Cities and Towns in Mariposa County, California
Founded in 1850, Mariposa County is one of 58 counties in the state of California. The city of Mariposa is the county seat. With FIPS code of 43, Mariposa County has a population of 17,147 and area of 1,451 square miles (3,758 km²).
List of all cities in Mariposa County, CA alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Catheys Valley, CA | 95306 | 209 |
| Coulterville, CA | 95311 | 209 |
| El Portal, CA | 95318 | 209 |
| Fish Camp, CA | 93623 | 209 |
| Hornitos, CA | 95325 | 209 |
| Mariposa, CA | 95338 | 209 |
| Midpines, CA | 95345 | 209 |
| Tuolumne Meadows, CA | 95389 | 209 |
| Wawona, CA | 95389 | 209 |
| Yosemite, CA | 95389 | 209 |
| Yosemite National Park, CA | 95389 | 209 |
Major Cities and Towns in Mariposa County, California
Mariposa
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 12.9 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,717 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 95338
- Latitude: 37.4849° N
- Longitude: 119.9662° W
Location and History
Mariposa is the county seat and largest town in Mariposa County, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Yosemite National Park. The town was founded during the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century and became a significant hub for miners and settlers. Mariposa’s name, meaning “butterfly” in Spanish, is believed to be derived from the large swarms of butterflies that were seen in the area during the early days of settlement. The town served as a vital gateway to the southern mines and quickly grew into a bustling community. Mariposa has retained much of its historical charm, with many original buildings still standing, including the Mariposa County Courthouse, the oldest continuously operating courthouse in California. Today, Mariposa serves as a gateway to Yosemite, attracting tourists from around the world.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mariposa is served by the Mariposa County Unified School District, with Mariposa County High School and Mariposa Elementary School being the primary educational institutions. Major landmarks in Mariposa include the Mariposa Museum and History Center, which offers exhibits on the town’s rich history and its role in the Gold Rush, and the California State Mining and Mineral Museum, which features a collection of minerals and mining artifacts. The nearby Yosemite National Park is a major attraction, offering stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Mariposa’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and proximity to Yosemite makes it the central community in Mariposa County.
Coulterville
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 1.81 square miles
- Population: Approximately 201 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 95311
- Latitude: 37.7105° N
- Longitude: 120.1971° W
Location and History
Coulterville is a small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of Mariposa County, near the border with Tuolumne County. The town was established in the 1850s during the California Gold Rush and was named after George W. Coulter, a successful miner and merchant who played a significant role in its development. Coulterville quickly became a bustling mining town, with a population that swelled as prospectors flocked to the area in search of gold. The town has preserved much of its 19th-century character, with many original buildings still standing, including the Coulterville Hotel, one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in California. Coulterville’s history is deeply tied to the Gold Rush, and the town remains a popular destination for history enthusiasts and tourists exploring the region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Coulterville is served by the Mariposa County Unified School District, with Coulterville-Greeley Hill Elementary School being the primary educational institution. Major landmarks in Coulterville include the Northern Mariposa County History Center, which showcases the town’s rich history and its role in the Gold Rush, and the historic Jeffery Hotel, a well-preserved example of 19th-century architecture. The nearby Merced River offers opportunities for fishing, swimming, and exploring the scenic landscapes of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Coulterville’s combination of historical significance, educational institutions, and rural charm makes it an important community in Mariposa County.
Hornitos
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 0.58 square miles
- Population: Approximately 75 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 95325
- Latitude: 37.5016° N
- Longitude: 120.2338° W
Location and History
Hornitos is a small, historic town located in the western part of Mariposa County. The town was founded in the mid-19th century by Mexican miners who were displaced from nearby Quartzburg. Hornitos, meaning “little ovens” in Spanish, is named after the dome-shaped adobe ovens used by the miners. The town quickly grew into a vibrant community during the California Gold Rush, known for its rich mining operations and its lawless reputation. At its peak, Hornitos had a population of several thousand and was home to many businesses, including hotels, saloons, and a theater. Although the town’s population has dwindled over the years, Hornitos retains much of its historical charm, with many original buildings still standing as reminders of its colorful past.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hornitos is served by the Mariposa County Unified School District, with the nearest schools located in Mariposa and other nearby towns. Major landmarks in Hornitos include the historic St. Catherine’s Church, one of the oldest Catholic churches in the region, and the Hornitos Masonic Hall, a well-preserved example of 19th-century architecture. The town is also home to the annual Hornitos Flea Market, which attracts visitors from around the region. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for hiking, exploring old mining sites, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Hornitos’ combination of historical significance, preserved landmarks, and rural tranquility makes it a unique and important community in Mariposa County.
Fish Camp
Area, Population, and Geographic Coordinates
- Area: 3.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 59 (as of 2020)
- Zip Codes: 93623
- Latitude: 37.4786° N
- Longitude: 119.6403° W
Location and History
Fish Camp is a small, unincorporated community located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, just south of the entrance to Yosemite National Park. The town was established in the late 19th century as a base for logging operations and as a staging area for visitors heading to Yosemite. The name “Fish Camp” is believed to have originated from the area’s popularity as a fishing spot among early settlers. Over the years, Fish Camp has evolved into a popular destination for tourists, offering lodging, dining, and recreational opportunities for those exploring Yosemite and the surrounding wilderness. The town’s proximity to the park and its picturesque setting make it a favored spot for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat in the mountains.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fish Camp is served by the Mariposa County Unified School District, with the nearest schools located in Oakhurst and Mariposa. Major landmarks in Fish Camp include the historic Tenaya Lodge, a popular resort that offers a range of accommodations and activities for visitors to Yosemite, and the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, a historic narrow-gauge railway that offers scenic rides through the Sierra National Forest. The town’s location near Yosemite provides easy access to the park’s many natural attractions, including waterfalls, hiking trails, and iconic landmarks such as Half Dome and El Capitan. Fish Camp’s combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and proximity to Yosemite makes it an important gateway community in Mariposa County.
Map of Cities in Mariposa County, CA
