Redbuds and road trips

As summer makes its way to fall, there’s no better time to rediscover one of California’s most iconic road trips.

In 2026, Highway 140 celebrates its 100th anniversary. Known as the “All-Weather Highway,” this scenic route has connected travelers from the historic Gold Rush town of Mariposa to Yosemite National Park since 1926.

Following the Merced River into Yosemite Valley, Highway 140 has welcomed generations of visitors while shaping the growth of our communities, businesses and tourism economy.

This September, Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau will welcome travel journalists and local media to experience Highway 140 firsthand as we commemorate a century of road trips, hospitality and adventure. Their journey will highlight not only the spectacular scenery, but also the communities, businesses and people that continue to make this corridor so special.

As planning for the centennial celebration began, it also prompted a look back at the many ways local residents have helped shape the visitor experience over the decades.

One of the most remarkable stories in Highway 140’s history dates back to 1964, when local resident and amateur horticulturist William Brady imagined a more beautiful drive into Yosemite.

After developing a successful process for germinating California redbud seeds, Brady shared his vision with the Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce and the Highway 140 Association, who embraced the idea and transformed it into a true community effort.

Imagine thousands of empty coffee cans filled with an equal number of California redbud seeds. Following a nationwide appeal, these coffee cans arrived in Mariposa by parcel post from communities across the country. Volunteers filled them with germinating seedlings before planting began along Highway 140.

The first redbuds were planted nearly 60 years ago on Sept. 21, in conjunction with National Highway Week, marking the beginning of what became one of California’s most unique roadside beautification projects.

More than six decades later, that do-it-yourself beautification effort continues to turn heads. Each spring, thousands of vibrant magenta blossoms line stretches of Highway 140, drawing photographers, wildflower enthusiasts and travelers eager to experience one of California’s most scenic drives.

As the seasons change, the redbuds continue the show, adding rich golden-oranges and red foliage to the landscape each fall. It’s a lasting reminder that a simple community idea, nurtured by volunteers, can grow into a legacy enjoyed by generations.

Looking back at the vision of those who planted redbuds nearly 60 years ago naturally leads to another question: What legacy are we creating today?

If you’ve walked along the Mariposa Creek Parkway recently, you’ve likely noticed the ongoing restoration work taking place. Through partnerships that include the Mariposa Arts Council, Mariposa County, the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, the Sierra Foothill Conservancy, Mariposa County Master Gardeners and local volunteers, and other community organizations, native plants are being restored along the creek corridor while improving habitat for wildlife and creating a more vibrant public space for residents and visitors alike.

The restoration has already encouraged the return of native species, and rumors of a beaver’s return have been spreading.

Projects like these make Mariposa County a better place to live while also enriching the experience for the millions of people who visit each year. Tourism is our county’s number one industry and investments that improve our communities benefit everyone.

Beautiful public spaces, healthy waterways, welcoming downtowns and thoughtfully maintained landscapes all become part of the story visitors remember long after they’ve returned home.

What improvements can we make that future generations will enjoy? What projects can we support that strengthen both our community and the visitor experience?

Sometimes those contributions are large community initiatives. Other times they’re as simple as planting a tree, volunteering for a cleanup day or participating in efforts like the Mariposa Facelift or Yosemite Facelift, where hundreds of volunteers come together each year to care for the places they love.

Whether it’s restoring habitat, picking up litter or simply taking pride in our community, every effort helps preserve the beauty that residents enjoy and visitors remember.

As we prepare to celebrate Highway 140’s centennial, we’d also love your help preserving its history.

Do you have old photographs of Highway 140? Family stories about traveling to Yosemite? Memories of roadside businesses, summer vacations or favorite stops along the way?

We’re inviting the community to share photographs, memories and stories as part of the Highway 140 Centennial celebration.

Submit your memories by emailing info@mariposamuseum.com, uploading them through the Mariposa Museum & History Center website or stopping by the museum with your photos. If you plan to visit the museum, please call ahead at (209) 966-2924.

A selection of submissions may be featured as part of the centennial celebration this September.

After all, Highway 140 isn’t just a road. It’s a collection of stories spanning a century, and every generation has added something to the journey.

Kim Lawson is Director of Communications and Content for the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau (YMCTB), where she leads the national and international media coverage promoting our region. A longtime local, she helps tell the story of Mariposa County and welcome visitors through media and storytelling. Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the County of Mariposa. Learn more about YMCTB at Yosemite.com See stories from our community on Youtube channel @ YosemiteNation to watch our series on local business owners involved in the tourism trade www.youtube.com/@YosemiteNation/