Local 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. Friends of Nelder 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.
Winter in 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.
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.
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.
Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides
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!
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.
Rock Climbing
Rock Climbing is a major sport in this area. The Sierra Nevada Mountains surrounding Paradise Springs are a world class climbing destination!
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.
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.
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
Crossroad
Tours
Yosemite Trips, Airport Shuttle, Limousines and more. Call 559-683-7113 or visit www.xroadstours.com
Golf
Great facilities for playing golf are just a short drive from Paradise Springs.
River Creek Golf Course – 559-683-5600
Wawona Golf Course (In Yosemite) – 209-375-6572 http://www.yosemitepark.com/Activities_Golfing.aspx
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.
Entertainment
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.
Casinos
Chukchansi Gold Casino in Coarsegold is a full service Resort & Casino featuring live entertainment, gaming, spa services, dining and more. For more information call 1-866-7WIN-WIN or go to www.chukchansigold.com.
Table Mountain Casino – just outside Fresno – www.tmcasino.com – 1-800-541-3637
Dining Options
Oakhurst and the surrounding areas offer a multitude of dining options for whatever mood may strike you. From casual dining to a more elegant feel, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.
Carlo DiCicco
40282 Highway 41, Suite 9
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Phone: 559-641-5588
Robby Fleener
40359 Hwy 41
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Phone: 559-642-4642
Laurie Flanagan
40282 Hwy 41 #11
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Phone: 559-683-4535
Tony Olmeda
41939 Hwy 41 , Oakhurst, CA 93644
Phone: 559-683-6668 • Fax: 559-683-0280
website: www.elcidmexicancuisine.com
Erna Kubin-Clanin
48688 Victoria Lane , Oakhurst, CA 93644
PO Box 2413 , Oakhurst , CA 93644
Phone: 559-683-6800 • Fax: 559-683-0800
website: www.chateausureau.com
Dan Wheeler
40120 Highway 41 , Oakhurst, CA 93644
PO Box 989 , Oakhurst , CA 93644
Phone: 559-683-2700 • Fax: 559-683-6879
website: www.pizzafactory.com
South Gate Brewing Company
40233 Enterprise Dr,
Oakhurst, CA 93644 Phone: (559) 692-2739
Website: www.southgatebrewco.com
40650 California 41,
Oakhurst, CA 93644
Phone: (559) 683-2000
Website: www.locations.dennys.com
Scott Michel
41709 Road 600 , Ahwahnee, CA 93601
Phone: 559-683-5600 • Fax: 559-683-5678
website: www.rivercreekgc.com
Wineries
Besides Yosemite National Park, one of the biggest perks of visiting Paradise Springs is the abundance of local wineries and agriculture. We recommend visiting some of these wonderful wineries, they’re right outside our backdoor located on the Madera Wine Trail.
When you combine the fertile soils of the San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada Foothills with the nearly two centuries of wine making experience of the region’s residents, it’s easy to see why the wines of Madera County fare so well in competitions around the country and beyond.
The Madera Wine Trail hosts events throughout the year, or you can tour the trail on your own, finding wines ranging from full- bodied reds to bright whites and even amazing aperitifs.
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.
Westbrook Wine Farm
Westbrook Wine Farm is a vineyard and winery in the Sierra Nevada Foothills of eastern Madera County, California, near Bass Lake and Yosemite National Park. Our mountain vineyards are planted to field blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Gros Verdot and Carmenere. We practice sustainable farming and minimalist winemaking. We make our wine in the traditional Claret style by co-fermenting grapes, rather than by making separate varietal wines and blending them. Our Fait Accompli includes six and our Museum, three of the eight red varieties permitted for use in Bordeaux or Meritage style wines.
www.westbrookwinefarm.com/ O’Neal’s, California – 559-868-3499
Butterfly Creek Winery
A short distance from Yosemite National Park lies a small, peaceful valley. There is clean air, forest all around, and fields of plump, juicy wine grapes growing among the hills. The Gerken family arrived in Mariposa in 1972, and have been developing their family vineyards ever since. The mountain spring water, clean climate and zesty Sierra Nevada soil provide the perfect setting for the premium wines that Butterfly Creek Winery produces.
Butterfly Creek Winery and Vineyards is set on 200 acres adjoining the Sierra Foothills, yet only 45 minutes driving time from the borders of Yosemite National Park. When visiting the winery plan a picnic lunch next to our own bubbling “Butterfly Creek.”
Visitors may tour the winery from Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and by appointment anytime. Aside from our winery tours, we also host weddings, and other events such as car club stopovers. If you’re looking for the ideal location to stop, relax, and breathe the sweet mountain air with the region’s finest wine at your fingertips, look no further than Butterfly Creek Winery.
Butteryfly Creek Winery 4063 Triangle Road, Mariposa, CA 95338 ph. (209) 966-2097 – fax (209) 742-5019 – wine@sti.net
Queen's Inn Wine Bar & Beer Garden
The Idle Hour Winery is Oakhurst’s first winery. We are located at the Queen’s Inn By The River, a quaint 8-room inn and wine bar on the Fresno River. Our wines are produced in small lots. We use sustainably grown grapes and make the wine gently, using gravity flow and other traditional methods. We produce Viognier, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Touriga Nacional. Visit us at the Queen’s Inn and taste our handcrafted wines.
Tasting Hours:
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Friday through Sunday
Call 559.760.9090 for an Appointment
41139 Highway 41
Oakhurst, California 93644
Queen’s Inn Winery
Mount Bullion Vineyard
Combining fine wine and fine art is a perfect blend. Casto Oaks Fine Wine & Art, located in historic Mariposa in the Sierra Foothills near Yosemite, offers you this award winning pairing. Savor both Mount Bullion Vineyard’s hearty Zinfandel and Casto Oaks’ smooth Cabernet while acquiring dazzling fine art created by local artists. Mount Bullion Vineyard, is located at 6947 Highway 49 North in Mariposa where grapes are grown, fermented, barreled and aged, bottled and cellared. A visit to the winery can be accommodated by appointment only. For your convenience call 209-377-8450 for an appointment.
Casto Oaks Fine Wine & Art /5022 Highway 140/Mariposa CA 95338
Tasting Room & Gallery /209-742-2000
Cru Wine Company
Founded in 2003, (originally as Mariposa Wine Company) Cru Wine Company is a portfolio of handcrafted artisan style wines that embrace the incredible diversity of California’s premium viticultural areas. The Cru, Carmichael and Yosemite View brands each feature only the varietals that thrive in their respective regions; each label with its own unique character and focus.
Stop by their exquisite tasting room and winery to sample our portfolio of distinctive brands including Cru, Carmichael and Yosemite View wines. Conveniently located in Madera, California just off of Highway 99 at 20146 Road 21. We are Dog friendly (leash please) and have plenty of room for your RV or Tour Bus! Call 559-673-6372 for hours.
Museums & Historical Sites
The Sierras 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:
in Oakhurst – (559) 683-6570.
in Oakhurst – (559) 658-5656 –
in Oakhurst – (559) 658-6999
Sierra Mono Museum
in North Fork – (559) 877-2115
in Coarsegold – (559) 683-3900
in Fish Camp – (559) 683-7273
www.ymsprr.com
Art Galleries
The Yosemite Gateway Gallery: Headquarters for Sierra Art Trails
The Yosemite Gateway Gallery is a non profit organization run by volunteers whose mission is to support and promote working artists in the Mountain Communities; raising monies for scholarships, school art programs, and community art projects.
Home of the Guild of Mountain Artists which was incorporated in 1985. It is a non profit co-op which owns and operates Timberline Gallery. The mission of the Guild is to increase the awareness of all art in the Southern Yosemite region by various means:
*Provide a professional venue for the sale of artists’ works * Host theme shows open to the public * Host special demonstrations of art techniques * Sponsor student art shows * Partner with other organizations to benefit community projects. www.yosemitegatewaygalleryrow.com
Sierra Art Trails is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to supporting artists and artisans, promoting art education, and benefiting our communities through cultural tourism. Each year Sierra Art Trails offers workshops, demonstrations, lectures, and special exhibits for artists and the general public, focused on celebrating the value of the arts in our lives. Our Yosemite Foothills Open Studio Tour draws thousands of visitors to our area each year.
“We at Stavast Studio/Gallery are thankful for the wonderful patronage of our fine art collectors. We are proud to share the beautiful works created by our exceptionally accomplished artists whom include Stephen Stavast, Christopher Cantwell, Dwight Bennett, Martha Pettigrew, Donovan Peterson, Scott Rogers, Jeffrey Wardwell, Ray West and Glenda Wilson.
Throughout the years we have made so many wonderful friends and always appreciate the opportunity to create special memories by providing just the right work of art for you. Fine Art enhances and enriches one’s life experience. We are grateful to be able to contribute to this worthy passion.”
