Yosemite: 5 Reasons to Lodge Inside the Park vs. Outside

Yosemite National Park is a vast protected wilderness covering over 1,200 square miles of rugged mountains, towering waterfalls, and ancient forests. Yosemite’s unmatched splendor, combined with its close proximity to major metropolitan areas, makes it one of the most visited national parks in the country. There are several lodging options available to visitors, both inside and outside of the park boundaries. Within the park, you will find thirteen campgrounds, several rustic lodges, tent cabins, housekeeping cottages, and a luxury hotel. Yet none of these locations offer more advantages than Scenic Wonders lodging in Yosemite West. Here are five reasons why staying inside the park is the best choice.

1. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Yosemite sees millions of visitors each year, most of them traveling through the park by car. Vehicles commuting into Yosemite each morning and back out again each evening release tons of carbon dioxide and other pollutants, affecting air and water quality for both humans and wildlife inside the park.
2. Have a Head Start Into the Valley: Compared to people who lodge outside or elsewhere in the park, by staying in Yosemite West you will have a 30-minute head start to reach the valley floor. This means getting the greatest parking spots at the most scenic trailheads, and spending an intimate moment alone at the most scenic destinations before more people and groups arrive.

3. Spend Your Time Enjoying The Park: By not having to hurry back to the car for a long commute to the hotel, you’ll never rush to finish your hike or tear your eyes away from the majestic surroundings. Staying in the park allows you to have the world’s most beautiful scenery waiting for you right outside your cabin door. You’ll be able to make your own agenda, knowing nothing in the park is too far away or takes too much time to access.
4. See More Wildlife: Wildlife in Yosemite is frequently seen just before sunrise and just after sunset, when crowds are at a minimum. Visitors staying inside the park can rise early or stay out late, increasing their chances of spotting bears, bighorn sheep, mule deer, grey foxes, and coyotes.
5. Take Advantage of Ranger-Led Programs: Ranger-led hikes, naturalist lectures, and kids’ activities take place throughout the day, but many of the most fabulous programs are only offered at night. Visitors staying within the park can take part in the after-dark astronomy program and the full-moon bike ride.

Most lodging in Yosemite takes reservations up to a year in advance, but at Scenic Wonders reservations are offered up to a year and more. No matter how long in advance you want to plan for the perfect trip to Yosemite, Scenic Wonders will help you arrange booking when you’re ready. Start your Yosemite adventure today.