Best Winter Hikes in Yosemite

evrgrnheadless on November 29, 2024

Yosemite National Park transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland as snow blankets the iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, and tranquil meadows. Plan a winter trip to Yosemite and enjoy an adventure surrounded by snow-covered peaks and the serene stillness of the winter season. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a heart-pumping climb, the best winter hikes in Yosemite are just around the corner. 

Easy Winter Hikes in Yosemite

Lower Yosemite Fall Trail

The Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is an ideal choice for a short hike on a paved path. This easy winter hike is perfect for families and visitors with a range of fitness and experience levels, offering the chance to see the fall close-up and maybe even sparkling with ice during the coldest parts of the season. 

Yosemite Valley Loop

This mostly flat, paved path that winds through Yosemite Valley is another excellent choice for an easy winter hike in Yosemite. Visitors enjoy panoramic views of towering cliffs, peaceful meadows, and the possibility of spotting wildlife. Yosemite Valley Loop also takes guests past access to historic landmarks and scenic view points, offering a well-rounded adventure complete with a bit of learning to go along with the beauty.

Mirror Lake Loop

For a serene and reflective experience, explore the Mirror Lake Loop. This partially paved trail leads to tranquil Mirror Lake, which holds the surrounding cliffs in a world-famous reflection when the water isn’t frozen. Mirror Lake is an important piece of Yosemite’s historical and ecological landscapes, a seasonal reservoir fed by Tenaya Creek. 

Summer at Mirror Lake means a meadow in place of the lake’s winter water. A shorter loop is available if you’re in a time crunch, seeking an easier walk, or are just ready to get back to the fireplace at the lodge! You can end the Yosemite Valley Loop at The Ahwanee Hotel and enjoy iconic views from their dining room, browse their gift shop, and unwind by the fire.

Moderate Winter Hikes in Yosemite

Yosemite Falls Trail to Columbia Rock

Yosemite Falls Trail to Columbia Rock offers sweeping views of Yosemite Valley and glimpses of Upper Yosemite Fall to reward hikers after this moderate winter hike. This half-day hike in Yosemite allows guests to immerse themselves in Yosemite’s history – the trail dates back to the 19th century, when hikers first began their treks to these beautiful viewpoints.

Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing at Badger Pass

For a different kind of winter activity in Yosemite, visit nearby Badger Pass Ski Area for a snowshoeing excursion. Badger Pass is home to miles of neatly-groomed trails through snowy meadows and forests to create a magical winter setting and give visitors access to Yosemite’s quieter corners frosted with ice. 

Badger Pass is also a popular destination for cross country skiing in Yosemite, where the trails take you past the lift-served areas of the park to explore 90 miles of marked trails, 25 miles of groomed tracks, and life-changing views of Yosemite Valley, the High Sierra, and Glacier Point.

Challenging Winter Hikes in Yosemite

Vernal and Nevada Falls (Winter Route)

In the winter, the Vernal and Nevada Falls Trail requires proper equipment and previous experience as snow and ice can make the trail tricky to navigate. The effort is rewarded by views of these iconic mist-shrouded waterfalls surrounded by an icy winter wonderland.

Dewey Point

Accessible from Badger Pass, Dewey Point is another can’t-miss winter hike in Yosemite for avid hikers. This trail comes with a significant elevation gain, but the panoramic views of Yosemite Valley and the towering high country peaks are well worth the climb. 

New to snowshoeing or hiking in winter conditions? Consider booking a guided snowshoeing excursion from Badger Pass to Dewey Point for added safety and expertise.

Before You Go

Check Conditions

Winter hikes in Yosemite require preparation! Always check trail conditions and weather forecasts from an official entity, like the National Park Service and the National Weather Service, before you gear up to head out.

Safety First

Winter weather in Yosemite can be unpredictable, so pack moisture-wicking layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy footwear. Don’t forget winter hiking equipment like microspikes and trekking poles if your trail requires it. Dehydration can still get you when it’s cold outside – bring plenty of water and trail snacks. Seasoned winter hikers sometimes opt for a thermos of bone broth or other hot beverage to pull double duty: keeps you warm and fuels you up!

Permits and Regulations

Be aware of permits and restrictions, especially if you’re embarking on an overnight trip. Winter driving conditions in Yosemite often include chain restrictions, so refer to the NPS site for the latest updates before you leave for a hike.

Tips for a Memorable Winter Hike in Yosemite

Winter Half Dome Close Up (Santino T. 3-24-23)

Start your hike early to make the most of your winter hike in Yosemite. The peaceful early morning hours are made even softer with winter weather as sunlight filters through the icy foliage – don’t miss out on this sparkling phenomenon! As always, practice Leave No Trace Principles and leave the park as pristine as you found it. Above all, embrace the serenity and beauty of Yosemite during the winter. 

Winter hikes in Yosemite offer unforgettable experiences, whether you opt for an easy stroll perfect for snapping photos or take on a more challenging ascent. The snowy landscape and quiet trails inspire a sense of magic that can only be found in a Yosemite winter. Plan your adventure today!

Your Guide to the Best Fall Hikes in Yosemite

evrgrnheadless on November 26, 2024

The magic of Yosemite in the fall is unmatched – cool temperatures, stunning fall colors, and incredible outdoor activities combine to create the perfect time of year to visit Yosemite. Whether hiking is the main event or just one part of your getaway, these fall hikes for every level in Yosemite are the ideal addition to your Yosemite itinerary.

Yosemite Lower Yosemite Falls Trail (Kim Carroll)

Hikes for Every Level

Easy Fall Hikes in Yosemite

Some of the easiest fall hikes in Yosemite offer the most beautiful payout. 

Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is easily accessible, a one-mile loop that treats visitors to views of Lower Yosemite Fall. The final 320-foot drop of Yosemite Fall, this fall typically begins running again in late October. Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is paved and takes about 30 minutes to complete. 

Mirror Lake Loop is an easy fall hike in Yosemite that is paved and takes about an hour to complete. Mirror Lake Loop is a paved service road that takes visitors directly to Mirror Lake, which is often called Mirror Meadow in the late summer and early fall due to the extremely low water levels and growth of tall grasses. The loop is a two-mile round trip hike. 

Cook’s Meadow Loop showcases the open meadows and wide expanses of the park. Visitors are treated to views of Half Dome on this easy fall hike, in addition to Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock. This easy fall hike is wheelchair accessible, except in the event of snow, with no elevation gain. Stay safe on this hike by remaining on the path – do not venture out into the meadow. 

Visiting Yosemite in October? Locals and climbers affectionately refer to October as Rocktober, as an influx of rock climbers flock to the park to scale Half Dome. Keep an eye out for brave climbers dotting the giant structure in the distance!

Moderate Fall Hikes in Yosemite

The Vernal Fall & Nevada Fall hike via Mist Trail takes visitors up a steep granite stairway of over 600 steps, treating them to a jaw-dropping view straight down Vernal Fall from above. Continue on the Mist Trail for another mile and a half to reach Nevada Fall, enjoying the stunning fall foliage along the way. This moderate fall hike takes between 5 and 6 hours to complete, spanning about 5.4 miles. 

Want a shorter Yosemite hike? Take just over an hour to hike to the Vernal Fall footbridge, and soak in the sights up the canyon to Vernal Fall. 

Sentinel Dome Trail offers panoramic views from the summit that make the scramble up the granite slope worth it. You’ll see 360-degree views of the park that are hard to find elsewhere, letting you take in the park’s fall foliage all at once from above. Sentinel Dome Trail is about two hours round-trip and covers 1.8 miles, with 400 feet of elevation gain.

Many hikers combine Sentinel Dome and Taft Point for a loop, enjoying magnificent views of Yosemite Valley (including El Capitan and Yosemite Falls) on a moderate hike that takes most hikers between three and four hours to complete. With 1,000 feet of elevation gain, this is a hike that encourages pauses to enjoy the scenery and adjust. 

Upper Yosemite Falls hike view.

Challenging Fall Hikes in Yosemite

One of the most challenging hikes in Yosemite is Half Dome, the site of the iconic cables that allow hikers to ascend the last 400 feet of the hike without rock climbing equipment. These cables come down during the winter (check the NPS website for exact dates) and you should not attempt the ascent without the cables. Most hikers take between 10 and 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back. Hiking Half Dome requires advance preparation and experience, in addition to a permit and more considerations. 

Clouds Rest Trail summits 1,000 feet higher Half Dome, with an elevation gain of 2,700 over the 12 mile trail. You’ll cross a river less than a mile into the trail, and begin a 1,000 foot ascent over the next mile – this trail isn’t for novices. The challenging ascent is worth the incredible panoramic views at the top, which many locals say rival the view from the top of Half Dome. 

Another challenging fall hike, Upper Yosemite Falls Trail features a strenuous ascent that rewards hikers with unparalleled views of the park from the top of Yosemite Falls. Hikers gain 2,600 feet in elevation during this 7.6 mile round-trip hike, which takes most groups between 6 and 10 hours to complete. Sometimes referred to as Nature’s Stairmaster, this is the only place in the park where you can photograph Yosemite Falls and Half Dome in the same frame. 

Hetch Hetchy Hike (KimCarroll.com- RC MAR 2017-50)

Tips for Fall Hiking in Yosemite

Weather Considerations

While fall typically brings mild weather that’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and climbing, this season can also be unpredictable with storms and unseasonably warm or cold days. Don’t assume you’ll be blessed with a perfect fall day for your hike – that’s the dream, but always check weather forecasts and radars before you head out for your adventure and bring along items like fresh/dry socks, gloves for climbing, rain gear, and other safety measures. 

On more strenuous hikes, consider implementing a non-negotiable turnaround time that will get you back to the trailhead before dark. Even well-marked trails can be hard to navigate in the dark with a flashlight, and nightfall means dropping temperatures. 

Fall Foliage Timing in Yosemite

Visiting Yosemite in the fall points to a desire to see the changing fall foliage in the park. Though many of the trees in the park are evergreen and don’t change with the seasons, some trees like Pacific dogwoods, black oaks, big-leaf maples, and other deciduous trees bring those bright autumnal colors to the park in mid-October. Locals say that “spring marches up, fall trickles down,” meaning that the fall color change starts at higher elevations and makes its way down into the valley, while spring wildflower blooms begin in the valley and sweep up into higher elevations. 

Evergreen Lodge guests have the privilege of access to the lodge’s rec desk staff, locals who know the ins and outs of the park and can point guests in the right direction for the best fall foliage viewing in Yosemite on any given day. Stop by and let the experts guide you! 

Crowds and Permits

Many explorers prefer the smaller crowds in the fall that contribute to a secluded feel in the park. Small crowds doesn’t mean free reign of the park, though – reservations are required to enter Yosemite National Park on some days from April 13 through October 27, 2024, and a permit is always required to hike Half Dome when the cables are up. 

Leave No Trace Principles in Yosemite

Leave No Trace includes 7 main principles, all of which should be followed any time you’re exploring the wilderness: 

  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare – know regulations and requirements, visit in small groups outside of peak times, bring a map and compass, repackage food items to minimize trash that you’ll need to pack back out
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – obey all camping restrictions, keep sites small, and remember that good campsites are found not made
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly – pack your trash out (including toilet paper and hygiene products), and carry water at least 100 feet from all streams or lakes before using it to bathe or wash dishes
  4. Leave What You Find – do not touch any rocks, plants, historical artifacts, or structures, do not build furniture or dig trenches
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts – consider using a camp stove rather than a campfire, only use established fire rings that are at least 100 feet from water, keep fires small, and use water to completely extinguish your campfires 
  6. Respect Wildlife – only observe wildlife from a distance, do not approach or follow any wildlife, avoid them during sensitive times like mating and nesting, and store your food, trash, and toiletries in a bear-resistant container
  7. Be Considerate of Others – respect other visitors, step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock, avoid loud voices and noises, and wear headphones (stay aware of your surroundings!) to avoid amplification of your music 

Ready to hit the trail and experience some of Yosemite’s best fall hikes? With the right preparations, you can enjoy the best hiking that Yosemite National Park has to offer this fall. Start with booking your Yosemite accommodations at Evergreen Lodge for a great homebase to your fall adventure.

Cabins Near Yosemite Valley – Couples, Families & ADA Options

evrgrnheadless on May 17, 2024

Visitors flock to Yosemite Valley to admire the area’s natural beauty and explore Yosemite National Park. Generations of people have felt the unforgettable awe inspired by the sights in Yosemite, from larger-than-life waterfalls to rolling meadows of wildflowers and groves of giant sequoia trees. When you plan your trip to Yosemite, start with choosing the right Yosemite cabins for your group, whether you’re traveling with your other half or the whole family: Evergreen Lodge!

Deluxe King Cabin Interior (Kim Carroll)
Deluxe Cabin interior at Evergreen Lodge Yosemite.

Cabins near Yosemite Valley for Couples

Deluxe Cabins

Couples love the Deluxe Cabins at Evergreen Lodge. These spacious cabins near Yosemite National Park feature a bedroom with a king bed, a large sitting area with a queen sofa bed, a charming cast iron fireplace, and a private deck overlooking the beautiful Yosemite wilderness that’s perfect for romantic mornings and nights of stargazing. 

Deluxe Cabins include spacious bathrooms, in-room Wi-Fi, feather pillows, a Keurig coffee brewer, ceiling fans, and more. There is no cooking allowed in the cabins or campsites at Evergreen Lodge, but a refrigerator and electric kettle are available for convenience – and the on-site dining at Evergreen Lodge is always a hit.  

Ready to venture out of your cabin? Evergreen Lodge has so many activities and things to do that guests sometimes extend their stays to spend more time at the lodge – see the amenities, on-site dining, and outdoor fun waiting for you at the lodge.

Evergreen Vintage Cabin Bedroom (Kim Carroll)
Vintage Yosemite Cabin interior at Evergreen Lodge Yosemite.

Yosemite Vintage Cabins

Vintage Cabins at Evergreen Lodge offer big timber front porches or private decks facing nature, so guests can enjoy breathtaking views without even lacing up their hiking boots. Couples love sharing their morning coffee or tea with their other half, stargazing, and relaxing in these private outdoor spaces after a full day of adventure in the Yosemite wilderness. 

These vintage cabins near Yosemite feature a cozy room with a queen bed, a small reading area, and either a big timber front porch or a private deck that overlooks nature. While rustic on the outside, these cabins are updated with modern comforts like a private bathroom with eco-friendly bath products, in-room Wi-Fi, a refrigerator and electric kettle, and more. 

A young couple enjoying glasses of wine on the outdoor deck of their Yosemite cabin at Evergreen Lodge.
Outdoor deck of Evergreen Lodge’s One Bedroom Cottages.

One Bedroom Cottages

These standalone cottages at Evergreen Lodge are a great setup for couples, offering a cozy bedroom and separate living space plus a private deck with stunning nature views. Sink into the king bed for a great night’s rest, enjoy your morning coffee on your cabin’s private deck with your other half, take a luxurious shower with eco-friendly bath products, snuggle up in front of the cast iron fireplace, and more – and that’s all without leaving your cottage! 

Evergreen Lodge One Bedroom Cottage Exterior (Kim Carroll Photography)
Exterior of a One Bedroom Cottage at Evergreen Lodge.

Cabins near Yosemite Valley for Families

One Bedroom Cottages

One bedroom cottages at Evergreen Lodge are perfect for small families, sleeping up to four guests. These cottages feature a king size bed in the bedroom, a queen size sofa bed and rustic cast iron fireplace in the living room, and a private deck with views into nature.   

Evergreen One Room Family Cabin (Kim Carroll)
Room interior of Evergreen Lodge’s One Room Family Cottage.

One Room Family Cottages

Ideal for smaller families seeking a close-knit Yosemite experience, the one room family cottages at Evergreen Lodge offer a single room with a queen bed, a set of bunk beds, and a comfortable sitting area. The big timber front porch provides more space for lounging and fun like stargazing, while the inside of these cottages near Yosemite feature modern amenities like air conditioning units, in-room Wi-Fi, an electric kettle and Keurig coffee maker, an electronic safe, and more. 

Kolana Village Family Cabins (Kim Carroll)
Exterior of a Two Bedroom Family Cabin at Evergreen Lodge Yosemite.

Two Bedroom Family Cabins

Bring a bigger group or just enjoy the extra space in the two bedroom family cabins at Evergreen Lodge. These cabins near Yosemite offer two bedrooms and a separate living space, giving parents the freedom to put their littles to bed and enjoy the cabin’s private deck, comfortable living room, or their very own bedroom with a king size bed. 

Two bedroom family cabins at Evergreen Lodge offer spacious bathrooms with shower/tub, air conditioning units, in-room Wi-Fi and Alexa devices, a Keurig coffee brewer and an electric kettle, a mini fridge, and more. 

Evergreen Two Family Bedroom Cabin (Kim Carroll)
Room interior of an ADA Two Bedroom Family Cabin at Evergreen Lodge Yosemite.

ADA Cabins near Yosemite Valley

Two Bedroom Family Cabins

The ADA accessible two bedroom family cabins at Evergreen Lodge offer ample room for the whole family to spread out, sleeping up to six guests with two twin bedrooms and a queen sofa bed in the living room. These cabins are 600 square feet, and feature a private outdoor deck with views of the Yosemite wilderness. 

The ADA cabins at Evergreen Lodge have spacious bathrooms with roll-in showers, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and more to make everyone’s stay comfortable! See the full list of amenities for these cabins near Yosemite here. 

Evergreen Vintage Cabin Exterior (Kim Carroll)
Exterior of an ADA Vintage Cabin at Evergreen Lodge Yosemite.

Vintage Cabins

The most budget friendly of Evergreen’s cabin options, vintage cabins offer classic Evergreen style at an affordable price. The ADA accessible vintage cabins are modest in size, featuring a queen bed in the bedroom, a small living area, and a covered front porch. These cabins near Yosemite offer spacious bathrooms with roll-in showers. 

Evergreen Lodge near Yosemite offers ideal accommodations for couples and families, with one and two bedroom cabins available. This newly expanded mountain resort blends a rustic feel with modern comforts, providing opportunities for fun, relaxation, and every need in between. Come enjoy a classic Yosemite experience at Evergreen Lodge! 

4 Best Yosemite Family Lodging Options

evrgrnheadless on March 20, 2024

When you plan a family trip, one of the most important decisions is where you’ll stay – and the best Yosemite family lodging is at Evergreen Lodge, just outside the Hetch Hetchy entrance to the Yosemite National Park. From glamping to two bedroom cabins and plenty of amenities, our family friendly lodge in Yosemite is the ideal place for families visiting Yosemite. 

Best Yosemite Family Lodging Options

Whether you need a two bedroom cabin or want to sleep under the stars with Evergreen Lodge’s custom camping option, we can’t wait to welcome your family to the lodge! Featuring private cottages, cabins, and even customized camping, there is room for everyone at Evergreen Lodge.

Evergreen Lodge One Bedroom Cottage in Yosemite (Kim Carroll).

One Bedroom Cottages

One bedroom cottages at Evergreen Lodge are perfect for couples and small families visiting Yosemite. These standalone cottages feature one bedroom with a king sized bed, a living room with a queen sofa bed, a gas fireplace, and private decks with beautiful nature views. One bedroom cottages at Evergreen Lodge sleep 2 – 4 guests. 

Amenities include spacious bathrooms stocked with eco-friendly bath products, Wi-Fi and an Alexa device, Keurig coffee maker and an electric kettle, a mini fridge, luxurious feather pillows, and more.

Evergreen Lodge One Room Family Cabin in Yosemite (Kim Carroll).

One Room Family Cabins

One room family cabins at Evergreen Lodge are ideal for smaller and budget conscious families, featuring one large room with a queen size bed and a set of bunk beds. One room family cabins at Evergreen Lodge sleep up to 4 guests.

These cabins were built in the 1930s and have retained their knotted-pine mountain charm, with thoughtful updates like a private bathroom with a shower, an air conditioner, Wi-Fi and an Alexa device, mini fridge, eco-friendly bath products, and more to make your stay convenient.

Two-bedroom family cabin in Yosemite at Evergreen Lodge (Kim Carroll).

Two Bedroom Family Cabins

The largest accommodations at Evergreen Lodge are the two bedroom family cabins, sleeping up to 6 guests. These cabins feature two bedrooms, one with a king and the other with two twin beds, plus a queen sofa bed in the living room. These spacious family cabins also feature a private deck and have separate living and sleeping areas, giving parents the opportunity to stay up and enjoy Yosemite after putting the little ones to bed. 

Amenities in the two bedroom family cabins at Evergreen Lodge include a spacious bathroom with a shower and tub, an in-room air conditioning unit, Wi-Fi and an Alexa device, feather pillows, eco-friendly bath products, and more. Cabins do not have kitchens, as there is no cooking allowed in or around the cabins or at our custom campsites.

Yosemite camping at Evergreen Lodge.

Custom Camping Alternative

Want to try camping without the hassle of packing in and setting up your campsite? Let Evergreen Lodge take care of it for you. With our custom Yosemite camping package, guests arrive to a fully furnished and set up campsite – no mallets or stakes required! Couples Tents feature a queen foam mattress, while Family Tents feature a queen and two twin foam mattresses. These mesh-top tents let you fall asleep under the beautiful trees and stars. 

Amenities include sleeping bags and liners, pillows, towels and toiletries, camping chairs, a bear box, and a lantern. All campers have access to our bathhouse and all of the lodge’s facilities, including delicious on-site dining.

Kids crafts at Evergreen Lodge in Yosemite National Park (Kim Carroll).

Family Friendly Amenities

Evergreen Lodge offers a host of family friendly amenities, including a daily activities calendar, fun water amenities, outdoor games, guided hikes, and the lodge’s famous nightly s’mores by the fire. 

  • Enjoy the Main Plaza’s large Sun Deck, with space to read, relax, play a game, or stargaze
  • Kids love the play areas around the property, especially the plaza play area that features a sandbox with toys and three Native American Miwok teepees (also called Umachas), made from fallen trees on the property
  • Follow the lodge’s nature trail to explore the forest surrounding the lodge to learn about the area’s wildlife and natural history
  • Bring the family together with a game of life size outdoor Chess and Connect 4, located in Kolana Village
  • Go above and beyond with a Yosemite flight tour, flying high above the Sierras and Yosemite National Park in an expertly-piloted aircraft

With seven villages scattered across 20 wooded acres, there’s so much to discover while you’re here. From thick Manzanita forests to mountain vistas, explore beautiful corners of the property on our Nature Trail or the Historic Scavenger Hunt. No matter what your family loves to do, Evergreen Lodge is here to help you craft the family trip of your dreams! 

How to Visit Yosemite on a Budget

evrgrnheadless on September 26, 2023

Located just a mile from Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy entrance, Evergreen Lodge is an ideal place to stay when you visit Yosemite on a budget. With rustic and comfortable Vintage Cabins, a range of on-property amenities and activities, and fast access to Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy entrance, Evergreen Lodge is one of the best places in Yosemite to stay on a budget.

Need a little more convincing? See how you can plan an affordable trip to Yosemite with Evergreen Lodge

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Choose Budget Friendly Cabins

The Vintage Cabins at Evergreen Lodge are ideal for travelers experiencing Yosemite on a budget. These cabins blend that classic “cabin in the woods” feel with contemporary comforts to make your stay even better. Each cabin features queen beds, a small reading area, and a covered big timber front porch. 

Evergreen Lodge’s Vintage Cabins are equipped with air conditioning, a private bathroom with a shower and Ecossential bath products, a mini fridge, coffee machine, and even an electric kettle with an assortment of teas. WiFi is available in the cabins and throughout Evergreen Lodge for guest use, free of charge. 

Guests in the Vintage Cabins at Evergreen Lodge are welcome to all of the property’s amenities, like the well-stocked General Store and delicious meals (and satellite TV) in the restaurant and Tavern, and the various outdoor adventure activities held by Evergreen Lodge. 

Take Advantage of Activities & Amenities Included with your Stay

Evergreen Lodge offers a wide range of activities for their guests, making it an ideal spot for those seeing Yosemite on a budget. The lodge offers daily activities like games, guest lectures, and live music. Guests gather nightly around the outdoor fire for s’mores and stargazing, and can fill their days with family hikes, nature crafts, and more. 

Here’s a list of outdoor fun you can enjoy during a stay at Evergreen Lodge:

  • Outdoor, solar-heated swimming pool (open year-round)
  • Hot tub
  • Kids playground
  • Onsite nature trail
  • Disc golf course
  • Horseshoes and bocce
  • Kids’ zipline

And much more outdoor fun!

Evergreen Lodge offers guided Yosemite hikes in Yosemite and Hetch Hetchy Valley, as well as white-water rafting, horseback riding, and even flight tours. A guided excursion with one of Evergreen Lodge’s expert guides is a great way to see Yosemite on a budget – whether you see it from horseback or on foot! 

Seek out these Budget Friendly Perks for Travelers

Evergreen Lodge offers packages and special offers that can help you get the most out of your trip when visiting Yosemite on a budget. Book a romantic Yosemite getaway package, an ultimate California staycation, or take advantage of Evergreen Lodge’s seasonal packages, like the Late Summer Savings package or Yosemite Fall Getaway. 

Looking to summit Half Dome during your trip, or wondering about public transportation within Yosemite Valley? Check out the National Park Service’s Yosemite Valley website, which is the best source for the most up to date information about weather conditions, road closures, and other important Yosemite details. 

Evergreen Lodge is the answer for those visiting Yosemite on a budget. The Vintage Cabins provide comfortable, cost-effective accommodations just minutes from Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy entrance, with plenty of free things to do on-site and expert guidance for offsite activities. Ready to experience the best of Yosemite without breaking the bank? Book your stay at Evergreen Lodge today! 

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Yosemite on a Budget

Planning a Yosemite trip on a budget? Find answers to the most common questions about visiting Yosemite without breaking the bank, plus helpful insights and pre-planned itineraries from Yosemite experts, below. 

How expensive is it to visit Yosemite?

How much you spend in Yosemite depends on your chosen activities, your accommodations, and more. One of the best ways to experience Yosemite on a budget is by choosing accommodations that offer more than just a place to stay. A Yosemite hotel like Evergreen Lodge offers daily activities, plenty of on-site amenities, guided Yosemite excursions, expert planning advice, and more to make your stay even more worthwhile. 

Is Yosemite really worth it?

Yosemite National Park has drawn countless visitors since it was established in 1890, and shows no signs of slowing down. A bucket list destination for people across the globe, Yosemite is absolutely worth spending time to budget for a spectacular trip. 

How much time do you need to spend at Yosemite?

Typically, visitors spend between two and four days in Yosemite. This affords you time to see iconic sights like Yosemite Falls, Glacier Point, Half Dome, and El Capitan. Of course, the longer you spend, the more you have time to see! 

Build your perfect trip to Yosemite with these two, three, and four day Yosemite itineraries! 

What is a good month to visit Yosemite?

Any time is a good time in Yosemite! Winter is the best time to avoid crowds, see the park blanketed in snow, and enjoy winter activities like snowshoeing in the park. In spring, that same gorgeous snow melts and contributes to rivers and streams, making the park’s waterfalls rush at their majestic peak capacity. Summer is ideal for camping, bringing warm days and cool nights. Fall is the best time of year to hike in Yosemite, with smaller crowds and cooler temperatures. 

Evergreen Lodge Kids Ziplines (Kim Carroll Photography)
Evergreen Vintage Cabin Bedroom (Kim Carroll)

Your Essential Yosemite Camping List

evrgrnheadless on September 25, 2023

When you plan to camp in Yosemite National Park, there are a plethora of things to consider: your packing list, the best time to go, acceptable camping practices, how long to stay, and more. Evergreen Lodge offers a custom Yosemite camping option to simplify your camping trip so you can enjoy your time to the fullest. Read on for more information about camping in Yosemite and a Yosemite camping list! 

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What to Bring?

Equipment

While the equipment you’ll need to camp in Yosemite varies depending on your daytime activities, some of the basics will be the same no matter what:

  • Tent and accessories
  • Camping chair
  • Sleeping bag and liner
  • Lantern

When you elect Evergreen Lodge’s Custom Camping alternative, you’re treated to a fully set-up campsite upon arrival – no need to pack in your tent! Your mesh-windowed tent will include a queen size foam mattress (or a queen and two twins, sleeping bags and liners, and a pillow for each camper).

Outside the tent, you’ll find a camping chair for each member of your party set around a tree trunk “table,” a lantern, and a numbered bear box for each campsite’s use. Evergreen Lodge Custom Camping package also grants you access to a well-appointed bathhouse and all of the lodge’s facilities. 

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What to Wear?

Clothing

Wondering what you’ll need to wear while you’re camping in Yosemite? Aside from seasonally-appropriate outdoor weather gear, like a raincoat, you’ll want to utilize layers. The temperature in Yosemite can be up to 10 degrees cooler than the surrounding areas due to the high elevation, and nighttime temperatures can dip into frosty feels throughout most of camping season. Don’t forget…

  • Plenty of socks + underclothes
  • Moisture-wicking shirts + tops 
  • Hiking pants/shorts 
  • Camp/shower sandals 
  • Hat or beanie 

Evergreen Lodge’s Custom Camping option takes care of the largest aspects of camping, like the tent and chair, so you can prioritize your own packing list. When you arrive at Evergreen Lodge, you can make full use of the property’s facilities: wash and dry your clothes, take a hot shower in the shared bathhouse, and climb into your tent to get a good night’s rest for the next day’s adventures. 

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What Not to Forget

Personal Items

What kind of personal items do you need to pack to camp in Yosemite? Most seasoned campers recommend a basic repair kit, extra batteries for anything you bring that runs on battery power, and your navigation method, along with any activity-specific gear you need. We also recommend…

  • Your favorite sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Any Forest Service or park passes you require for outings
  • A sturdy reusable water bottle
  • A notebook + pen/pencil 

 

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Custom Camping

Fun Made Easy

The Custom Camping option at Evergreen Lodge allows you to focus on the personal parts of camping while the lodge takes care of the logistics. Knowing that your campsite is set up with everything you need at the end of the day alleviates stress and literal weight on your shoulders, leaving you to soak up every minute of your Yosemite camping experience.  

Forget something? The General Store & Gift Shop at Evergreen Lodge has you covered with the usual items, like toothpaste, sunscreen, batteries, and water bottles. The General Store & Gift Shop also offers everything you need for a successful day on the trails, from hot coffee and breakfast items to deli sandwiches and fresh fruit. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Yosemite Camping

Yosemite is a popular camping destination and brings campers from all walks of life together – but when is the best time to go camping in Yosemite? How long do you need to camp to get the true Yosemite experience? Read on to find out. 

What is the best month to camp in Yosemite?
The best month to camp in Yosemite varies depending on what you want from your camping trip.

With Evergreen Lodge’s Custom Camping package, you can see the wildflowers return to the landscape in spring, swim in May Lake in the summer, or sleep amongst the changing trees in fall! This option is available from May to October, with dates filling up quickly for the time between April and September.

How many days do you need to camp in Yosemite?
Most Yosemite campers stay between two and four days.

Longer trips give you more time to soak in the sights, but shorter excursions challenge you to make the most of your time. There are limits on Yosemite camping during peak season, with the park only allowing 7 consecutive nights in Yosemite Valley between May 1 and September 15. 

Looking for an itinerary for your two, three, or four day trip to Yosemite?
There is plenty of options!

See these itineraries and find more information about the best sights to see and things to do in Yosemite! 

Camping in Yosemite National Park is a bucket list item for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike – with breathtaking landscapes and countless adventures waiting within them, there’s no surprise camping is one of the most popular things to do in Yosemite. When you’re ready to camp, let Evergreen Lodge do the heavy lifting and head out on your Yosemite camping adventure!