Take a hike through Mariposa

Mountain Secrets

By Tony Krizan

(Updated: Wednesday, April 02, 2008, 5:39 PM)

During the winter months, it's sometimes difficult to locate areas to hike. Our national parks are covered with snow, and many trails are closed for the average hiker. If you cannot snowshoe or cross country ski, your options are limited. Within the last few weeks, I came across two new hikes that are moderate, with elevations between 1,500 and 3,200 feet.

The first hike will be to Ferguson Ridge in Mariposa. Depart Oakhurst on Highway 49 toward Mariposa. Turn right on Triangle Road, then turn right again on Jerseydale Road. Drive past the Jerseydale Fire Station and follow the road through Mariposa Pines to Forest Service Road 4S22 on the left. Follow this dirt road until you arrive at the junction Forest Service Road 3S04. It's sometimes called Apperson Mine Road. This will be the parking area and the road to start your hike. Be sure to stay on the main ridge road to Ferguson Ridge. This is a class one hike of approximately 3.8 miles each way.

The views from Ferguson Ridge are spectacular. To the northeast, you can see El Capitan in the distance at 7,564 feet and Clouds Rest at 9,926 feet. Almost 2,200 feet below is the Merced River forging its way west through the deep canyons along Highway 140. If you remember the rockslide that covered Highway 140 during April of 2006, Ferguson Ridge is located on the mountain crest, north of that slide.

After returning to the parking area and if time permits, extend your hike another round trip of three miles. Now hike the opposite direction on the same road down to the Sweetwater Mine. This is another mine displaying part of Mariposa County's history.

The second hike will be to Williams Peak. This trip will be classified as a class one or a moderate hike. Again, depart Oakhurst on Highway 49 toward Mariposa. Continue through Mariposa on Highway 49 toward Bear Valley and turn left on Bear Valley Road. Continue until Hunter Valley Mountain Access Road appears, then turn right and drive another quarter mile. Just after passing the only home site on the right, look for a place to park along the road.

While hiking along this mountain road, the views will hold your interest as the road maneuvers its way around the mountain and through the canyons. After 3.5 miles, you'll arrive at the abandoned Forest Tower at Williams Peak, at an elevation of 3,205 feet. From this location looking to the south at a distance of six miles is the large recreation area called McClure Lake. To its right, extending a distance of 16 miles, is Lake Don Pedro. On a clear day looking north toward Yosemite at a distance of 56 miles, you can see El Capitan, Clouds Rest, Half Dome and Mt. Clark. If the day stays clear, there are a total of 20 peaks that can be identified from this location.

There is no excuse to have cabin fever each winter and even on into early spring. Within our Sierra mountains recreation has many forms and locations. Pick one and take advantage of these opportunities. I'm looking forward to seeing you on the trail!