Where to stay in Yosemite right now
Yosemite and the Gold Rush-era towns that cluster at the National Park’s big gates are home to all sorts of lodging possibilities, from rental cabins to grand hotels and cozy inns. Here are some options to help you plan a winter getaway now:
Yosemite National Park: If you’re a plan-ahead type, you might have been lucky enough to score a room at the National Park’s iconic lodge, The Ahwahnee hotel this winter. Those pricey rooms book up quickly, though, so if you’re only planning that winter getaway now, try the Yosemite Valley Lodge (formerly Yosemite Lodge at the Falls). It’s not as luxe, but it’s comfortable and it boasts some of the most spectacular views in the valley.
Prefer a vacation rental within the National Park gates? Check out The Redwoods in Yosemite (www. redwoodsinyosemite.com), which handles some 130 cabins and vacation rentals near the Big Trees Lodge. Yosemite West/yosemite’s Enchanted Forest Rentals (www.yosemitewest.com) offers condos and cabins near Badger Pass and about half an hour from the valley, or Yosemite Vacation Homes (www.4yosemite.com) in Foresta.
Mariposa: Yosemite’s gateway towns offer plenty of other lodging options. Mariposa’s offerings, for example, include the unpretentious, comfortable Mariposa Lodge, a budget-friendly spot within walking distance of some of our favorite Mariposa eateries, including the 1850, the Sugar Pine Cafe and the new Sweetwater Grocery and Deli.
On the main drag, the historic Mariposa Hotel Inn dates back to 1901, and its six rooms — heads up, you’ll be dragging your own suitcase up a very steep staircase so best pack light — are filled with antiques, flea market discoveries and more than a dash of quirkiness.
The boho-rustic Yosemite Bug Rustic Mountain Resort offers private guestrooms, as well as cabins and hostel accommodations, a few minutes away in Midpines.
Fish Camp: This tiny town near the southern entrance to the park, offers a handful of bed-andbreakfasts, including the Tin Lizzie Inn, and the fantastic, recently remodeled Tenaya Lodge.
El Portal: Just outside Yosemite’s Arch Rock entrance lies this popular base for park visitors with several lodging options including the exceptional Yosemite View Lodge.
Still more: Search Tripping (www.tripping.com) for 5,000 vacation rentals, in Yosemite Village, Mariposa and Wawona. For other Coulterville, El Portal and Mariposa options, check out the Yosemite Experience listings (www.yosemiteexperience. com/places-stay).