Road TripsMerced River Scenic Highway
From Mariposa SR 140 heads north to Midpines, surrounded by ponderosa pines, then begins a steep, winding descent to the Merced River Valley. The highway follows the river—popular with anglers—for about 20 miles to Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance, just past El Portal. Appropriately named, it’s a great photo op and the first taste of the park’s abundant scenic riches.