Hiking Trails
Trails start at your door. No trailhead, no crowd.
The short answer
The Hiking Trails at Mariposa Highlands are miles of private trails that start right outside your Airstream on Penon Blanco Peak in Coulterville, CA, open for both hiking and mountain biking. Our trails were built by Jaret Brantley (@jaretbrantley), an ex-pro wakeboarder and one of the trail builders for Redding Trail Alliance (@redding_trail_alliance). Choose a very easy walk to a spring and a view of Lake McClure, two longer loops across Penon Blanco Road, a harder hike with views of the waterfall and its granite rocks, or the strenuous climb to the top of Penon Blanco Peak near the old fire lookout. Our trails connect to adjacent public BLM land. They are free for guests and open all year. They are never crowded and you can see a long way, so sharing them with the odd mountain biker is easy. Carry water and stay on marked trails.
- Cost
- Free for guests
- Trailhead
- Your Airstream door
- Trails
- Miles of private trails, never crowded, shared with the odd mountain biker
- Options
- A very easy spring and lake-view walk to a strenuous summit climb
- Difficulty
- Very easy to strenuous
- Best season
- All year round
- Views
- Lake McClure and the Sierra foothills
The trails, from easy to strenuous
- Very easy
The springs and Lake McClure view
From the entrance, by the first springA short, very easy hike that starts by the entrance, next to the first spring you can see from the Airstreams. It takes you to the second spring, the next closest one, at the 1850s Wells Fargo water trough, and on to a view of Lake McClure. Good for all ages.
- Moderate
Two loops across the road
South side of Penon Blanco Road, across from the AirstreamsPast the second spring, keep going beyond the Lake McClure view and you reach two loops with miles of hiking trail on the south side of Penon Blanco Road, across from the Airstreams. Both loops circle back, so you won't get lost.
- Harder
The waterfall rocks
The longer loopFor a harder workout, take the waterfall trail. It has a lot more vertical feet than the rest of the trails, with views of the waterfall and its granite rocks.
- Strenuous
To the top of Penon Blanco Peak
Near the old fire lookoutThe most strenuous hike of all starts right from the Airstreams and climbs our trail system to the top of Penon Blanco Peak. You can hike to the peak from our property; the old fire lookout structure itself isn't open, but you can get close and take in an incredible view.
- Beyond
Onto public land
Adjacent BLM landOur trails connect to adjacent public BLM land.
Insider tips from the family
- 01
Go early in summer
The trails are open all year. Foothill afternoons can be very hot from June to September, so in summer hike early in the morning and carry more water than you think you need.
- 02
Spring is the prettiest
From about March to May the hills are green, wildflowers are out, and the seasonal creek may be running.
- 03
Wear real shoes
The trails are rocky and steep in places. Wear shoes with good grip.
- 04
Leave gates as you find them
Our cattle graze parts of the land. Close any gate you open.
- 05
Share the trail
Mountain bikers use the trails too, but there isn't much traffic and there isn't much forest, so you can see most of the trail from almost any point. Between looking and listening, it's easy to spot a rider and step aside.
- 06
Watch for rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes live in these hills. Stay on the trail, watch where you put your hands and feet, and give any snake plenty of room. If someone is bitten, call 911.
Getting there
Mariposa Highlands is at 4584 Penon Blanco Road, Coulterville, CA 95311, in the Sierra foothills between Lake McClure and Lake Don Pedro.
Trails start right from the Airstreams. Ask us at check-in which route suits you.
We are about 36 miles (roughly an hour) from Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance via Hwy 120, so you can hike here in the morning and be in the park by midday.
The roads are paved asphalt all the way to us.
Good to know
- Trails are for overnight guests.
- No smoking or fires on the trails. Seasonal fire restrictions apply on nearby public land.
- Cell service can be patchy on the trail. Tell someone your route.
- Do not drink untreated water from springs or streams.
- Dogs are welcome on the trails on a leash.
Questions guests ask us
Are there hiking trails at Mariposa Highlands?
Yes. Miles of private trails start at your Airstream, open for both hiking and mountain biking, from a very easy walk to a spring and a Lake McClure view to a strenuous climb to the top of Penon Blanco Peak. They are free for guests. Our trails were built by Jaret Brantley (@jaretbrantley), an ex-pro wakeboarder and one of the trail builders for Redding Trail Alliance (@redding_trail_alliance).
Do the trails connect to public land?
Yes. Our trails connect to adjacent public BLM land.
Can we hike to the top of Penon Blanco Peak?
Yes. You can hike to the top of Penon Blanco Peak from our property on our trail system. It is our most strenuous hike. The old fire lookout structure itself isn't open, but you can get close and take in an incredible view.
Are the trails crowded? Do we share them with bikes?
No, they are never crowded. Mountain bikers use them too, but there is little traffic and not much forest, so you can see most of the trail from almost any point and easily spot or hear a rider coming.
What is the best time of year to hike?
All year round. Spring brings green hills and wildflowers, and in summer the early morning is the coolest time to hike.
Are the trails good for kids?
The very easy walk to the springs and the Lake McClure view is fine for children with an adult. The longer loops and the summit climb suit older kids and adults.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the trails on a leash.
Are there rattlesnakes?
Yes, especially in warm months. Stay on trails, watch where you step, and leave snakes alone. If anyone is bitten, call 911 right away.
