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Visit Yosemite Madera County
Start in Oakhurst and head on Hwy 49 toward Ahwahnee. Turn left on Road 600 toward Raymond. (23 miles from Oakhurst to Raymond)
Enjoy stunning vistas along this winding road with rolling hills, patches of wildflowers and expansive landscapes. Drive slow and easy as this is ranch country, and don’t be surprised if you see a cow ambling across the paved road. Keep an eye out for wild turkey, deer and many bird species.
Stop at the Raymond General Store for a burger, onion rings and a shake before getting back on the road. Drive back to Oakhurst the way you came or choose an alternate route such as Highway 415 eastbound from Raymond to Coarsegold (15 miles)
Road 600 Detour to Eastman Lake (for hikers)
Take Road 600 from downtown Raymond north toward Mariposa. Turn left on Road 613. Follow Road 613 to a bridge that spans the Chowchilla River at Eastman Lake. This is your trailhead. Park here and start walking. You can hike 4 miles to the Codorniz campground, or you can turn around at any spot of your choosing.
This is a lovely early-spring hike where wildflowers abound. A pair of nesting bald eagles reside on the opposite side of the lake, and you may be lucky enough to see them. As the weather heats up, watch out for rattlesnakes.
Take the scenic route south from Oakhurst on Hwy 41 to O'Neals. Turn left on Rd 200 and head “up the hill” about 18 miles Follow Road 225 (Minarets Road) into the quaint town of North Fork, the exact geographic center of California. You'll enjoy beautiful rolling hillsides dotted with wildflowers, oak trees and perhaps a deer if you're lucky.
Make an appointment to stop in O’Neals at Westbrook Wine Farm (you must schedule a visit ahead of time). In North Fork, stop at the Gnarly Carrot for delicious smoothies, fresh seasonal produce and artisan products.
From North Fork take road 222 to Bass Lake and enjoy the rest of your day exploring the shoreline. For dinner, enjoy lakeside dining at Ducey's on the Lake.
Starting on Hwy 145 in the Madera area, head to Road 400. Along this route you'll pass orchards bursting with young greenery, Hensley Lake and stunning countryside. Keep a look out for red-tailed hawks as you drive down Hwy 145, chances are high you will see several perched along barbed wire fences lining the road.
Meander to Coarsegold as you enjoy subtle rolling hills, budding oak trees and fields of fiddlenecks, and popcorn flowers. Stop in Coarsegold to explore the varied shops of Coarsegold Historic Village. From here we suggest jumping onto Highway 41 and head into Oakhurst to enjoy a meal at local our hot spot, South Gate Brewing Company.
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