Oak Rock Hideaway

07/06/2024

Summer is in full swing at Sequoia and Kings Canyon! As holiday weekends bring bigger crowds, here are 7 tips for a safe and enjoyable visit:

1. Buy Entrance Pass Online: Get your park pass from Recreation.gov for faster entry.
2. Arrive Early: Beat the crowds by arriving before 9am or after 3pm.
3. Expect Delays: Be prepared for traffic and lines.
4. Limited Parking: Use the free Sequoia Shuttle to avoid congestion.
5. Plan Ahead: Visit nps.gov/seki or download the NPS App.
6. Fireworks Prohibited: Protect our parks – no fireworks allowed.
7. River Safety: Stay out of rivers and be cautious near water.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!

07/06/2024

First pic shows the town of Mariposa (blue circle) last night 7/4/24. Firefighters did an awesome job protecting Mariposa. 2nd pic is this morning, 7/5/24. Thank you Firefighters!

French Fire is now 15% contained and HWY 140 to Yosemite is now open.

12/14/2023

05/18/2023

✨ 2023 Music on the Green kicks off in just a few weeks, we can't wait for this summer line-up! Get all the details for this season at www.mariposaartscouncil.org/music-on-the-green/

Music on the Green artwork was created by Mariposa High School Junior, Liam Willis.

Special thanks to our producer Andy Roberts, and to all of our Member and Music on the Green Sponsors who help support this cornerstone annual event:

Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau Mariposa Chamber of Commerce Mariposa/Yosemite Rotary Sierra Tel, James Wittkopf, Charles Street Dinner House, Mariposa Certified Farmers' Market, Yosemite Pilates, Mountain Yoga, Foster Ace Hardware, High Country Health Foods & Cafe, Sierra Gold Cleaning Services, Sticks_Coffee, Mariposa Oddfellows Lodge #39, Dave Rozelle and Terry Rozelle, Anita and Tim Bryant, Kevin Cann and Beth Waldow, Pamela Flick, Saralynn Nusbaum and Don Melcher, Restful Nest B&B, Meadow Creek Ranch Inn Bed and Breakfast, Yosemite Songwriting Retreat, The Local Grape, Sierra Artists Gallery, and the Starchman Family.

03/17/2023

03/10/2023

03/07/2023

Yosemite National Park will remain closed through Sunday, March 12—possibly longer. Reopening on March 13 is a best-case scenario. Another storm system is forecast at the end of the week that could result in further impacts to the park. Conditions will be evaluated on a daily basis and the park will provide an update early next week. As park crews continue snow removal operations, employee safety remains the top priority. We have received significant snowfall over the last two weeks. National Park Service and partner crews are working hard to move snow, restore power, resupply stores, and perform numerous other tasks.

Some tasks park crews are focused on right now:
-Plowing roads to two full lanes wide.
-Plowing parking lots and pullouts. Most parking lots are still under up to six feet of snow.
-Evaluating snow loading on trees near roads and facilities (which could cause trees to fall in popular areas).
-Locating and digging out hundreds of fire hydrants and propane tanks.
-Damage assessments on park buildings (mostly damage to chimneys and roof vents from snow sliding off roofs).
-Removing snow from rooftops to prevent structure collapse and danger to bystanders from snow sliding off roofs.
-Various other facilities and vehicles need to be dug out, repaired, and/or resupplied.

01/18/2023

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) have temporarily closed State Route 140 near Briceburg in Mariposa County due to a large rockslide that made the roadway impassable on Sunday, January 15, 2023.
Caltrans has initiated an Emergency Director’s Order to safely clear the slide, stabilize the slope, and make necessary road repairs. Route 140 will remain closed until the slope can be stabilized enough to safely allow traffic to pass through the area.
Route 140 currently is closed from the Bug Hostel to Cedar Lodge between Midpines and El Portal, and is expected to remain closed for approximately 1-2 weeks, subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment, and/or materials and construction related issues.
Motorists can access Yosemite National Park on State Route 120 West or Route 41 South.
Heavy precipitation from a series of winter storms in the region destabilized the slope and caused the slide.

01/13/2023

If you’re planning on visiting Yosemite on a weekend in February to see this waterfall - or anything else in the park - set your alarms for tomorrow morning! Yes, tomorrow, January 13, at 8 am Pacific Time the first 50% of reservations for the last three weekends in February (i.e., Feb. 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26) become available online at Recreation.gov. The remaining 50% will be released at 8 am Pacific Time two days before the reservation date (e.g., the remaining 50% for February 10 become available 8 am on February 8.) No reservations are required for the first weekend in February (Feb. 3-5).

If you first arrive Mondays through Thursdays (and keep the receipt), you won’t need a reservation as the $35/vehicle entrance fee is valid for seven consecutive days, regardless of day of arrival. Also, if you have lodging reservations in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Foresta, or Yosemite West, or campground reservations in Upper Pines, Camp 4, Wawona, or Hodgdon Meadow Campgrounds, you won’t need an additional reservation.

For further questions regarding the entrance reservation system for the Horsetail Fall event in February, please check our FAQ here: www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm.

This reservation is in place during the Horsetail Fall event, which you can learn more about at www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/horsetailfall.htm.

01/06/2023

Planning on driving up to Yosemite National Park on a weekend in February? January 13 is the day for you!

Entrance reservations for the last three weekends of February (i.e., Feb. 10-12, 17-19, and 24-26) will be required and become available at 8 am Pacific time on January 13 at www.recreation.gov. If you first arrive Mondays through Thursdays (and keep the receipt), you won’t need a reservation as the $35/vehicle entrance fee is valid for seven consecutive days, regardless of day of arrival. Also, if you have lodging reservations in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Foresta, or Yosemite West, or campground reservations in Upper Pines, Camp 4, Wawona, or Hodgdon Meadow Campgrounds, you won’t need an additional reservation.

For further questions regarding the entrance reservation system for the Horsetail Fall event in February, please check our FAQ here: www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/reservations.htm.

This reservation is in place during the Horsetail Fall event, which you can learn more about at www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/horsetailfall.htm.

12/14/2022

Yosemite National Park will require reservations for the last three weekends of February 2023.

During that time of year, thousands of visitors visit Horsetail Fall, a waterfall that creates the illusion that the water is on fire. The surge in visitation has led to full parking lots, parking overflowing into traffic lanes, pedestrian-vehicle conflicts causing safety issues, and damage to natural and cultural resources. In order to manage this event, a reservation will be required to drive into Yosemite National Park on the weekends of February 10–12, February 17–19, and February 24–26, 2023. Visitors who first arrive Mondays through Thursdays won't need a reservation. The $35/car entrance fee is valid for entry for seven days, regardless of day of arrival. Reservations will go on sale for that event at Recreation.gov on Jan. 13, 2023 at 8 am PST. Each reservation will be valid for seven days.

If you have a lodging reservation for Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Foresta, or Yosemite West, you don’t need an additional reservation. If you have a campground reservation for Upper Pines, Camp 4, Wawona, or Hodgdon Meadow Campgrounds, you don’t need an additional reservation. Reservations will be required at Camp 4, Wawona, and Hodgdon Meadow Campgrounds from February 1 through February 28 (these campgrounds normally operate on a first-come, first-served basis in February). Reservations will be released on December 15 at 7 am at Recreation.gov.

As previously announced, we will not implement a reservation system for the summer of 2023. However, we are initiating a public comment period for a Visitor Access Management Plan today. The park will seek input on how visitors can plan future visits to one of the most popular sites in the National Park System. Visit www.nps.gov/maps/stories/yosemite-national-park.html for more information.

News release: www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/yosemite-national-park-seeks-public-input-for-visitor-access-planning.htm

03/13/2022

Explore things to do and see near Yosemite National Park. You'll find fun, adventure, natural beauty, history & more all outside Yosemite.

03/11/2022

Everything you need to know about Yosemite reservations and the Yosemite day pass permits required for the park’s temporary vehicle reservation system, lasting from May 21st - Sept. 30th, 2021. Learn what to do if you don’t get one, and where to explore near Yosemite National Park.

03/03/2022

Steam returns to the Sierra ONE MONTH FROM TODAY! 🚂💨🌲🏞️

Experience the Sierra National Forest by taking a ride behind our historic steam locomotives. Trains sold out regularly in 2021 and all signs point to another record-breaking year.

🚂 Book early by visiting YosemiteSteamTrains.com 🚂

03/02/2022

Reservations required for Yosemite National Park. Reservation requirement will be in place beginning May 20, 2022 through September 30, 2022.

Beginning Friday, May 20, 2022, Yosemite National Park will implement a temporary peak-hours reservation system. Building on lessons learned during the summer reservation systems in 2020 and 2021, the peak hours reservation system is designed to spread visitation out and reduce chronic congestion in the park. The reservation requirement will be in place through September 30, 2022.

Park visitors will need a reservation to enter the park between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. seven days per week. Visitors entering the park outside of the peak hours are not required to have a reservation.

Visit go.nps.gov/faq for more information.

07/16/2021

05/22/2021

What you need to know about the temporary day-use vehicle reservation you'll need if you want to visit Yosemite May 21 - Sep. 30, 2021.

04/09/2021

Beginning Friday, May 21, visitors to Yosemite National Park will need a day-use reservation to enter the park. The temporary day-use reservation system will allow the park to manage visitation levels to reduce risks associated with exposure to COVID-19.

Day-use reservations will be required for all users, including annual and lifetime pass holders. Each reservation is valid for 3 days.

Day-use reservations are included for all visitors staying overnight in the park. This includes reservations for The Ahwahnee, Yosemite Valley Lodge, Curry Village, Wawona Hotel, Housekeeping Camp, and NPS-managed campgrounds. Day-use reservations are also included for all visitors with wilderness and Half Dome permits and visitors entering the park via YARTS buses and on permitted commercial tours.

Reservations are available on www.recreation.gov beginning at 8 am on April 21, 2021. Each day-use reservation is valid for one vehicle and the occupants of that vehicle.

For more detailed information, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/covid19.htm

03/23/2021

https://www.yosemite.com/unique-places-to-visit-california/?utm_source=ymctb&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=spring_newsletter&utm_content=march_2021_consumer_newsletter

Discover our list of unique things to do in California when you visit Yosemite National Park & Mariposa County. From soaring above Half Dome to sipping estate-pressed olive oil and riding into the sequoias on horseback, here’s an insider’s list of unique places to visit in California.

03/20/2021

Oak Rock Hideaway is now open and accepting reservations. Come and stay at Oak Rock Hideaway! https://www.vrbo.com/901186?adultsCount=6&unitId=1449127

Clean, Well Appointed, 3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Home Set In The Sierra Foothills. - $240 avg/night - Bootjack - Amenities include: Internet, Air Conditioning, Fireplace, TV, Washer & Dryer, Children Welcome, Parking, No Smoking, Heater ✓ Bedrooms: 3 ✓ Sleeps: 6 ✓ Minimum stay from 2 night(s) ✓ ...

03/20/2021

03/20/2021

03/07/2021

Many Californians would be forgiven if they were thinking that winter was over. However, there is still a couple weeks before we can officially say that it is spring. As we go into this weekend some changing weather patterns could remind us that March can be a turbulent month. Saturday morning a weak cold front could bring an inch or two of snow in the park and the first half of next week could bring more substantial precipitation.
Be winter prepared with these tips:
❄️High-elevation areas of the park are typically covered in several feet of snow, and much of the park is better accessed by snowshoeing or skiing this time of year.
❄️Yosemite Valley and other lower elevation areas can be more hikable in winter, but trails may still have sections of snow and ice (especially after a recent storm).
❄️Respect trail closures: they’re in place for your safety (and the safety of those who would have to rescue you!) Do not climb on boulders around streams and waterfalls, they are slick and dangerous even when dry. You can find trail conditions at: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
❄️There are lots of shady and steep areas throughout the park. Expect icy and slick conditions on the trails! Bring traction devices for your shoes and/or trekking poles.
❄️Brr, it’s cold! Wear plenty of layers to stay warm and dry. Keep an eye on the forecast here: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/weathermap.htm
❄️Bring plenty of water and high-calorie snacks. You can still get dehydrated in the winter and our bodies burn more calories when it’s cold.
❄️Badger Pass is available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing only. There are no services. Portable toilets are available. Pack out all trash. https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/wintersports.htm
❄️Tire chain restrictions can go into effect at any time on park roads. Be prepared: https://go.nps.gov/chains
❄️Call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1) at any time to hear updated road information.

09/06/2020

YOSEMITE - FIRE ADVISORY: Wawona residents and visitors should GET SET and prepare their home