Answers To Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Yosemite National Park open year round?
Yes, Yosemite National Park is open year round and has four beautiful seasons.

• Is there a fee to enter Yosemite National Park?
Yes, a $20.00 fee is collected by the Park Rangers at the entrance gates, which is valid for seven days.

• Is there public transportation or a shuttle bus service to Yosemite West?
No. Due to our remote location there is no public transportation or shuttle bus services to or from Yosemite West. You must have your own transportation.

• Do you charge cleaning fees, reservations fees and security deposits?
NO. For your convenience we do not charge cleaning fees or Reservation fees, and we do not require a Security deposit! However a two night reservation deposit is required for all reservations.

• Do you have internet access?
NO. Due to our remote location we do not have internet access yet. But you can use the Wi-Fi network at the Ahwahnee hotel in Yosemite Valley.

• Where are you located? How far are you from the main attractions?
We are centrally located in Yosemite National Park in an area called "Yosemite West" which is just south of the Yosemite Valley floor, across from the Glacier Point and Badger Pass exit off highway #41. South of us is Wawona and Oakhurst. Driving time is approximately 10 minutes to Badger Pass Ski Area, 15-20 minutes to the Yosemite Valley floor, 20-25 minutes to Glacier Point, 20-25 minutes to Wawona, and 25-30 minutes to the Giant Redwood trees (Mariposa Grove).

• What do you provide?
We provide you with dish-ware, cookware, silverware, blankets, pillows, linens and towels. Condiments provided are: hot chocolate, Folgers coffee and filters, sugar packets, cream packets, Lipton tea, and salt & pepper. We also provide dishwasher detergent, hand soap, toilet paper, paper towels, and free firewood for units that have wood burning fireplaces. All our properties come equipped with propane BBQ's, and we provide the propane.

• Cancellation policy.
Cancellation Policy: 10% cancellation fee on total amount of reservation at anytime. 25% of total amount if you should cancel within 30 days of arrival date. 100% cancellation fee if you should cancel within 7 days of arrival date, or if you should not show up at all! If you can give us fair warning, and we can rebook your confirmed dates to another party, the cancellation fee will be 25% of total amount. No refunds for occurrences beyond our control, including weather, health issues, early check-outs, date changes. If you have fewer guests in your group at the time of check-in, it must be verified by our on-site management for a refund. We accept Visa, Master-Card and Discover cards. All overseas reservations will be charged the total amount of reservation at the time of confirmation, due to mailing delays.

For your convenience we do not charge cleaning fees or Reservation fees, and we do not require a Security deposit! HOWEVER, A TWO NIGHT RESERVATION DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL RESERVATIONS AT THE TIME YOU MAKE YOUR RESERVATION. Credit cards will be charged when balances are due. All homes have privately owned telephones. Therefore, only calling cards can be used for long distance calls. There are no stores or restaurants in our immediate area. You can shop in our neighboring towns of Oakhurst, Mariposa, Groveland, and Lee Vining, before you enter the gates of Yosemite National Park or in Yosemite Valley at the Yosemite Village Market before you get to our location. Please see our location map before you decide were the best location is for you to shop.

Check-in Time 4:00 P.M. Check-out Time 11.00 A.M. Please leave property in the same condition it was in when you arrived. Property will be inspected at time of check-out. Neglectful use will result in additional charges or prosecution! NO outside party guests, you will be charged for extra guests. NO pets - NO wedding receptions. Any extra guests that go over our maximum occupancy zoning laws will be immediately evicted. Quiet hours in our community are 10 P. M. to 8 A.M. All rules strictly enforced! Rangers will be notified of any violations for immediate eviction! For road & weather conditions, call (209) 372-0200. Snow-chains are required from November through April.

By providing Scenic Wonders, Inc. your Credit Card information, you hereby agree to all cancellation terms and conditions and authorize Scenic Wonders to debit your credit card for all applicable charges when due. Please note charges for additional guests beyond base occupancy are not included in the posted total above. Also note that the 11% bed tax is not included in the total. Thank you!

• Are there any restaurants in Yosemite West?
There is NO food service in Yosemite West; restaurants are located in Yosemite Valley and Wawona. Markets are also located in Yosemite Village and Wawona.

• Where's the nearest gas station?
The closest gas station to Yosemite West is located in Wawona (12 miles), which is South of us on Highway #41.

• Do you have Air Conditioning in any of your rentals?
Yes, the only property is Places In Paradise which has a water cooler system that keeps the house comfortable during the few hot weeks that we experience during the summer. Otherwise none of our other properties have AC, including the condominiums. We only have fans, due to the weather at 6000 feet being cool most of the year.

• How about heating?
All rentals have heating.

• Do you have additional Park information?
The Telephone number for the Yosemite Park Concessions is (209) 372-1001. Telephone number for road conditions and weather is (209) 372-0200.

• Do your properties have phones?
Yes, all our properties have phones. You can make local calls free of charge, but you will have to use your own 1-800 calling card for long distance calls.

• Do cell phones work in Yosemite?
No, there is hardly any cell phone reception because we are in the mountains at an elevation of 6000 Feet.

• Do you have daily housekeeping?
Housekeeping is not provided daily -- only prior to check-in. If you need additional housekeeping, please contact our manager. There will be an additional charge if
you should need this service.

• Who do I call for assistance during my stay for extra towels, etc.
Extra linen and towels are located in your room. If you need more, please contact our manager. Phone numbers are posted in your property.
(209) 372-4945 or (209) 372-4243

• Where is the ice machine?
There is an Ice machine located downstairs in the "B" building in our Condominium complex. The video room is located across from the office. You may check out videos at your leisure, at no charge.

• Are there laundry facilities at the condos?
Coin-op laundry is located in our Condominium complex, upstairs in "B" building. There is no change machine, so bring plenty of quarters.

• Is there an iron at the condos?
Iron and ironing boards are located in laundry room at condos.

• Is there a soda & snack machine?
Soda machines and pay phones are located in each building of our Condominium complex.

• Are there trash bags? Where do I leave the trash — in my unit?
Extra trash bags are found in each container. Please read instructions upon arrival of where to place your trash. Yosemite has strict rules of trash disposal due to live animals in the Park.

• What if extra guests join my group? What if my group exceeds the limit to capacity in the rental?
Extra guests are not permitted unless confirmed by Reservations prior to arrival. Our rentals are only allowed to have a certain number of guests do to maximum capacity zoning laws and fire standards. If extra guests exceed capacity, extra guests will be immediately evicted by Rangers.

• Are pets allowed?
The only properties that allow pets here at Scenic Wonders are Yosemite Escape, and Christmas Cabin. There is a $50.00 non-refundable cleaning fee charged at the time of your reservation, and a $150.00 pet deposit by check at the time of check-in that will be refunded to you after the property has been inspected at the time of check-out. If a pet is found without authorization in any of our properties, guests will be charged a $200 cleaning fee and will be asked to remove pet from the property. Pet kennels are located in Oakhurst or Fresno, California.

• Do these rentals have fireplaces? Which rentals have propane fireplaces and which have wood burning?
All rentals have fireplaces, except "Pinetree Retreat." Wood burning fireplaces are: Scenic Wonders, Yosemite Vista, Yosemite Crossroads, Hiker's Hideaway, Dogwoods Retreat, Little Sport, Sport Chalet, Yosemite Pines, Yosemite View, Chateau Royal West and Chateau Royal East. Propane fireplaces are: all condos, Alpine View and Yosemite Whispers.

• How about outdoor jacuzzis?
Only in rentals: Places in Paradise, Yosemite Vista, Scenic Wonders, Sport Chalet and Alpine View.

• What about spa bathtubs?
Spa-jetting bathtubs are in rentals: Chateau Royal West, Hiker's Hideaway, Scenic Wonders and Yosemite Whispers.

• Are there a game rooms?
Only in rentals: Places in Paradise and Chateau Royal West.

• Is there a TV, VCR or DVD in the homes?
Home rentals have: TV, VCRs, DVDs, clock radios, and some with stereos.

• Is there a TV, VCR in the condos?
Condo rentals have: TV/VCR, clock radios, and hair dryers.

• Is there a BBQ? How about firewood for the wood burning fireplaces?
We have propane BBQs ready for use, not charcoals. We have free firewood.

• Which rentals have laundry facilities?
Rentals with laundry facilities are: Places in Paradise,Yosemite Vista, Scenic Wonders, Pinetree Retreat, Yosemite View, Hiker's Hideaway, and the condos.

• Do any of your properties have pool tables?
Yes. Places in Paradise! Not only does Places in Paradise have a great Pool Table, but it also has a Foosball Table in it's game room for hours of entertainment.

• What time is check-in and check-out? What if I arrive late? Can I arrive early?
Check-in is anytime after 4 p.m. and check-out is anytime before 11 am. If you do arrive late, just go straight to the check-in office to pick up your key. There is a 24-hour manager on the premise; if he steps away from the office, he will leave the key outside on the bulletin board at the check-in office. There are no early check-ins.

• When do I pay may remaining balance? Do I need to call you or send a check?
Balances due are automatically paid 30 days prior to your arrival; everyone is paid in full 30 days prior to arrival. You do not need to call us, unless we contact you for issues with your credit card. We do not accept checks.

• Is smoking permitted?
No, smoking is not allowed in any of our properties.

• What if I have to change my arrival date or rental unit?
We do not allow last minute arrival date changes, unless you give us fair warning of at least a month; we may be able to do so months ahead of time. You may upgrade your rental at anytime, as long as it's available.

• Where is the nearest grocery store?
In Yosemite Valley at the Village Market (15 miles) or in Wawona (12 miles).
Coming in from Hwy 120 at "Oakdale."
Coming in from Hwy 41 at "Oakhurst."
Coming in from Hwy 140 at "Mariposa."

• What if I bring an extra car, and my unit only allows a minimum?
Contact the manager to make parking arrangements.

• Are wedding receptions or large parties permitted in any of our properties?
NO!!! Absolutely Not!!! Unfortunately, about 90% of the time that we have allowed wedding receptions or large parties at our properties, without fail they turn out to be loud and uncontrollable, create excessive wear and tear on the furniture, stains on our carpets, broken chairs, broken screen doors, missing items, etc, etc. We have been taken advantage of too many times to allow this continue, so please be aware! During our nightly patrol, if we should find excessive cars parked, or find any large group that exceeds the maximum allowable occupancy at any of our properties, Park Rangers or the County Sheriffs department will be notified for immediate eviction. Please don't create an embarrassing situation for yourself and your family.

• Is there a meeting area or banquet room in the area to have a family gathering?
No.

• Do you have handicap units?
Sorry, we unfortunately do not have any accommodations that fit handicapped requirements. You should be able to find lodging in Yosemite Valley; call (209) 372-0200. There are two hotels that I'm sure will be able to help you, plus you'll have less of a commute to all the main points of interest. We are located in a very mountainous terrain, and most of our properties have many stairs and small bathrooms. Hope this helps!

• What should I pack?
Your own personal hygiene items and groceries if you wish to cook in your unit.

• Are there mosquitos?
Yes. Bug repellent is advised.

• How many months ahead of time must we book our reservations?
For spring and summer, it's best to book 1 year to 6 months in advance; for fall and winter, 3 to 6 months in advance; holidays are always sold out months in advance.

• Is RV parking allowed?
No. Violators will be towed to the nearest town which is about 40 miles away.

• Can my relatives stay in their RV outside while I'm in my rental?
No. Violators will asked to leave or be towed to the nearest town which is about 40 miles away.

• Is there camping in Yosemite West?
No. Camping is allowed only in specified camping areas in the Valley, not in Yosemite West. You will need to contact (209) 372-0200.

• Do the units have satellite or cable?
Not all our units have satellite or cable, those that do have may have difficulty at times with reception due to weather patterns.

• Are there any other additional charges?
Yes - there is a 10% bed tax fee, plus a1% tourism assessment fee.