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Best backpacking hikes in Mariposa County
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Best backpacking hikes in Mariposa County

Ready for some outdoor fun? These hikes offer everything you could want for an unforgettable adventure!

Here are some great hikes to explore in Mariposa County.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

McGee Lake, May Lake and Raisin Lake

Mariposa County, California · star 4.8 (5) · 36.3 km · Est. 8 hrs 49 min

2

Medium

Taft Point, Dewey Point and Sentinel Dome via Pohono Trail

Mariposa County, California · star 4.7 (3) · 25.9 km · Est. 7 hrs 1 min

3

Easy

Polly Dome Lakes Trail via Murphy Creek Trail

Mariposa County, California · star 4.5 (6) · 8.6 km · Est. 2 hrs 1 min

4

Medium

Glacier Point Road to Happy Isles Road via Panorama Trail

Mariposa County, California · star 4.3 (4) · 13.8 km · Est. 3 hrs 14 min

5

Difficult

Moran Point and Union Point via Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

Mariposa County, California · star 4.5 (6) · 26.7 km · Est. 7 hrs 28 min

6

Medium

Upper Yosemite Fall, Eagle Peak, El Capitan and Old Big Oak Flat Road Loop Trail

Mariposa County, California · star 4.7 (3) · 34.3 km · Est. 10 hrs 25 min

7

Medium

El Capitan via Old Big Oak Flat Road Trail

Mariposa County, California · star 5.0 (1) · 32.0 km · Est. 9 hrs 18 min

8

Difficult

Eagle Peak and Creek via Upper Yosemite Fall Trail

Mariposa County, California · star 4.8 (6) · 18.5 km · Est. 5 hrs 46 min

9

Medium

Yosemite Valley, Snow Creek and Upper Yosemite Fall Loop Trail

Mariposa County, California · star 5.0 (3) · 27.8 km · Est. 7 hrs 50 min

10

Difficult

Curry Village to Tuolumne Meadows via John Muir Trail

Mariposa County, California · star 5.0 (1) · 36.3 km · Est. 10 hrs 40 min

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Reviews for backpacking hikes in Mariposa County

Thaddeus Ondricka avatar

McGee Lake, May Lake and Raisin Lake

HarborBacktracker89 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Amb. Cheryll Cartwright avatar

Taft Point, Dewey Point and Sentinel Dome via Pohono Trail

AdventureNomad41 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Jeremiah Labadie avatar

Polly Dome Lakes Trail via Murphy Creek Trail

FjordSnowwalker63 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Louis Leffler avatar

Glacier Point Road to Happy Isles Road via Panorama Trail

PathCampfinder88 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Curtis Ruecker avatar

Moran Point and Union Point via Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

GlacierHavenranger95 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in Mariposa County

What is the climate like for hiking in California?

California's vast geography results in diverse climates. Coastal regions, with their mild, Mediterranean climate, offer year-round hiking opportunities, though winter rains may muddy trails. In contrast, the inland valleys and desert regions are best hiked from October to April, as summer temperatures can be prohibitive.
The Sierra Nevada, famous for its mountains and forests, is popular in summer and fall. However, winter brings heavy snowfall, making trails inaccessible. Meanwhile, the pleasant climate of Southern California allows for hiking throughout the year, with cooler, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
To summarize, California's diverse climate offers year-round hiking opportunities, varying by region. Visit www.parks.ca.gov for more detailed information about specific trails and their recommended seasons.

Do I need a permit to hike in California?

Permits for hiking in California, particularly in wilderness areas or for overnight trips, are often required. Managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management, permit processes vary. For more information, visit respective agency websites or www.recreation.gov for federal lands.

Is wild camping allowed in California?

Wild camping in California is generally permitted in national forests and Bureau of Land Management lands. However, restrictions apply, such as the requirement of a campfire permit. Always follow "Leave No Trace" principles. Detailed regulations can be found on agency websites like www.fs.usda.gov

Are there mountain rescue services in California?

In case of a hiking emergency in California, dial 911. Also, the California Office of Emergency Services coordinates search and rescue. The Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) has several units in California, with information available at www.mra.org. Always plan ahead and hike safely.

Are there dangerous plants in California?

California's flora varies widely, from coastal scrub and redwood forests to desert plants and alpine flora in the Sierra Nevada. This diversity can affect hiking experiences and trail conditions. For detailed information on California's flora, visit the California Native Plant Society website: www.cnps.org

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in California?

California's diverse habitats host a wide range of wildlife, from harmless squirrels to larger mammals like black bears. Ticks and mosquitoes may pose minor nuisances to hikers. Be aware of potential encounters, particularly with venomous snakes in desert areas. For more, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/

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