Outdoor activities
Skydive Yosemite
Fly over the Yosemite Valley and see a spectacular view of Half Dome and El Capitan before skydiving back down to the Mariposa-Yosemite Airport. Skydiving is a unique experience and this is the only Skydiving center with views of Yosemite National Park. This is a perfect experience even for people who do not have prior experience as it is a tandem jump with an experienced skydiver.
Guests can make appointments most times and days of the week to fit into a busy vacation schedule. Expect to take about a half a day for the entire tandem jump from preparation to flight to landing. It is a $50 reservation deposit that goes towards the price of your jump. The price is determined by the altitude you request starting from $199 at 10,000 feet to $299 at 14,000 feet.
5020C Mcready Way
Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 372-5001
Mariposa Old Stone Jail
This small jail was built in 1858 as a result of the previous wooden jail being burnt down in 1852. It stayed in use for 105 years before being shut down in 1963 and has now become a popular historic attraction. At the time it cost nearly $15,000 and was constructed from 24-inch thick granite blocks which were quarried at Mormon Bar. Originally it was constructed with two stories, a flat roof, and featured gallows overlooking the town. In 1892, a fire was started in an escape attempt and the structure was rebuilt to what is seen today.
This is a perfect place for guests to visit to experience the local architecture and history of the early days of the local area. No admission fees or appointments are necessary to visit the site making it the ideal place to visit when you are unsure what time you’ll have available to you.
5012 Bullion St.
Mariposa, CA 95338
Yosemite Airways Scenic Tours
AirBorrn Aviation Services is a locally owned company based out of the Mariposa-Yosemite Airport that provides a number of different services and activities including scenic tours in their classic Cessna R172k-XP. It features a comfortable interior for up to 3 passengers and provides people with an unrivaled view of the area, soaring above Mariposa, the Sierra Nevada mountain Range, and Yosemite national park. Great sights of signature locations like Half Dome and El Capitan are easily visible.
Tours are given year round by appointment 7 days a week as long as weather is permitting. Tours are only conducted during daylight hours. Up to 3 passengers are allowed however, the passenger weight must be under 520 Ibs. A single passenger starts at $225, $450 for two passengers, and $675 for three passengers.
Mariposa-Yosemite Airport
5020 Macread Way
Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 966-2143
Stockton Creek Preserve Trail
The Stockton Creek Preserve Trail is just minutes away from downton Mariposa, making it easy for visitors to go on a beautiful and thrilling hike just a short distance from where they are staying. This hike goes through the Sierra Nevada foothills is intense, taking you up and down the ridgeline that separates Mariposa from the Stockton Creek Watershed. The hike takes you from up to 2508 feet down to 1963 feet. Through the hike you will come across a small lake, waterfall, and Stockton Creek which you can experience through both hiking and even mountain biking. It is very common to come across many different animals including deer, squirrels, birds, and even rattlesnakes.
The trail can be accessed anytime by foot or mountain bike starting from Trabucco Street near the football field and past the water treatment plant. This activity will test even the more active individuals and is recommended you do it during daylight hours and come prepared.
CA-140
Mariposa, CA 95338
Yosemite Crystals
Yosemite Crystals offers a unique experience for visitors, allowing them access to a private gold and crystal mine right in the middle of Mariposa. They offer a number of tours for those interested in finding crystals and quartz rocks and gold. They offer several different types of tours including a Gold panning tour, Crystal only tour, and a crystals and cool quartz rock only tour. They also added a new metal detecting tour allowing participants to learn how to use a metal detector to hunt for gold and other treasure. Participants are allowed to keep any crystals or gold they find during these tours.
Tickets are available to be booked online for any day that is available. Each tour is two hours long. Gold panning tour is $75 per person, Crystal Mountain Crystals only tour is $149 per person, Metal Detecting tours are $299 per person, and a kid friendly crystals only tour for $59 per person.
5008 Highway 140 Unit #C
Mariposa, CA 95338
(209) 347-7058
Badger Pass Ski Area
Badger Pass Ski area is a fantastic ski destination for those looking to visit Yosemite in the Winter time. This ski location is easy to access and has equipment ready to rent along with lessons for beginners. Badger Pass has far fewer crowds then many other ski destinations and includes winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snow tubing. Activities include backcountry ski tours and cross-country skiing.
Being a ski destination, Badger Pass is only open from mid-December to late-March depending on conditions. Ski lift hours are typically between 9am and 4pm. Adult all day lift tickets are $64 and for children ages 7 to 12 are $38.50. Single ride
7082 Glacier Point Rd.
Tuolumne Meadows, CA 95389
(209) 372-8430
Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions
Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions is the largest whitewater rafting outfitter on the Merced River. They have several different kinds of trips based on preference from ½ day trip to an overnight trip with meals and camping on the river. They not only offer trips on the Merced River but also the Kings River and the Tuolumne River. Each trip has varying difficulties perfect for beginners and experienced rafters alike.
Morning and afternoon trips are offered for ½ trips and full day trips start at 9:30am and last until 5pm. The price for a half day trip is $128 on weekdays and $133 on weekends. Full day trips are $191 for weekdays and $201 for weekends. Bookings can be made online on their website.
PO Box 510
Columbia, CA 95310
(209) 532-6249
Reservations: 800-532-3636
