Outside the Park

Highway 140

As mentioned earlier, I like to enter Yosemite from the south (Highway 41) and exit to the west (Highway 140). Along the 140 route you'll see a variety of interesting rock formations and many views of the Merced River. These pictures were taken in 2002; the Merced River is a raging river in the spring when the snow melts.

Mariposa

Just outside the park is the little town of Mariposa. It has strong historical roots in California and just walking around the town is an interesting diversion. Here you see Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, one of California's earliest churches after the Missions (1861).

Sugar Pine Railroad

Along Highway 41 you'll come upon the Sugar Pine Railroad. Here you'll see some of the old rail cars that worked the forests and mines of the area and can even take a short ride through the woods on one of the trains.

Manzanita and Bass Lakes

Also off Highway 41 are two fishing lakes: Manzanita and Bass Lake. Manzanita is the smaller of the two. Bass Lake has several resorts around its shores (and lots of fine houses). I don't recall the name, but one of the resorts has really good $3.50 (1997 prices) chocolate malts.

Coarsegold

Finally, also along Highway 41 is the tourist town of Coarsegold. Here you'll see displays of various area curiosities including "Gabby" a 12-foot statue carved from a single cedar tree by artist Miles Tucker.

Gabby

That's it. The tour of Yosemite and surrounds is over for now. When I get back I'll add new things as I encounter them.

Enjoy some of the other trips on this site.

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