Near the entrance to Hetch Hetchy, this classic 90-year-old resort lets roughing-it guests cheat with comfy, prefurnished tents and deluxe mountain cabins. Outdoor recreation activities abound, with equipment rentals available. There’s a general store, tavern with a pool table and a restaurant (dinner mains $18 to $28) serving three hearty meals every day.
By Amanda Christensen, May 29, 2023
“Evergreen sits on the western border of Yosemite National Park, and it’s [this] ‘hidden gem’ fifth entrance that most people don’t talk about or know about, which is the Hetch Hetchy Entrance,” explains Teri Marshall, director of marketing and communications for Evergreen. The lodge was built nearly a century ago as housing for railroad workers forging the Hetch Hetchy Railroad, and it’s now home to 89 cabins for overnight accommodations alongside on-site activities and dining options. It’s open year-round with a temporary six-week closure in January, reopening every Presidents Day weekend.
Private group experiences are curated by the Evergreen team, which can include on-site scavenger hunts, explorations of nearby nature trails, or guided excursions to Yosemite. The property comfortably hosts groups of 40 to 60, and its restaurant for up to 80 people boasts historic charm as the oldest part of the lodge.
“Everything is designed to get people outside and reconnect with nature and reconnect with people,” says Marshall. “So, when we say it’s ‘meetings of a different nature,’ it’s a fun play on words but it’s [also] the truth.”
Published on Apr 28, 2023
The seasoned travelers at Sacramento Magazine saw the writing on the wall this winter, so to speak, and went all in to make Yosemite the star of their May issue. We can’t decide what we like better: the thoughtful and thorough feature on how to make the best of Yosemite right now, or Krista Minard’s comically painful telling of the story-behind-the-story in her Editor’s Note!
Editor’s note (pg 16), Rush Creek Lodge (pg 43, pg 16) Evergreen Lodge (pg 48)
By Megan duBois, May 1, 2023
Part of the fun of taking a trip to any national park is being able to sleep inside the gates, but given the popularity of Yosemite National Park, the lodges and campgrounds tend to fill up quickly. In fact, reservations for these popular accommodations are available a year in advance and are hot tickets from spring through fall.
If you can’t get a reservation inside the park itself, there are still plenty of great lodging options close enough for near-maximum convenience. Plus, lodgings located outside of the park are often cheaper.
Keep reading for six of the best places to stay near Yosemite National Park.
By Jennifer Flowers, Devorah Lev-Tov, Nora Zelevansky, April 28, 2023
There’s no denying the romantic appeal of the American West: storied ranching culture; green valleys that explode with wildflowers in the spring; rushing, trout-filled rivers; stands of pine and aspen forests; views of snow-topped peaks. And there are few better ways to take it all in than with a stay at one of the nation’s best ranches and lodges—especially when you’re part of a larger group that’s looking for a place to get away from it all.
Ever since pandemic travel restrictions motivated more Americans to book domestic vacations, multigenerational trips at U.S. ranches and lodges have been on the rise, and that trend shows no signs of stopping. Many retreats are responding to the demand by extending their seasons into fall, and even opening up winter experiences for the first time that are proving to be popular with groups, too.
While there are many standout places to choose from, AFAR has done the legwork to identify the 10 top U.S. ranches and lodges that are the best in their class, whether for their historic architecture, their programming and service, or their unprecedented conservation efforts. Read on for the top 10 ranches and lodges in the American West, presented in no particular order, and then start planning that epic vacation your family won’t soon forget.
By Olivia O’Bryon, April 23, 2023
If you haven’t been to Yosemite, you’re in for a treat—and, if you have, you already know how awe-inspiring it feels each and every time you pull into the valley. The granite walls and valley floor offer something different during each season of the year, from the roaring waterfalls and wildflowers of spring and summer to the fall colors and snow-capped mountains of late autumn and winter. Regardless of when you choose to visit this acclaimed national park, you’ll be taken aback by the beauty of Yosemite. And, while natural beauty is enough of a draw to be worthy of your vacation plans, the unique wellness experiences of the area may be enough to push a trip to Yosemite to the top of your list. If you’re looking for time away with ample opportunities for physical activity and self-care in nature, Yosemite is the place to visit.
By Kate Loweth, April 15, 2023
If you are looking for modern conveniences in a woodsy setting, pick Evergreen Lodge for your next stay when you visit Yosemite. Right now, Evergreen Lodge is celebrating 100 years of welcoming families to Yosemite and it’s the perfect time to visit. The property is located about 10 minutes off highway 120 on the road that takes you to Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. You’ll feel like you are totally away from it all when you visit.
Accommodations include cabins of every size including the two-bedroom family cabins that we definitely recommend for those visiting with little ones. You’ll get a bedroom with a king-size bed, another with two twins, and a central living room with a pull-out couch. Custom camping is also available if you really want to get a taste of the outdoors.
By Sherri Andrew, March 22, 2023
A California road trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Yosemite National Park, and what better place to stay than Evergreen Lodge? We’re equipped with rustic cabins, guided excursions, a full service restaurant and tavern, nightly s’mores and countless daily activities. If you’re looking for an elevated cabin retreat close to Yosemite, we have mastered the experience.
By Matador Creators, April 10, 2023
For nearly a century, Evergreen Lodge has been the perfect getaway for Yosemite visitors. Located just outside the national park boundary, an hour’s drive north of Yosemite Valley, this charming woodsy lodge offers nearly 90 vintage and contemporary cabins nestled in acres of forest. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly retreat or a romantic escape, this contemporary mountain resort is a great all-rounder.
By Faith Katunga, March 28, 2023
With its recent expansion, the Evergreen Lodge has become a full-service, historic resort with 88 roomy cottages in the woods. The lodge is just a mile from Yosemite National Park in California, making it convenient for guests to visit the park’s most popular sites, including Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows, and Hetch Hetchy. In addition to the lodge’s excellent food and traditional pub, guests can also take advantage of the sun deck, game room, children’s play areas, evening events, and therapeutic massage provided by Evergreen.
