Yosemite Hikes masthead (Pothole Dome)

Midpines, California

Scenic downtown 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

Midpines KOA Campground

6323 Highway 140 · (209) 966-2201 · Map · Panorama View · $40 - $155

50 RV sites with full hookups; 15 tent sites; 13 one-bedroom cabins; 2 two-bedroom cabins; 2 lodge cabins with full baths; pool, fishing pond, arcade, store & gift shop; free wireless Internet; YARTS stop; open March 15 - October 25

Muir Lodge

6833 Highway 140 · (209) 966-2468 · Map · Panorama View · $30 - $130

27 guest rooms, including one dorm/hostel room, one suite with kitchen and living room; all rooms have private baths; free wireless Internet in most rooms; no pets

Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort

6979 Highway 140 · (866) 826-7108 · Map · Panorama View · $25 - $305

7 hostel rooms; 16 cabins with private baths; 8 cabins with shared baths; 12 uninsulated tent cabins; 4 insulated tent cabins; 1 3-bedroom, 2-bath house; spa, restaurant, hiking trail, swimming hole; YARTS stop





 

Yosemite Hikes Home Page Index of Hiking Trails Yosemite Hikes Site Map Contact us Yosemite Hotels and Lodging