How Far is Mariposa from Yosemite National Park?
Yosemite National Park has five main entrances: four on the west side and one on the east:
Hetch Hetchy Entrance
Big Oak Flat Entrance
Arch Rock Entrance
South Entrance
Tioga Pass Entrance
Map of Yosemite National Park showing all five entrances—Hetch Hetchy, Big Oak Flat, Arch Rock, South, and Tioga Pass—and the location of Mariposa, California as a central access point for visitors.
The town of Mariposa, CA, is centrally located between the Arch Rock and South entrances, making it one of the most convenient jumping-off points for visiting Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Many Yosemite National Park headquarters employees live in Mariposa, reflecting its proximity to the valley floor.
Yosemite Entrances From Mariposa
1. Arch Rock Entrance – Closest to Yosemite Valley
The Arch Rock Entrance offers a scenic drive through the Merced River Canyon, a Wild and Scenic River. Visitors can enjoy waterfalls, granite cliffs, and in spring, California Golden Poppies.
Distance from Mariposa: ~1 hour
Year-round access: Lower elevation makes it more reliable in winter
Services en route: Gas stations in Midpines & El Portal, EV charging in Midpines
Internal Link Suggestion: Link “Yosemite Valley” to your other blog post about visiting Yosemite Valley.
2. South Entrance – Access Mariposa Grove & Glacier Point
The South Entrance is ideal for exploring the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Wawona, Glacier Point, and Badger Pass ski area. Located off Highway 41 near Oakhurst, it’s about a 30-minute drive from Mariposa.
Services en route: Gas stations in Midpines & El Portal, EV charging in Midpines
Internal Link Suggestion: Link “Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias” to any blog covering the grove or giant sequoias in Yosemite.
3. Big Oak Flat Entrance – Historic Gold Rush Route
Perfect for combining Yosemite visits with historic Gold Rush towns like Coulterville and Groveland.
Distance from Mariposa: ~1 hour 20 minutes
Access: Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows (seasonal closure in winter)
Services en route: Gas stations in Midpines & El Portal, EV charging in Midpines
Internal Link Suggestion: Link “Gold Rush towns” to your blog about Mariposa history or local attractions.
4. Hetch Hetchy Entrance – Quiet Yosemite Adventure
Hetch Hetchy Valley is a less crowded, peaceful area in the park’s northwest corner.
Access: Highway 120, open year-round (winter hours may vary)
Services en route: Gas stations in Midpines & El Portal, EV charging in Midpines
5. Tioga Pass Entrance – Northern High Country
Tioga Pass provides access to Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite’s high country.
Distance from Mariposa: 45 min to Arch Rock Entrance + 15 min to Yosemite Village
Seasonal Access: Open June–October (weather permitting)
Services en route: Gas stations in Midpines & El Portal, EV charging in Midpines
Alternative Transportation – Skip Driving
For visitors who prefer not to drive, the Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) provides convenient public transit from Mariposa to multiple park entrances.
Internal Link Suggestion: Link “YARTS” to a dedicated page/blog about Yosemite transportation options.
FAQs
Is Yosemite open in winter?
Yes! Yosemite Valley, Badger Pass ski resort, and the Wawona area remain open year-round. Some higher elevation roads (like Tioga and Glacier Point Roads) close due to snow.
How far is Mariposa from Yosemite National Park?
Mariposa, CA is approximately 1 hour from the Arch Rock and South entrances. Travel times vary for other entrances: Big Oak Flat (~1 hour 20 min), Hetch Hetchy (~1 hour 15 min), and Tioga Pass (~2 hours via Arch Rock).
Which Yosemite entrance is closest to Mariposa?
The Arch Rock Entrance is the closest to Mariposa and provides direct access to Yosemite Valley.
What services are available between Mariposa and the park entrances?
Gas stations are located in Midpines and El Portal, and there is an EV charging station in Midpines.
Can I visit Yosemite without driving from Mariposa?
Yes! The Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System (YARTS) offers public transit from Mariposa to several park entrances.
Which entrance should I use to visit the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias?
The South Entrance is the best choice for accessing Mariposa Grove, as well as Wawona, Glacier Point, and Badger Pass ski area.
Is there a best time of year to drive from Mariposa into Yosemite?
Spring and summer offer the most scenic drives, especially along the Merced River Canyon. Some entrances, like Tioga Pass, are seasonal (June–October).
Are there Gold Rush towns near Yosemite worth visiting from Mariposa?
Yes! Mariposa is a great base to explore historic towns like Coulterville and Groveland, especially along the route to the Big Oak Flat Entrance.
About the Authors
We’re husband and wife Mariposa-based vacation rental hosts who’ve been helping travelers experience Yosemite and the Sierra Foothills for almost 10 years. All the recommendations in this blog post are drawn from our firsthand local experience and the latest park updates.
