Arrive Early, Stay Late
The land is yours before check-in and after check-out.
The short answer
Arrive Early, Stay Late means the land at Mariposa Highlands is yours before check-in and after check-out, at no extra cost. Check-in is 3 PM and check-out is 11 AM so we can clean each Airstream, but you are welcome to come early or linger: walk the private trails, see Pearl, Lola and Lemon at 9 AM, eat lunch with a view, or rest before the drive home. It turns a tight one- or two-night Yosemite stop into a fuller trip. Cleaning time between guests is tight, so the Airstreams and their sites are off-limits outside check-in and check-out times, but the rest of the property is yours to enjoy.
- Cost
- Free for guests
- Check-in
- 3 PM
- Check-out
- 11 AM
- Before check-in
- The land is yours; your Airstream opens at 3 PM
- After check-out
- Stay on the land that day; Airstream sites stay clear for cleaning
- Best for
- Yosemite trips, long drives, last-morning cow visits
How an early arrival and a late departure work
- Before check-in
Arrive and park
Come up Penon Blanco Road whenever suits your drive. We will tell you where to park while your Airstream is being cleaned.
- Midday
Walk, eat, look around
Walk a short loop on the private trails, have a picnic lunch, or visit Coulterville's historic Main Street, about 10 to 15 minutes away. See Gold Rush & the Lost Road.
- 3 PM
Settle in
Your Airstream is ready. Unpack, then catch the sunset from your patio. See Dark Skies & Sunsets.
- Last morning
Coffee, then the cows
Pack up before 11 AM, then join the free 9 AM visit with Pearl, Lola and Lemon. See Meet the Highlanders.
- After check-out
Stay a while
Hike, sit with the view, or head into Yosemite for the day and leave from there.
Insider tips from the family
- 01
Use it for Yosemite
Arrive early on day one and leave late on your last day, and a two-night stay gives you a full Yosemite day plus two easy half days. Our Perfect Yosemite Day plan is built around this.
- 02
Pack a day bag
Keep water, snacks, a hat, and walking shoes at the top of the car so you can head out before your Airstream is ready.
- 03
Save the cows for your last morning
The 9 AM visit with Pearl, Lola and Lemon fits neatly between packing up and the drive home.
- 04
Avoid Yosemite's busiest hours
The Park Service suggests arriving before 9 AM or after 5 PM to avoid the worst traffic. Staying on the land after check-out lets you time the drive.
- 05
Tell us your timing
Message us your arrival and departure times when you book. It helps us have your Airstream ready as early as we can.
Getting there
Mariposa Highlands is on Penon Blanco Road in Coulterville, CA, in the Sierra foothills between Lake McClure and Lake Don Pedro. We share the exact address after you book.
We are about 36 miles (roughly an hour) from Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance via Hwy 120, and about 50 minutes from Mariposa on Hwy 49.
Coulterville's historic Main Street is about 10 to 15 minutes away, for coffee or lunch while you wait for check-in.
The roads are paved asphalt all the way to us.
Good to know
- Early arrival and late stay are free for overnight guests only.
- Your Airstream is not available before 3 PM or after 11 AM.
- Please keep to the trails and common areas while other guests are checking in and out.
Questions guests ask us
Can we arrive at Mariposa Highlands before check-in?
Yes. Guests are welcome on the land before check-in at no extra cost. Your Airstream is ready at 3 PM.
Can we stay on the property after check-out?
Yes. After you check out at 11 AM, you can stay to hike, see the cows, or rest before your drive.
Does early arrival or late stay cost extra?
No. Arrive Early, Stay Late is free for every overnight guest.
What can we do while our Airstream is being cleaned?
Walk the private trails, have a picnic, visit Coulterville's historic Main Street, or plan your Yosemite day.
Can we go to Yosemite after we check out?
Yes. Many guests check out, see Pearl, Lola and Lemon at 9 AM, and spend the day in the park. We are about 36 miles (roughly an hour) from Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance via Hwy 120.
