Photo credit: D. Nielson

Since 1975, the Mariposa County Pioneer Wagon Train, an organization of horse, mule and wagon enthusiasts, has made its historic trek from Wawona to the historical town of Mariposa.

Following many of the old stage coach roads from the 1800s, the Wagon Train covers this 32 mile trip over the course of three days, camping each night at a different site along the way.

The Wagon Train is great family fun for cowpokes of all ages. Little pardners are just as welcome as the well-seasoned ones. You don’t have to ride in a wagon to join the Wagon Train. Lots of riders bring their horses and mules and ride hitched to nothing but a saddle. You may even run into a bandit or two along the way, but don’t worry. The Sheriff is always right behind keeping the peace! You will be entertained Old West style with cowboy poetry, music and sitting around the campfire listening to tales of the Wild West, Mariposa style.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all prepared by Mariposa’s own Salvador’s Restaurant, hosted by the owners, Sal and Shea, who serve the best Mexican grub in Mariposa County!

In 1985, the Cannonball, a historic stage coach, was purchased by the Mariposa County Pioneer Wagon Train. The original Cannonball was an old stagecoach built in the 1880’s and was used for passenger service in and around Yosemite national Park a century ago. Its run between Wawona and Raymond, a Southern Pacific terminal in the Sierra foothills, was its most notable service. The 72-mile trek was covered in about twelve hours with stops every ten miles or so to change horses. This was considered fast time in those days. Teamsters boasted that they could “shoot” you through to Yosemite in record time; hence, the name “Cannonball”.  Over the years many famous passengers have ridden on the Cannonball, including John D. Rockefeller and President Theodore Roosevelt.

2015 Schedule of Events

Wednesday, June 10

Check in at Goat Meadow Campground: 4 - 7 P.M.
Located north of Fish Camp turn right at the Snow-Play area (follow signs)
Check in for participants between: 4-6:30 P.M.
Campfire & Entertainment Start: 5 P.M.
Orientation & Dinner: 6 P.M.

Thursday, June 11

Breakfast at Goat Meadow Campground: 7 A.M.
Ride Out: 8 A.M.
Coffee & Doughnuts at Summit Camp: Approximately 10 A.M.
Arrive at Cedar Point Ranch for Lunch: 1 P.M.
Located at 5888 Chowchilla Mountain Road (about a mile up from end of pavement)
Dinner: 6 P.M.
Followed by Cowboy Poetry and Music around the Campfire.

Friday, June 12

Breakfast at Cedar Point Ranch: 7:30 A.M.
Ride Out: 8:30 A.M.
Arrive at Darrah School for Lunch: 1 P.M.
Located at 5991 Darrah Road (the corner of Darrah & Triangle Rd.)
Dinner: 6 P.M.
Golden Chain Theatre Melodrama Group: 7 P.M.
Followed by “Old Timer” Stories and Music around the Campfire.

Saturday, June 13

Breakfast at Darrah School: 7:30 A.M.
Ride Out: 8:30 A.M.
Arrive at Historic Van Ness Ranch for Lunch: 1 P.M.
Located at 5260 Carleton Rd. (take Silva Rd. and follow signs)
Dinner: 6 P.M.

Followed by Music by Suprecret, Dancing and Raffles.

To help us keep this slice of history alive, please come join us for any or all of these fun events. For more information, please visit the website at: www.mariposawagontrain.org. 

Mariposa County Pioneer Wagon Train operates under a Special Use permit in the Sierra National Forest. Thank you for your support!