When I saw the news that Wildhaven was opening a new glamping spot in Mariposa near Yosemite, you can bet that I immediately set up a time to visit with my teens. The crew at Wildhaven has already established themselves as glamping pros with their highly successful Sonoma County property nestled in between vineyards in Healdsburg. That property is a favorite of ours as it has a prime location right along the Russian River and is just a short drive from the restaurants and shopping in downtown Healdsburg.
I found that the new Wildhaven Yosemite property offered the same relaxed vibe parents are looking for with well-outfitted cabins (and glamping tents opening soon) and a community feel that brings people together out in nature. Just five minutes from downtown Mariposa and an hour from Yosemite National Park, Wildhaven Yosemite has a hillside location that’s unlike many of the damp and shaded cabins that are typical near Yosemite. Cabins come with sweeping hillside views and the glamping tents are nestled in a more shaded area of the property, perfect for warmer summer days.
I stayed in their Classic Cabin Studio which included a comfortable queen-sized bed downstairs and two twin mattresses in a loft where my teens slept. This setup was great for older kids as it gave them their own space but if you have little ones, you’ll probably want to go for the Classic Cabin One Bedroom that has a bedroom and pull-out futon all on one level. The lofted beds in the studio are quite high and best suited for older kids.
The cabins all have their own bathroom with a shower, a luxury that you won’t always find when glamping. There’s also a small kitchen with a two-burner stove and mini fridge for storing drinks and snacks. You’ll find dishware and cooking utensils provided, along with everything you’d need to make a cup of coffee it the morning. While the temps dipped at night during our springtime visit, we were nice and cozy as the cabin has both heating and air conditioning.
You’ll have your own outdoor space including a picnic table and fire ring. It was nice to be able to look out the large window and watch my teens outside making s’mores in the evening hours. The teens also approved of the property’s strong WiFi signal (Full disclosure: Mom did too).
You don’t even have to venture off-property to get in some hikes with a view. Wildhaven Yosemite has a nice loop trail from the cabins that leads you up to the pergola communal gathering area and beyond. You’ll get views of nearby Mariposa and the rolling hills surrounding it.
Future Plans at Wildhaven Yosemite
The glamping tents and the bathhouse are scheduled for a summer rollout and they will be a great option for those visiting in the warmer months. We especially like the Standard Tent with Bunk Beds option for families as you’ll get a queen-sized bed and two bunk beds, sleeping up to six people.
Also coming soon are on-site activities like Saturday morning yoga sessions at the pergola and evening live music at the same spot. They’re also looking to line up beer, wine, and cider tastings from local businesses at the property. All of these activities will be complimentary for guests.
Plans for further expansion include 20+ more cabins to be added to the hillside ridge.
@k8loweth Glamping weekend at @Wildhaven Yosemite 💜💜 #yosemitenationalpark #glamping #wildhaven #mariposa #traveltiktok #travel
♬ Countryside – Andrew Joy
Visiting Yosemite from Wildhaven
You’ll be just an hour’s drive from Yosemite’s El Portal entrance and it’s a gorgeous meandering route that follows the river. Remember that Yosemite now requires entrance reservations between 5 a.m. and 4 p.m. on certain dates through the end of October. You can avoid this by entering the park via the YARTS bus system. There’s a bus stop near Wildhaven in downtown Mariposa and you can make a reservation in advance to ensure your spot.
Just past the El Portal entrance is the parking lot for Bridalveil Falls. Stop here to check out the new trails that lead you to this stunning waterfall view. It will be about 30 minutes to get you from the El Portal entrance to the Yosemite valley where you can grab snacks and hit the trails. The new Yosemite Valley Welcome Center is now open and it’s a great place to stop to get park information and reservations.
What to Do in Mariposa
Wildhaven’s proximity to downtown Mariposa can’t be beat. While you can’t walk there from the property, it’s just a 5-minute drive to get you to loads of restaurants, museums, and shopping.
Museums: We love stopping in to visit the Mariposa Museum and History Center where you can learn all about Gold Rush history, Native American history, and the Yosemite region’s tourism history. The Yosemite Climbing Association Gallery and Museum is a fun stop where you can see the evolution of the sport from scary-looking ropes that we can’t believe anyone ever used. Another fun spot to visit is the California State Mining and Mineral Museum where kids can walk through the mine tunnel and check out the “Fricot Nugget,” a rare and beautiful 13.8-pound piece of crystalline gold found in the American River in 1864.
Restaurants: There are plenty of spots for dining with kids in Mariposa. Our first stop is always 1850 Restaurant for their burgers, wings, and brews (snag a growler to go). They have both indoor and outdoor seating. Just next door is the retro-fabulous Happy Burger that proudly features the largest menu in the Sierras (they aren’t kidding!). Get the kids some quarters and send them off to play pinball or try their luck at the grabber machine while you enjoy your meal.
We stopped by the new Happy Goat Diner for breakfast and it was a definite winner. The Farmhand’s Brunch Burger was just as massive and delicious as you’d imagine. The honey butter topping on the Happy Goat Waffles was a kid favorite, as were the quirky goat salt and pepper shakers adorning all the booths. The restaurant is just a few miles from the 1850-acre Happy Goat Farm, where they hope to offer farm tours and other activities in the summer months.
Editor’s note: This trip was hosted by Wildhaven but all opinions belong to the writer.
