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Upper Trail
A steep, quiet spur to the high point of Stockton Creek Preserve near Mariposa
About
Upper Trail is the steepest route inside Stockton Creek Preserve, a 722-acre reserve just off Highway 140 near Mariposa. The Mariposa Public Utility District (MPUD) now owns the preserve and manages it in perpetuity, while the Sierra Foothill Conservancy — the group that helped protect the land — continues to support it through grant funding. It's the local option when you want real elevation gain and Sierra foothill views without driving into the park, a short trip from downtown Mariposa rather than a Yosemite Valley crowd scene.
What You're Walking
The trailhead sits near Mariposa County High School, and from there the preserve's paths climb through oak woodland and grassland into the foothills. Upper Trail is the steeper of the routes here, gaining elevation more directly than the easier paths closer to the trailhead. The preserve doesn't publish official mileage or elevation figures, so treat this as a moderate-to-strenuous foothill climb rather than a fixed-distance hike, and budget more time than you would for a similarly graded trail with known numbers.
Before You Go
- Difficulty: the steepest option in the preserve, with long stretches of direct sun
- Bring: your own shade and plenty of water — tree cover is sparse on the climb
- Wildlife: typical Sierra foothill wildlife, including snakes during warm months — stay alert along trail edges
- Parking: at the trailhead near Mariposa County High School, minutes from downtown Mariposa
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Upper Trail at Stockton Creek Preserve?
Stockton Creek Preserve doesn't publish official trail distances or elevation figures. Upper Trail is the steepest of the routes here, climbing more directly toward the reserve's high point than the easier paths near the trailhead, so plan for a moderate-to-strenuous climb rather than a set mileage.
Is Stockton Creek Preserve part of Yosemite National Park?
No. It's a separate 722-acre reserve just off Highway 140 near the town of Mariposa, well outside the park boundary. The Mariposa Public Utility District now owns and manages the preserve in perpetuity, with the Sierra Foothill Conservancy — which helped protect the land — continuing to support it through grant funding.
What should I bring for Upper Trail?
Bring your own shade and plenty of water, since tree cover thins out on the climb. Snakes are common in Sierra foothill terrain during warm months, so stay alert on narrow sections of trail.
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