Local Area Activities

Yosemite National Park

Not just a great Valley...but a shrine to human foresight, strength of granite, power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. www.nps.gov/yose

Yosemite National Park, one of the first wilderness parks in the United States, is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more.

Sky Ranch Road and Nelder Grove Picnic Area

The Sky Ranch Road provides access to a beautiful uncrowded part of the Forest that includes the Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias.  Along Sky Ranch Road you will find Nelder Grove, just a 2 mile walk or drive from Paradise Springs. This area of Giant Sequoias is managed to preserve the uniqueness and historical significance of the area. The Bull Buck Tree is located in the grove and is considered to be one of the world’s largest Giant Sequoias. There is a self-guided trail located in the grove.

Sierra Vista National Scenic Byway

This Scenic Byway meanders 100 miles though the Sierra Nevada range, from the town of North Fork to State Highway 41 north of Oakhurst. See for yourself the alpine vistas at Mile High and Portuguese Overlooks, the dense red fir forests and alpine meadows at Jackass Meadow, geologic wonders at Arch Rock and Globe Rock, and discover the majesty and solitude at Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias. You will find a mountain paradise of dense forest, alpine lakes, wildflower laden meadows and trout filled streams along the Byway, perfect for getting away from it all! For more information contact the Sierra National Forest Bass Lake Ranger District at 559-877-2218 ext 0 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r5/sierra.

Fishing

There are many fishing streams throughout the Sierra National Forest and in Yosemite National Park.  Check with the Forest Service or the Yosemite Rangers for their favorite spots. 

Bass Lake is also a favorite fishing location as the photo shows (courtesy of Ron & Leslie Cox of The Forks Resort).  Fishing licenses, tackle and bait are available at various locations around Bass Lake.  

Ride the Rails

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a restoration of the old narrow gauge Madera Sugar Pine Lumber Company Railroad. A section of the original railbed has been reconstructed using the same techniques used at the turn of the century. Two vintage Shay steam locomotives have been brought in from the Westside Lumber company and restored to provide authentic motive power for the trains. Click here to visit Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking on trails ranging from easy to challenging is yours on a vast network of trails, fire roads and old railroad grades in the area. Mountain bikers can ride for hours and never see a soul!

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing is a major sport in this area. The Sierra Nevada Mountains surrounding Paradise Springs are a world class climbing destination!

Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides

Paradise Springs proudly recommends Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides for the best in local hiking, rock climbing and fly-fishing. Since 1991 SYMG has shown thousands of people the beauty of the mountains and wild places in Yosemite National Park and the local High Sierra. Come for a full or half day of Rock Climbing, Fly Fishing or Hiking with the area's oldest and most experienced outfitter guide. For more information or reservations, please call 1 800-231-4575. Click here to visit the Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides.

Sierra Fly Fishing

Sierra Fly Fisher Tours of California's Yosemite National Park and the majestic High Sierra offers up some great fly fishing opportunities. Sierra Fly Fisher Tours offers the finest guided trips, classes and camps in California's Sierra Nevada, including fishing in Yosemite's Upper Tuolumne and Merced rivers, and the San Joaquin and Kings River. Fly fisherman will enjoy quality fishing conditions on uncrowded waters. For information, call (559) 683-7664 or click here.

Horseback Riding

Yosemite Trails Pack Station has been serving visitors from around the world for over 35 years. No matter what your riding experience, there's a horse for you. Enjoy a one or two hour trail ride through the forest, past lush meadows and along meandering streams or longer rides exploring the Giant Sequoias in Yosemite's Mariposa Grove. Enjoy their "Chuck-Wagon Jamboree" too. For information, call (559) 683-7611 or click here.

T-Tours

Step back in time for an unforgettable and romantic vacation experience. Take a Model “T” Ford for a drive into the Sierra National Forest, around Bass Lake, or into Yosemite National Park for the day? You will be given instructions on how to drive your Model “T” Ford and then it’s yours for the entire tour. Call 1-866-4T-Tours or click here to visit T-Tours.

Rafting

The best of California whitewater rafting is what you will find at Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions. They are one of California's original and most experienced whitewater rafting outfitters, offering exceptional California whitewater trips on the Kings, Tuolumne, Merced, and American rivers, all near Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, and Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks. Click here to visit Zephyr Whitewater.

Boating on Bass Lake

Enjoy the emerald waters of Bass Lake by renting a party barge, ski boat or Waverunner from one of the Marinas on Bass Lake

• Bass Lake Boat Rentals   www.basslakeboatrentals.com  or call 1-800-585-9283.
• Miller’s Landing Resort – www.millerslanding.com or call 559-642-3633
• The Forks Resort – www.theforksresort.com or call 559-642-3737

Bass Lake Scenic Hikes

Willow Creek Trail passes along Angel Falls (caution should be used on hazardous sections of the trail). During Spring, you'll be rewarded with cascades of water flowing into deep pools.
The Way of the Mono Trail is a half mile self guided walking trail detailing the lives of the Western Mono Indians. See authentic grinding holes and splendid views of Bass Lake.
Goat Mountain Trail has two trailheads along Bass Lake. A strenuous hike, climbing four miles to the summit of the mountain where a fire lookout tower provides grand views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and Bass Lake.

Wineries

• Westbrook Wine Farm - O'Neal's, California - 559-868-3499 - email
• Butterfly Creek Winery in Mariposa - 209-966-2097
• Vineyard 208 – O’Neals, California 559-822-8208
• Queen’s Inn Wine Bar & Beer Garden 559-683-4354  - email

Madera Wine Trail Experience the Fine Wines from the Winemaking Families of Madera. Madera County is one of California’s oldest wine growing regions. Madera County has long been known for producing internationally acclaimed dessert wines. More recently, several small family growers and wineries have been adding world class dry table wines to the selection. Wine lovers are invited to participate in three Wine Trail Weekends a year. Call Madera Vintners Association at 1-800-733-8068 or visit www.maderavintners.com for more information.

Museums & Historical Sites

The Sierra’s are home to many historical sights and museums. The Consortium of Southern Yosemite Museums has information on several locations at www.southyosemitemuseums.org. Some local favorites are:

• Fresno Flats Historical Park in Oakhurst - (559) 683-6570.
• Children’s Museum of the Sierra in Oakhurst - (559) 658-5656 – www.childrensmuseumofthesierra.org.
• King Vintage Museum in Oakhurst - (559) 658-6999 – www.kingvintagemuseum.org.
• Sierra Mono Museum in North Fork - (559) 877-2115
• Coarsegold Historic Village in Coarsegold - (559) 683-3900 – www.coarsegoldhistoricvillage.com.
• Thornberry Museum & Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad in Fish Camp - (559) 683-7273 – www.ymsprr.com.
• California Mining & Mineral Museum in Mariposa - (209) 742-7625.

Live Theatre

Melodrama is a long time fixture at Oakhurst's Golden Chain Theatre. Quality melodramas throughout the summer season have audiences booing and hissing their way through hilarious old time theatre. Click here to visit the Golden Chain Theatre.

Golf

Great facilities for playing golf are just a short drive from Paradise Springs.

• River Creek Golf Course - 559-683-5600
• Sierra Meadows Ranch - 559-642-1343
• Wawona Golf Course (In Yosemite) - 209-375-6572

Sightseeing Tours

Yosemite and Beyond Tours and Shuttle Service

Year-round daily and private tours into Yosemite National Park. Shuttle service available to and from Yosemite-Fresno Airport, Amtrak stations and more. Call 559-641-6789 or visit www.yosemiteandbeyond.com

Yosemite Sightseeing Tours

Offers a variety of tour packages as well as custom tours and adventures since 1990. Call 559-658-8687 or visit www.yosemitetours.com.

Crossroad Tours

Yosemite Trips, Airport Shuttle, Limousines and more. Call 559-683-7113 or visit www.xroadstours.com

Winter Activities

Yosemite

Yosemite is a winter wonderland with breathtaking sites, downhill and cross country skiing and a spectacular outdoor ice skating rink.   Badger Pass Ski Resort call 209-372-8430 or go to www.nps.gov/yose.

Yosemite Snowmobile Tours
1 -800-585-9283

Yosemite Snowmobile Tours is ready to take you on a HEATED Snowmobile Tour through Yosemite back country. You will see the mountains and all the beauty it has to offer as never before. Our experienced guides will show you snow, sun and good times. We stop half way for some heated beverages (non-alcoholic) and snow play. Maybe we can build a snowman or snow angel,  then run it over (just kidding). The pristine beauty is worth the trip. Don't worry about being cold, because our guests 'say it aint so'. Children and adults of all ages welcomed. Reservations are needed, as we sell out every holiday period and weekend.

MORE AREA INFORMATION

Visit the Yosemite Sierra Visitor's Bureau website at www.yosemitethisyear.com and the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce at www.oakhurstchamber.com.

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