Sheltered in the Stanislaus National Forest just outside the northwest corner of Yosemite National Park is a getaway within a getaway. A three-hour drive due east of San Francisco (the 170-mile trip that John Muir famously first walked in 1868), Evergreen Lodge in Groveland has been welcoming families for over a century…
Hetch Hetchy makes a great day trip if you’re already headed to Yosemite or Gold Country towns like Groveland, Jamestown, Sonora or Columbia, or if you’re staying at the park-adjacent Evergreen Lodge. In fact, that’s where the builders of the O’Shaughnessy Dam stayed a century ago, before the lodge had aromatherapy.
By Keri Bridgwater | March 5, 2024
Miles from the nearest city lights, Yosemite National Park is a great place to look at the stars, but visiting this summer between April 13 and August 15 will require a reservation made using a complicated system. One loophole that bypasses the reservation rigamarole: staying at Evergreen Lodge, located one mile from the park’s western entrance, and joining one of its Yosemite stargazing tours. Star Guides use high-powered laser pointers to pick out constellations, nebulae and star clusters with a 4.5” aperture digital Unistellar telescope on hand to give you an even closer look at the night sky.
By Jennie Nunn, February 21, 2024
There’s a lot to be said for being in exactly the right place at the right time. In the case of Yosemite National Park’s rare natural phenomenon, Firefall, it’s everything. It’s no surprise the two-week annual spectacle at Horsetail Fall caused by sunlight hitting the waterfall at precisely the right moment—happening now through February 25th—has attracted renowned photographers, nature enthusiasts and throngs of visitors from around the globe. If you plan on attempting to get in on the action (pending perfect weather conditions), here’s what you need to know.
By Dalton Johnson, January 24, 2024
As summer approaches, Yosemite National Park enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the opportunity to explore its breathtaking landscapes. However, the recent announcement of a new reservation system has left many scratching their heads. Fear not, as there is a golden ticket to navigate this bureaucratic maze, and it comes in the form of two hotels—Evergreen Lodge and Rush Creek Lodge.
The National Park Service has introduced a reservation system for Yosemite National Park running from April 13 through August 15, 2024. This system, though well-intentioned, poses potential inconveniences for sightseers and international travelers. The reservation process for this period opens on January 5, 2024, at 8 a.m., but a clever loophole exists for those seeking a hassle-free experience.
Enter Evergreen Lodge and Rush Creek Lodge, two establishments that offer a workaround for park visitors. The reservation requirement doesn’t apply to individuals with scheduled guided tours and overnight reservations at select nearby hotels, making these two lodges the perfect allies for those looking to avoid the intricacies of the reservation system.
By Rachel Dennis, January 21, 2024
Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz around the fact that Yosemite National Park has implemented a new reservation system for visitors from April 13 through August 15, which began at the start of 2024.
The national park’s reservation requirements are implemented to reduce traffic bottlenecks and improve visitors’ experiences.
But many people are left wishing there was an easier way to enjoy the beauty of Yosemite without wondering whether or not they will be able to secure an entry, especially with the warmer months just around the corner.
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can get around this requirement with a clever hack that can make your visit to Yosemite smooth and stress-free.
By Erika Mailman, January 2, 2024
If you’re hoping to start 2024 off with new levels of calm, Yosemite National Park may be the place to start. This spiritual, geologic masterpiece strikes visitors with awe—don’t forget to book for February’s Firefall phenomenon. And a new set of private massage cabanas await those who treasure the idea of a massage nestled in the woods bordering the park.
By Allison Pohle, December 13, 2023
Visitors driving into Yosemite National Park will need reservations once again.
Travelers planning to drive into or through the park from April through October will often now need to snag a morning or afternoon entry slot. If you plan to take a bus or enter by bike, horseback or on foot, you won’t need individual reservations. The required reservations will vary by month and time of day.
By Ginny Prior, December 1, 2023
What does the northwest end of Yosemite National Park offer visitors? Solitude. The Hetch Hetchy gate is the least-visited entrance to the park and a dream for waterfall lovers. The highlights are the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and the hike to Wapama Falls to see incredible volumes of water tumble over sheer granite walls in the grandeur of what John Muir described as a place as beautiful as Yosemite Valley.
