Oat Hills (Mariposa County)

Oat Hills is a geographic feature located in Mariposa County, California. The term generally refers to a low-lying, rolling hill area characterized by grasslands, often dominated by wild oat species, within the larger Sierra Nevada foothills region. The specific boundaries of what constitutes "Oat Hills" are not precisely defined on official maps and may be interpreted differently by local residents or regional experts. The area's vegetation is typical of the California annual grassland ecosystem, subject to seasonal changes with green growth during the wetter winter and spring months, followed by a period of dormancy and brown vegetation in the dry summer and fall. The land use in Oat Hills generally includes grazing, open space, and rural residential development. The area contributes to the scenic beauty of Mariposa County and provides habitat for various wildlife species. Its proximity to Yosemite National Park makes it a part of the broader tourist and recreational landscape of the region.