiful mountain passes, along the federally designated “Wild & Scenic” Merced River, past historical sites including Savage Station and many artifacts from the old Yosemite Valley Railroad and enters Yosemite at Arch Rock at El Portal.