What a Rush!

See Yosemite's Waterfalls and Stay in Mariposa

Epic waterfalls and wildflowers for days—it’s happening in Yosemite Mariposa County right now! We haven’t seen snowmelt like this in years, so get to Yosemite Valley to see the waterfalls.

Fewer people are there this time of year, so the only rush you get comes from the water: Vernal and Nevada Falls are in thunderous form, Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls are surging, and so are the poppies in the valley meadows.

Pro tip: Get to Yosemite Valley by way of Mariposa. Formerly a gold rush town and just an hour from the valley, Mariposa is lively and friendly, with a fantastic craft brew scene, food ranging from wood-fired pizza to daring and delicious Cajun, and an A+ live music and patio culture.

Bonus: The scenic drive from Mariposa to Yosemite Valley parallels the flowing Merced River as canyon walls swoon with waterfalls.

Lodging: Book a cabin, hotel or B&B!

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