First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is one the nation’s most loved and well-known of all the national parks.

The park’s central portion is located in rural and historically rich Mariposa County. Whether on a stagecoach, bus tour or even in the air, groups can experience Yosemite through a number of Mariposa County vendors that operate tours inside and around the national park.

“Yosemite Mariposa County is an all-season destination and offers unique experiences for each,” said Julie Hadzega, operations and travel trade manager at Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau. “Fall is great for hiking with cool crisp air and fall color. Winter is serene and easily accessible.”

Credit: GTM/Kate O’Neil

Discover Yosemite specializes in providing small group tours of the park on a 27-passenger tour bus along with a local guide. Discover Yosemite can provide shuttle service between arrival locations and hotels, too.

Get unobstructed views of the valley with Tenaya Lodge’s convertible buses, which also provides private tours for groups. Groups will enjoy the beauty of Sierra National Forest and the surrounding Yosemite region on a train ride with Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.

More adrenaline pumping adventures are an option, too. Take a tour down the Merced River with Whitewater Excitement’s rafting trip, or get a birds-eye view of Yosemite Valley with Skydive Yosemite. Special rates are available starting with groups of four or more.

“Yosemite Mariposa County is also only a three-hour drive from San Francisco, so many tour companies have included our destination or offer it as an added attraction,” Hadzega said. 

Visit yosemite.com to find a full list of vendors located in and around Mariposa County.

Make sure to add in a little history as well with a visit to the Mariposa Museum & History Center, California State Mining & Mineral Museum and more.

Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau is committed to keeping groups healthy while visiting. The region is a top destination if looking for outdoor, socially distanced opportunities.