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Quality of Life
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| Geographical Features | Mariposa County is characterized by rolling terrain, with deep canyons, and rushing streams. The elevation increases gradually with elevations beginning at below 1,000 feet at the western boundaries and approaching 11,000 feet to the east. |
| Climate | The lower elevations of the county have mild, wet winters with annual rainfall ranging from 20 to 30 inches. Summers are warm and dry. Winter temperatures occasionally fall below freezing; summer temperatures can approach 100 degrees. The upper elevations have abundant snowfall and mild, dry summers. Snow level is usually at 3,000 or above. |
| Airport | The Mariposa/Yosemite Airport is located four miles north of town on Hwy. 49. It has a single runway of 3,300 feet and is 50 feet wide. It is generally above the winter fog of the San Joaquin Valley. (209) 966-2143. The nearest major airport is in Fresno, 90 miles to the south. |
| Medical Care | John C. Fremont Hospital and Clinic is located in the town of Mariposa. The 35-bed hospital offers many services including laboratory facilities and radiology. Besides the hospital, Mariposa has medical services provided by physicians, optometrists, physical therapists, chiropractors and dentists. The county provides a mental health department. |
| Education | The district consists of seven elementary schools, one middle school, and one comprehensive high school. Two small high schools are located in Coulterville and Yosemite Park, and alternative and special education programs for K-12 are also provided in the county.
Mariposa County High School and Woodland Elementary School have been recognized by the State Dept. of Education as Distinguished California Schools. Further information regarding schools in the county may be obtained at the School District Office. Phone number is (209) 966-3691. |
| Transportation | A regional bus system connects Merced, Mariposa and Yosemite Valley. Phone number is (209) 966-1113. There is no rail service to the county; however, Amtrak service is provided to Merced, 35 miles to the west of Mariposa. Closest major airport is at Fresno, 90 miles to the southwest. |
| Senior Activity Center | The center provides meals and transportation for senior citizens and offers a variety of social activities. For more information, call (209) 742-7405. |
| Churches | There are over 25 churches of various denominations located throughout the county. A list is available through the Chamber of Commerce at (209) 966-2456 |
| Clubs and Organizations | Clubs and Organizations abound in the county. They sponsor and provide much of the enthusiasm and support for the numerous festivals and events held throughout the year and for the education of the children of the county. |
| Newspapers | Several weekly newspapers serve the county. Mariposa Gazette, P.O. Box 38, Mariposa, 966-2500; Mariposa Tribune, P.O. Box 793, Mariposa, 966-6397; Yosemite Highway Herald, 3717 Stony Oak Road, Coulterville, 95311, 878-3102. |
| Business and Industry | Four of the five main routes to Yosemite National Park pass through Mariposa. Tourism is still the county's main industry and area's largest employer accounting for 60% of the gross county income. There are 2,900 guestrooms in the county with over 30 bed and breakfast establishments. Other important industries are ranching, construction and light industry. The Chamber is cooperating with the Economic Development Corporation of Mariposa County to develop a diverse economy for the region while retaining its excellent quality of life. |
| Restaurants | A variety of restaurants can be found throughout the county.There are fast food, full service and ethnic cuisine restaurants such as Mexican, Chinese, Italian and Colombian, and a large assortment of cafes. |