El Portal, Census-designated place in Mariposa County, United States
El Portal is a small settlement in Mariposa County positioned at about 600 feet elevation along State Route 140 and bordering the Merced River at the western entrance to Yosemite National Park. The community provides two hotels, a general store, gas station, post office, community center, and a small school for both residents and passing travelers.
The first post office opened in 1907, establishing the settlement as a supply point for travelers. The Hotel Del Portal, built in the early years, was destroyed by fire in 1917, marking a significant shift in the community's development.
This settlement serves as a gateway community where residents and local business owners have adapted their daily routines around serving visitors heading to Yosemite National Park. The place functions as a stopping point where travelers can find local services before or after their park visits.
Travelers can find all essential services on-site, including lodging, groceries, and fuel, making it a convenient stopping point before entering or after leaving the park. It makes sense to refuel or stock up on supplies here rather than waiting until the journey continues.
A historic locomotive numbered 6 from the Yosemite Valley Railroad sits in the community as a reminder that this location once marked the end of the rail line. The engine has been preserved since 1978 and tells the story of the region's railroad heritage.
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