When you stay at Casa Mariposa chances are you’re here to see Yosemite and explore the Sierra Nevada. However, just in case you have to make changes to your itinerary because of severe weather or a calamity of some sort, or you just want a rest day after a day of hiking, there are plenty of things to do in Casa Mariposa and around these parts of the Sierra foothills.
Here are some things you can do during your stay here —
Unwind
Take in the surroundings – Smell the mountain air and listen to the birds chirping. Examine the depressions on the granite outcrops at the back. What might they be? 😉
Walk the trails in the meadow. Or sip some wine as you watch the sun go into hiding behind those mountains beyond the meadow.
Keep an eye out for the wildlife
Look out for deer. You might see them in the backyard early in the morning or late in the evening. You are most likely to see them while they make their rounds at dusk but you might even spot a few of them slipping behind the bushes in the middle of a quiet day.
Try to photograph the rafter of turkeys that religiously commute this route on their way to we-don’t-know-where, yet. Every morning they go across the front gates and onto the meadow at the back and then into the wilderness only to retrace their steps before the sun sets.
Ducks are often seen hanging around in the seasonal ponds every couple of days. If you’re here in spring you might also get to see some frogs near the water (they sometimes wander out and find themselves in the badminton court and beyond. Make sure to close the front door behind you if you don’t want them following you inside. :))
The squirrels around here are many and seemingly very busy. You’ll see them scurrying around all day long!
If you’re into critter photography, this rural area will bring to your viewfinders a number of insects and birds. So many different birds frequent the area every season. There are some birds you’ll see here all year round (like the Acorn Woodpecker).
Acorn Woodpeckers love pecking at the roof and the railings in the backyard. If you hear some ‘knocking’ in the mornin hours, it’s probably one of them!
Make Memories at the casa
Play a family game of UNO. Stack up those Jenga blocks or play pool. Want to play outside? How about a round of Badminton, Ping Pong or some Frisbee?! What’s even better — there’s no place better to try a hand at or practice some disc golf! There’s a disc golf course in the meadow at the back. (You’ll find the discs in a red box by the gym.)
Beyond the Casa
Explore the Sierra Foothills
Stroll through the historical town of Mariposa. Step into the quaint little shops that line the streets and grab something good to eat.
Go on a hike or two beside the Merced River.
Visit Bass Lake
Bass Lake is just around 32 miles southeast of here (near Oakhurst/Yosemite’s South Entrance).
Shop and Dine in Oakhurst
The town of Oakhurst is around 25 miles from the Casa.
Visit the Casa Mariposa Blog
Find more info on the park’s official site
