There’s no better way to really get up close and experience the Sierra wilderness than hiking.

Family Hiking: Fifty-seven percent of Yosemite Mariposa County is public land, with plenty of access throughout. Wherever you are, chances are you’re close to a great hike. There are so many trails in Yosemite Park and in Mariposa County, and so many excellent guide books and maps describing them.  Bring a good pair of walking shoes and pick up books or maps at the Visitor Centers and stores in Yosemite Park and in Mariposa, Coulterville and other gateway towns.

Maps of Sierra National Forest and Stanislaus National Forest are available at the Visitor Centers and some stores in Mariposa and in Coulterville.  The Merced River is the dividing line between the Sierra National Forest to the south, and Stanislaus to the north.  For hikes in the Midpines area (Merced River, Briceburg, Feliciana Mountain), the Yosemite Bug Hostel is a great place to get information — they treat everyone the same whether you are staying there or not.

If you prefer a guided outing, two options are Yosemite Guides and the Mountaineering School in Yosemite National Park.

In order to preserve the natural and aesthetic value of the Yosemite Mariposa Wilderness, groups of eight people or more should be aware of the following information.

Group Size Limits
Day hiking group size limit: 35
Overnight group size limit: 15
Cross-country use group size limit (day hiking or overnight): 8

Cross-country use is defined to be travel that is more than one-quarter mile from an established trail or road. (This includes any peak climbing.)

If you want to travel in groups larger than any of the limits, you must split into sub-groups and comply with all of the following:

• All groups must adhere to the above group size limitations.
• Groups must begin Wilderness trips from separate trailheads when entering from the park.
• The sub-groups must travel and camp at least one-half mile apart at all times.