Midpines, California

Location:  28 miles (45 km) from Yosemite entrance; 36 miles (58 km) from Yosemite Valley; via Highway 140 (map)

Population 431; elevation 2,405 feet (733 meters)

Midpines is a scattering of buildings cut out of the woods between Mariposa and El Portal, just before Highway 140 begins descending into the Merced River Canyon. It has more hotels & miscellaneous lodging options, including a variety of options for low-budget travelers, than it does all other sorts of business put together.

Pro:  It's a reasonable drive to Yosemite Valley via Highway 140, which is the least snow-encumbered route in the winter and has excellent wildflower displays in the Merced River Canyon during the spring.

Con:  The above photo shows off the heart of downtown Midpines, including its primary retail outlet. You'll probably want to stock up on supplies elsewhere.

Shopping:  The Midpines Country Store (pictured above) has roughly the same size and inventory as a gas-station food mart; there's also a small market and gift shop at the KOA. For a conventional grocery store, you'll need to head back to Mariposa.

Gas:  Available at the Midpines Country Store.

ATM Machines:  One at the Yosemite Bug; several more available if you backtrack 7 miles to Mariposa.

Public Bathrooms:  At the Midpines County Park, along Highway 140 near the south end of town

Medical Help:  None in Midpines, but there's an emergency room 7 miles away near the north end of Mariposa at the John C. Fremont Hospital.

YARTS Stops:  Two along Highway 140, one in front of the KOA Campground and the other at the Yosemite Bug.

Midpines Hotels & Lodging

 

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