Mariposa County, California

Mariposa County is nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills and is closely associated with Yosemite National Park, with a significant portion of the park located within the county. The small town of Mariposa has a charming Gold Rush-era character and a rich history.

Outdoor recreation is a major attraction, with hiking opportunities throughout the county and beyond Yosemite. Its rural setting means nightlife is limited, but the clear skies and remote surroundings make it an excellent place for stargazing.

The Mariposa County Fair has been a local tradition since the 1930s. Highway 140 provides an important route through the region, while the county’s population of just over 20,000 contributes to its peaceful, small-town atmosphere.

CategoryDetails
County NameMariposa County
County SeatMariposa
EtymologyNamed after the Mariposa (butterfly) in Spanish
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesMariposa, Catheys Valley, Greeley Hill, El Portal, Wawona
Interstates and HighwaysState Route 140, State Route 49
FIPS Code06-043
Total Area (Land and Water)1,458 square miles (Land: 1,451 sq mi, Water: 7 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Tuolumne County (North), Madera County (Southeast), Merced County (Southwest), Stanislaus County (West), Mono County (East)
Time ZonePacific Standard Time (PST)
StateCalifornia
PopulationApproximately 20,000
Coordinates37.4886° N, 119.9794° W
Major LandmarksYosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove, Historic Mariposa County Courthouse, Sierra National Forest

PHYSICAL MAP

Mariposa County Topographic Map

This topographic map highlights Mariposa County’s river canyons, rolling foothills, and western Sierra Nevada terrain. The detailed contours show the landscape rising toward the rugged granite country of Yosemite National Park.

SATELLITE IMAGERY

Mariposa County Satellite Map

This satellite map reveals the transition from Sierra foothills to Yosemite’s granite landscapes. Small communities appear as tiny clearings surrounded by extensive forests across much of the county.

OUTLINE MAP

Mariposa County Blank Map

This blank map outlines Mariposa County’s elongated shape in the central Sierra Nevada foothills. The eastern portion includes the western reaches of Yosemite National Park, emphasizing the county’s connection to this iconic mountain landscape.

California County Map

Printable California county map showing county boundaries and locations

Ever wonder how California’s 58 counties are organized? Our California county map lays them all out, from the Pacific Coast to the vast desert regions. Explore the map to find the counties you know—and perhaps discover a few you don’t.

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