Escape to a serene retreat in California Gold Country, where historic rock walls meet rolling hills and oak trees. This recently renovated ranch property features two comfortable bedrooms, central air conditioning and heat, a living room with games and puzzles, large smart TV with Netflix & Wi-Fi.
Reviews
9.89.8 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
The current price is NZ$440
NZ$440
includes taxes & fees
17 Mar - 18 Mar
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Bear Creek Ranch in tranquil setting near Yosemite Valley/Merced River
Quiet and serene retreat for families (pets allowed if approved prior to arrival. Pets are not allowed on any of the furniture or beds and cant be left alone in the house at anytime) located in California Gold Country on a ranch property - a little more than a mile from highway 140, which is the route to the west entrance of Yosemite Valley. The property is situated in the rolling hills and oak trees of Catheys Valley. The sunrise and sunsets are gorgeous and the night sky has an unobstructed view of the stars. The historic rock walls that exist on the property are from the early gold rush days of California. Wildlife abounds on this property - deer, coyote, bobcats, birds such as turkey, hummingbirds and the California Quail. The retreat has just been renovated and has two comfortable bedrooms and 1 bath. The two bedrooms have 1 queen bed in each room. Two twin size rollaway cots can be made available when booking for 5 or 6 guests. There is central air conditioning and heat. The open floor plan has a living room with plenty of lounging area and includes games and puzzles, large smart TV with Netflix, & Wi-Fi. The kitchen has a full size refrigerator /freezer, a stove/oven, microwave, toaster, Keurig coffee machine & tea pot, blender, glasses, dishes, pots/pans, silverware and cooking utensils. There is an iron and ironing board, washer and dryer. Out the back door is a private patio with a picnic table and charcoal only BBQ. The retreat is fully stocked with towels, hand soap, shampoo and conditioner, shower soap, linens, laundry soap, dish soap, coffee, some spices and cooking oil, toilet paper, paper towels. Housekeeping is provided before and after your stay. There is not a daily maid service. The entry is a personal key code access and there is plenty of room for parking.
All your guests get access to the kitchen, dining room, living area, laundry room, and back yard. You will NOT be sharing this home with anyone else. We have 2 security cameras, 1 facing the front door, 1 facing the back door Catheys Valley is a quaint small town with a restaurant, gas and convenience store and a small post office. The Catheys Valley park has the old Catheys Valley school house, an informational plaque/marker describing the founder of Catheys Valley and a blacksmith shop sponsored by the Catheys Valley Historical Society - open during special events and holidays. Raw Roots Farm are located in Catheys Valley and are worth the visit. You can also arrange an animal tour with us while you are visiting.
The Mariposa Fair Grounds hosts the Mariposa County Fair and rodeo including the demolition derby, various events and festivals and the Mining and Mineral Museum that gives you the colorful history of our gold country past. Mariposa is a small gold rush town that now offers local antiques, gift shops and art galleries, wine and olive oil tasting, restaurants, groceries and gas stations. For historical sightseeing, the court house is the original court house built in 1854 and the only original court house still operating in California. Tours are available during certain times of the year. The Mariposa Museum of History sits in the central part of town and is close to breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
Highway 140 continues through Mariposa along the scenic Merced river to the west entrance of Yosemite National Park, the only all weather route into Yosemite and the closest entrance to the valley floor loop. Along the route there are places to stop for picnics, water rafting, beaches and of course beautiful scenic photography opportunities of the wild California poppies and the beautiful rock outcroppings. The Merced River Recreation Area in Briceburg is a great place for all of these. Other family activities around Mariposa include the historic Sugar Pine Railroad that takes guests on a 4 mile narrated railway adventure traversing original logging rail beds by a steam locomotive; the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway will take you through giant sequoia groves, alpine lakes, wildflower fields and amazing views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range; and multiple lakes for swimming, boating or fishing. Yosemite National Park is set within California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s famed for its giant, ancient sequoias, and for Tunnel View, the iconic vista of towering Bridalveil Fall and the granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome. In Yosemite Village are shops, restaurants, the Yosemite Museum and the Ansel Adams Gallery, offering prints of the photographer’s renowned black-and-white landscapes of the area.
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Games
TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Garden
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Note from host: Smoking is allowed outside.
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a hospital
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Swimming nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Lock the doors
Guests must wash all the dishes they used during the stay and put them on the drying rack.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Guests must wash all the dishes they used during the stay and place them on the drying rack.
Guests must throw all the trash in the outside trash bin before checking out.
Pets must be approved before your stay.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: No cats allowed. Pets cant be left alone in home.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is allowed outside.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
Property is also known as
Bear Creek Ranch Tranquil Setting Yosemite Valley/merced River
About the area
Located in Catheys Valley, this holiday home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake McClure Bagby Recreation Area and Merced River, while Mariposa Museum and History Center and California State Mining and Mineral Museum are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching. Visit our Catheys Valley travel guide
Is Bear Creek Ranch in tranquil setting near Yosemite Valley/Merced River pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Bear Creek Ranch in tranquil setting near Yosemite Valley/Merced River?
As of 16 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bear Creek Ranch in tranquil setting near Yosemite Valley/Merced River on 17 Mar 2026 start from NZ$440, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Bear Creek Ranch in tranquil setting near Yosemite Valley/Merced River?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Bear Creek Ranch in tranquil setting near Yosemite Valley/Merced River?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Bear Creek Ranch in tranquil setting near Yosemite Valley/Merced River?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Bear Creek Ranch in tranquil setting near Yosemite Valley/Merced River located?
Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 16 miles (25 km) of Windows on the World Books and Art, Mariposa County's Old Stone Jail and Mariposa County Courthouse. Mariposa Museum and History Center and Mariposa County Visitor Center are also within 16 miles (25 km).
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Bear Creek Ranch in tranquil setting near Yosemite Valley/Merced River Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
To say simply the stay was perfect. The host of the property is extremely nice and welcoming. The animals are adorable and friendly that are on the property, and the residence we stayed in was amazing. Loved it and hope to be welcome back
The property was perfect. A spacious, clean, and fully operational place that met our needs completely. I would definitely recommend and would rent again. Thank you Jason for your hospitality.
My husband and my small dog. Enjoyed our stay here for a trip to Yosemite. We took the dog with us on dog friendly trails at the park and came back to a clean and spacious rental that was very comforting. At night there is porch (out front) or patio seating (out back) to enjoy the outdoors here—listening to crickets and such. During the day you can walk around the premises and look at their cute animals, including goats, donkeys, pig, and llamas or alpaca (?).
I absolutely love this property. Second time staying, and we spent Easter weekend. Easy day trip to Yosemite. Mariposa is a short drive. Family friendly, quiet atmosphere.
We were visiting Yosemite from bay area and this is almost a midpoint for us which was perfect specially with 2 toddlers.
The description was accurate and the animal farm was a big bonus :)
It was clean.The issues that i had: Even though pets were allowed they were not really welcomed. There were signs everywhere to not allow them on the furniture or the beds. The house is full of signs on what you cannot do and what you cannot steal.
My son's birthday. What a special place to be for your birthday.
Very clean, the host Jason is extremely helpful and responds quickly with answers to your questions.
Beautiful property.
I would love to come back again and again.
Thanks for having us.
Loved the relaxed very quiet setting. It was fun watching the alpacas, sheep, donkeys and a pig. I’m a photographer, so I drove up Hornitos Road to the little town of Hornitos, which is full of CA history. The proprietor of the gift shop in town took the time to tell me all about Hornitos and it’s history. We went into the Sugar Pine Cafe in the town of Mariposa, which was worth the wait to get in for breakfast. You want to come with plenty of groceries because otherwise it’s a bit of a drive to get something to cook.
Overall it was a great place.
Very neat place near Yosemite. Good spacious house in quiet neighborhood, everything is there, even a grill on a backyard. Very greenery and scenic. No creek access for sake. But animals are something, ask host to get you some of their food and feed them; pony is dominating there.Even TV is newer (LED) than on pictures.Its about 1h drive to Yosemite entrance which we assumed acceptable. Beware of speedtraps, it was there every day on hwy.We would use 2nd bathroom with 3 kids, its not listed as amenity but its there locked.I'm not fan of signs in house - don't take this or that out of house, its assumed and covered by VRBO. It breaks cozy feeling of home away from home. Also door hinges would use some lube.I liked Jason's communication style, short and informative, no water in messaging.
There are a few units on this property, as well as the owner's home, but there is plenty of space so it never felt crowded. The owner was very responsive and I really enjoyed my stay here.
We arrived late at night and when we opened our windows the next morning we were surprised to see beautiful rolling hills. Would stay again the next time we visit Yosemite.
Connie J.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019
10/10 Excellent
Tim S.
20 Apr 2019
Comfortable, Peaceful, and Farm Animals
My wife and I truly enjoyed our stay. The ranch is 15 minutes west of Mariposa and a little over an hour to the entrance to Yosemite. We enjoyed the peace and quiet along with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. Our stay was in April and the grounds were green and beautiful during the springtime. The beds were firm and comfortable, just to our liking. We took advantage of the kitchen and cooking supplies to prepare a few meals. We also used the BBQ for hot dogs and used the remaining coals to make smores...a rare treat for us.
On and around the property you will see and hear wild turkeys, frogs and crickets at night, neighboring cattle, and the ranch's own farm animals. If you enjoy animals this a great place to stay. If you ask the property manager you may be able to arrange the opportunity to help feed the Alpacas, mini donkeys, pigs, goats, and sheep. This was a highlight for my wife...she loved it!
The property manager Jason was very responsive and helpful.
Tim S.
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2019
10/10 Excellent
Nicole S.
7 Nov 2018
Just what we were looking for! A beautifully maintained property, quiet country setting, so clean!
Our family members each raved about the beautiful home, the thoughtfulness of the property owners and the amazing animals nearby! I loved reading in the morning on the porch, with a cup of coffee and watching the various animals do their morning things. The home was spacious and set up so each room had plenty of seating and the kitchen had almost every thing you can imagine... I had brought a wine opener, just in case, but they're was one stocked there already! We would reccomend staying here and if the opportunity arises we'd love to visit again!
Nicole S.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018
10/10 Excellent
Rachel L.
17 Sept 2018
Clean, spacious, confortable home away from home.
We had a great time staying in this house.
It was clean, it was spacious and very lovely.
We really enjoyed our stay. Thank you!