Heads up: you will once again need reservations to visit Yosemite National Park this summer, whether its for day-tripping, camping or lodging. But no big deal, just keep checking on protocols and procedures so you don’t travel all that way just to be locked out. At any rate, you don’t even need to enter the park to get a eyeful of scenery in Mariposa County, which is bisected by highway 140 leading to the park’s El Portal entrance.
Spring is the perfect time to visit with your pup, as temperatures are on the rise, waterfalls are gushing and wildflowers are starting to bloom. You’ll find dog-friendly lodging, dining, hikes and historic sites in small towns including Mariposa, Coulterville, Fish Camp, Midpines/El Portal and Catheys Valley.
You’ll find fun places to stay with your pup, too. Tenaya Lodge & Cabins in Fish Camp, just two miles from the park entrance, is a luxury resort with a lodge and more than 50 dog-friendly cabins. Go online to check out the property’s Fido Friendly Package.
Another novel choice is AutoCamp Yosemite in Midpines, showcasing customized Airstream trailers and modern cabins, all with private patios, fire pits and grills. DogTrekkers need advance approval, so call ahead to reserve a pet-friendly unit.
The Redwoods in Yosemite, in the park’s Wawona area, is a compound of more than three dozen pet-friendly vacation homes with several hiking trails nearby.
On the more moderate end of the spectrum, you’ll find quite a few dog-friendly places to spend the night in Mariposa, the historic county seat. Among them: Best Western Yosemite Way Station, Mariposa Lodge, Miner’s Inn and Restful Nest.