Mariposa, the Mother of Counties, initially encompassed one fifth of the state of California. As the land filled with settlers, boundaries were redrawn until twelve present day counties emerged from the vast area. Today, Mariposa County's legacy from these origins includes an incredible range of landscapes and a heritage of historic sites and towns.  

History lives in the Gold Rush buildings lining downtown Mariposa and Coulterville's main streets, and still standing in ghost towns like Hornitos and Bear Valley. Chinese walls cross fields, where old cemeteries and stone monuments are the only reminders of vanished settlements. Meanwhile outdoor activities abound, from the foothills and lakes to the Merced River Canyon and the mountains. Spend your day in Mariposa, California fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, bird watching, climbing, skiing - or just relaxing. And of course as "the Home of Yosemite", we invite you to come see our backyard.