We
always recommend minimum one to three day sightseeing and hiking
itineraries for guests (ask upon arrival) with another activity
thrown in for spice, but check out the following for that extra
day of fun or if you have seen the sights already before. And
remember, we are not surprised to see one to five guests a day
just hanging at the Bug to relax for once in front of the fire
or in a Hammock.
Local Events as well can be found at the following Mariposa Agri-Nature Trail Weekend in the County and Home Of Yosemite .
Rafting
is the biggest attraction at the Bug from April through June.
The rafting takeout from the Merced River is just 2 miles from
the Bug. The Merced, one of Yosemite's gems, pulses and undulates,
and makes an exciting addition to your stay. You'll find thrilling
Class III and IV whitewater.
Rafting Companies:
Kayaking season starts in March on the Merced River, but know that you must have your own equipment to enjoy. No one rents locally. In fact all sporting activities outside of winter sports have no rentals locally except climbing. Kayaking is popular from the Red Bud Day Use Area this side of El Portal all the way to the Class VI falls above Bagby Reservoir.
Mountain biking is in
season locally again. It is cool to ride along the Merced River on the Riverside dirt road ride and watch all the rafters and wild rapids two miles down the highway from the Bug.
Hiking along the South Fork of the Merced in wildflower season is worth all four miles there. Beautiful wildflowers and deep canyon scenery make this walk exceptional. You will find very few other people along it if you are looking for serenity.
Check out our own groovy trail around the Bug 50 acres. You will see more birds (esp in spring) than most other places, including the park. Walk among black oak groves and tall alder nooks. Follow a creek in flood with waterfalls, or sit contemplating hummingbirds along a lazy, grassy stream. We see deer, turkeys, boars, bears, bobcats, skunks, etc around our place; they come year round because we have a spring. See flowers of all types in microclimes that support cooler buckeyes and redbuds (great in April), and hotter buckthorn or chamise chaparral. Red flowers for hummingbirds, and white flowers for huge moths. Occasionally, you will surprise redtail hawks or blue herons. The route is steep and slippery in places, so be prepared with correct shoes. The route down to the swimming hole and creek island is fairly easy with steps. if you have a bit, do wander around and take up to an hour about the Bug Loop.
At the end the trail opens up after some stone cabin ruins to show where the Yosemite Miwok Indians wintered before white man arrived during the Gold Rush. Beautiful isolation. You can also find scant remains of one of California's richest gold mines, its hotel, mill, mines, bridge and housing sites all named after John Hite.
