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: In front of the KOA Campground, at the Yosemite Bug, at the Midpines Park & Ride, and at the Midpines Post Office (see schedule).
Midpines Hotels & Lodging
Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort
6979 Highway 140 · (866) 826-7108 · Map · Street View · Reviews · Website · $25 - $340
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; rates from $25 for hostel beds to $340 for the Starlite House (see rates page)
Midpines Vacation Home Rentals & Sundry
Bear Creek Cabins
6993 Highway 140 · Reviews · Website · 4 - 6 guests max · $90 - $160*
Cabin suites with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, kitchen, plus queen bed and sofa sleeper in living room; standard rooms with 1 bedroom, 1 bath, plus sleeper sofa or additional queen bed, kitchenette; rustic cabin with 2 queen beds, bathroom, kitchen; pets allowed with prior notice
Highland House Vacation Rental
(559) 696-3341 · Website · 8 guests max · $195 - $235*
3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,500 square feet; Internet; no smoking indoors, no pets; 2-night minimum stay; summer rate $235/night
Knarly Oaks Midpines Manor
(855) 562-7596 · Reviews · Website · 16 guests max · $180 - $525
3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2,600 square feet, 2.5-acre property; full kitchen, spa, laundry, Internet; $135 cleaning fee
Midpines House
(209) 379-2803 · Reviews · Website · 12 guests max · $220 - $450
2 bedrooms, 2 baths; up to 8 guests in main house, separate bungalow can sleep 4 more; full kitchen, outdoor hot tub, Internet; pets allowed for additional fee; no smoking; peak season rates $250 for 4 guests, $25 per additional guest (see rates page)
Ponderosa House
Website · 6 guests max · $200
3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1,200 square feet; full kitchen, laundry, hot tub, Internet; 2-night minimum stay; no smoking, no pets; $80 cleaning fee