Are you planning your epic journey and struggling to search out the place to remain in Yosemite National Park? Do you end up overwhelmed by the variety of choices and uncertain the place to start out?
Then you’ve come to the suitable place.
Because our in-depth information to Yosemite goes to offer you an summary of all the highest selections.
Yosemite National Park, in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, is an outside fanatic’s dream and some of the fashionable locations for nature lovers. The park is dwelling to among the most iconic landscapes on Earth, from the towering granite cliffs of Half Dome to the cascading waterfalls of Yosemite Valley.
The one main shortcoming of Yosemite National Park is that it’s overwhelmed by guests for at the very least six months of the yr. There are two causes for that; first, Yosemite turned a sufferer of its personal reputation. People from all around the world, from informal vacationers to excessive rock climbers, come to the park throughout the excessive vacationer season.
Second, the park is inside driving distance of two main city conglomerates, San Francisco and Los Angeles. It is straightforward for Californians to make the journey to Yosemite for a weekend. If you reside within the Bay space, day journeys to Yosemite are extremely frequent.
When planning to go to Yosemite and on the lookout for locations to remain, you need to be very strategic. Of course, you’ll need to keep contained in the park, however there’s a secondary technique for locating a spot to remain. Look for locations to remain exterior the park however close by.
Let’s cowl each situations.
Where to remain in Yosemite: Lodging Inside The Park
For such an unlimited and fashionable vacation spot, the lodging inside Yosemite National Park, the park, could be very restricted. Yosemite Hospitality firm manages all lodging choices, and all reservations can be found three hundred and sixty six days upfront.
Reservations are obligatory one yr upfront to snag any lodging choice throughout the excessive vacationer season, May by way of October. Lodging choices contained in the park provide one luxurious lodge and two family-style resorts; the remaining are rustic-style choices like cabins and canvas tents.
- The Ahwahnee Hotel (Formerly Majestic Yosemite Hotel): The Ahwahnee Hotel is without doubt one of the most iconic and opulent resorts in Yosemite National Park. Located within the coronary heart of Yosemite Valley, this resort affords beautiful views of Half Dome and Glacier Point. The resort has been open since 1920, and its historic lodge-style structure is a sight to behold. The Ahwahnee is price contemplating for those who ebook a yr upfront and may afford it. 9.0 “Wonderful” score on Booking.com.
- Yosemite Valley Lodge: The Yosemite Valley Lodge, constructed within the early 1900s, is a good alternative for households and huge teams to stick with completely beautiful views of Yosemite Falls. The lodge’s glass and wooden structure and ample home windows permit within the vivid mountain sunshine whereas offering exceptional views. Multiple eating choices embody a seasonal out of doors swimming pool and onsite bike rental. The location of Yosemite Valley Lodge merely can’t be crushed! 7.9 “Good” score on Booking.com.
- Curry Village: Curry Village is ideal for those who’re on the lookout for one thing extra rustic. This historic lodge is situated within the coronary heart of Yosemite Valley. It was in-built 1899 as momentary housing in Yosemite and later transformed into charming lodges. It has a wide range of lodging, together with resort rooms, cabins, and tent cabins. Once once more, it’s a incredible choice for staying within the valley, however provided that you may get a reservation.
Due to the character of my enterprise and persona, I can not plan my journeys one yr upfront to ebook lodging contained in the park. As a consequence, I’ve by no means had an opportunity to remain contained in the park whereas visiting Yosemite. I at all times use the second technique: on the lookout for a spot to remain exterior Yosemite near one of many 5 park entrances.
Where to Stay in Yosemite by Park Entrance
Yosemite National Park has 5 entrances, providing you with many choices for locating lodging simply exterior the park. It’s necessary to remember the fact that Yosemite’s 5 entrances aren’t created equal with regard to lodging.
To study extra about Yosemite 5 entrances, please examine my devoted article right here: Yosemite Entrances: Which One Should I Take?
Four of Yosemite’s entrances are situated on the western facet of the park to offer you a greater thought of the setup. While the fifth Yosemite entrance, the Tioga Pass Entrance, is on the distant japanese facet of the park.
The Yosemite National Park entrances embody:
- Big Oak Flat Entrance (Hwy. 120)
- Hetch Hetchy Entrance (Hwy. 120)
- Tioga Pass Entrance (Hwy. 120)
- Arch Rock Entrance (Hwy. 140)
- South Entrance (Hwy. 41)
Staying in Yosemite Around Big Oak Flat Entrance
On the park’s west facet, you’ll discover Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat Entrance alongside Highway 120. The closest city to this entrance is Groveland, about an hour from the park entrance.
The Big Oak Flat Entrance is well accessible from San Francisco and Bay Area and has essentially the most lodging choices of any entrance within the park. You’ll solely be a couple of 25 miles drive from Yosemite Valley to Big Oak Flat Entrance, however that’s unfavourable if Yosemite Valley is your predominant focal point.
This is without doubt one of the park’s least crowded entrances, essentially the most scenic, and my favourite.
- Rush Creek Lodge: One of the preferred lodges exterior of the park is the Rush Creek Lodge. A favourite amongst solo vacationers, this charming lodge affords incredible facilities reminiscent of a pool, an adults solely scorching tub, a spa, and even limitless s’mores. What’s to not love? This is a tremendous choice at solely .5 miles (.8 km) from the Big Oak Flat Entrance. 9.0 “Superb” score on Booking.com.
- Groveland Hotel: With Groveland being the closest city to the Big Oaks Flat Entrance, if you wish to be in a barely extra city setting, then the Groveland Hotel is ideal for you. The historical past of the constructing solely provides to its attraction, because it was a buying and selling publish in 1849. Bonus: it’s situated proper subsequent to the Iron Door Saloon, the state’s longest-operating bar. 8.1 “Very Good” score on Booking.com.
- Majestic Pine Cabin: You’ll discover this charming cabin in a gated neighborhood about 25 miles from the Big Oak Flat Entrance of Yosemite National Park. The personal and peaceable cabin comfortably sleeps 6 and affords beautiful mountain views. Large home windows and a tremendous deck provide help to take pleasure in nature’s splendor throughout your keep. 4.95 score on Airbnb.com
Staying in Yosemite Around South Entrance
The South Entrance at Yosemite National Park provides essentially the most lodging choices for any park entrance. Entering by way of the south will take you previous a number of of the park’s beautiful sights, together with Pioneer Yosemite History Center, Chilnualna Falls, and the Giant Sequoias of Mariposa Grove.
- Tenaya Lodge (former Apple Tree Inn): You’ll discover that the cottages and cabins at Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp are a little bit of a splurge, but it surely’s simple to see why. Luxury is the secret at Tenaya Lodge. This resort affords cottages and spacious rooms, an opulent spa, yoga lessons, guided hikes, a number of swimming pools, and onsite eating choices. Bonus: it’s additionally simply 10 minutes from the park, although it’s possible you’ll by no means want to go away the lodge. 8.4 “Very Good” score on Booking.com.
- Narrow Gauge Inn: Also situated in Fish Camp, the Narrow Gauge Inn is a charmingly rustic resort simply 10 minutes from the South Gate Entrance. The grounds and gardens are beautiful and full with a creekside path. Enjoy the pool, scorching tub, and onsite eating on your comfort. 8.4 “Very Good” score on Booking.com.
- Big Creek Inn: This quaint Bed and Breakfast in Fish Camp is ideal for these trying to keep near the South Entrance. At simply 1.9 miles (3 km) you possibly can’t get a lot nearer. Each spacious room has a non-public balcony overlooking nature and a non-public toilet. You may chill out within the property’s stunning backyard whereas having fun with the encompassing nature’s tranquility. 9.4 “Superb” score on Booking.com.
Staying in Yosemite Around Arch Rock Entrance
You’ve in all probability seen photographs of the Arch Rock Entrance, in any other case generally known as the El Portal. By far essentially the most dramatic entrance within the park, El Portal permits guests to enter the park by way of a balanced arch rock. This is the closest entrance to Yosemite Valley and has most of the most beautiful views within the park. If you’re on the lookout for facilities and being close to Yosemite Valley, then that is the world for you.
- Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort: If you might be on the lookout for a forest environment that’s quiet and peaceable, look no additional than the Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort. The resort affords an on-site restaurant good for eating after a day exploring the park and a spa for these looking for a little bit of indulgence. Yosemite Valley is simply 27 miles (43 km) away from this resort, situated near Mariposa. 8.0 “Very Good” score on Booking.com.
- Yosemite View Lodge: As one of many top-rated lodging choices close to the Arch Rock Entrance, this dog-friendly lodge is simply 8.7 miles (14kms) from Yosemite National Park. Set on the Merced River, the lodge affords 4 swimming pools, a scorching tub, and a restaurant onsite. After a day exploring or earlier than you set out within the morning, you possibly can dine at The River Restaurant & Lounge, which affords basic American breakfast and dinner.
- Rush Creek Lodge At Yosemite: At simply .5 miles (.8 km) from the park entrance, you possibly can’t get a lot nearer than Rush Creek Lodge. A favourite amongst {couples}, this lodge contains a seasonal out of doors pool and two scorching tubs, one for households and one for adults solely. You can take pleasure in a meal on the onsite restaurant after a day of climbing within the park or seize breakfast earlier than you begin adventuring. 9.0 “Superb” score on Booking.com.
Staying in Yosemite Around Hetch Hetchy Entrance
As some of the distant entrances within the park, with no entry to Yosemite Valley, you gained’t discover many lodging choices close to Hetch Hetchy. This entrance is tucked away within the park’s northeast nook and has restricted working hours. If you’re on the lookout for solitude, this can be a good spot.
- Evergreen Lodge: One of the few choices on this quiet facet of the park, the Evergreen Lodge is a captivating assortment of cabins which can be a nature lovers’ paradise. Each cabin has a non-public balcony good for having fun with nature, and the lodge additionally affords a seasonal pool, sport room, and an onsite restaurant and bar. 9.0 “Superb” score on Booking.com.
- Yosemite Lakes Cabins and Yurts: This wonderful assortment of cabins and yurts, with 14 complete lodging choices, is simply 8 miles from the Hetch Hetchy Entrance of Yosemite. Experience nature at its best in these outfitted cabins and yurts. Each lodging choice consists of fashionable facilities reminiscent of flat-screen TVs, kitchens, and personal loos for every unit. 8.4 “Very Good” score on Booking.com.
Staying in Yosemite Around Tioga Pass Entrance
Looking for a phenomenal and scenic drive? Head to the Tioga Pass Entrance of Yosemite National Park. This is the one entrance on the park’s japanese facet, however consider it’s closed for six months of the yr attributable to snow. It’s round 45 miles from Yosemite Valley, and also you’ll have to drive over the mountain move to get from Tioga to a lot of the park. For these on the lookout for practicality when contemplating the place to remain in Yosemite National Park, this isn’t the place for you.
- Lake View Lodge: This lodge has numerous lodging choices, together with rooms, cottages, and cabins, and is situated simply 13 miles (20 km) from the Tioga Pass Entrance of Yosemite National Park. It’s situated in Lee Vining, the place the lodge is a simple stroll from eating places and cafes. The lodge additionally affords a standard backyard for visitors to take pleasure in, which is the right place to take pleasure in a sundown.
- Heidelberg Inn: The Heidelberg Inn is situated on picturesque June Lake; it’s simple to see why previous Hollywood frequented this charming inn. Solo vacationers, specifically, appear to like this beautiful location the place you get stunning views of June Lake and are a simple strolling distance from the city and all its facilities.
- Virginia Creek Settlement: If you need to be transported again in time, contemplate staying on the Virginia Creek Settlement in Bridgeport. At this settlement, you possibly can select to remain in a motel, cabin, creekside cottage, or perhaps a coated wagon. Picnic tables, hearth pits, and raised barbecue stands are additionally accessible for visitor use.
Fun Fact: The famed John Wayne stayed on this rustic lodge on the Virginia Creek Settlement!
Where To Stay In Yosemite National Park | Final Thoughts
If you might be questioning the place to remain in Yosemite National Park, out of the 5 entrances, essentially the most logical selections are South Entrance and Arch Rock Entrance. Both of those entrances provide extra lodging choices and are nearer to the very best vacation spot in Yosemite National Park. No matter what you might be on the lookout for, there’s a nice lodging choice close to Yosemite for you!