History of Yosemite Accomodations
In 1856, a wayside inn was started by Galen Clark, one of the initial overseers of Yosemite Valley. In the fall of 1856 Yosemite Valley Inn (also known as the Lower Hotel), a primitive structure functioning more as a saloon than a proper inn was erected until it was crushed by snow. The following year, the 2-story Upper Hotel opened in the spring of 1859. While the early accommodations lacked in comfort, they more than made up with the surrounding beauty Yosemite had to offer.
Yosemite Locations
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Yosemite West
Located in the southern region of Yosemite National Park, Yosemite West in an unincorporated community of private residences and vacation rental homes. It is part of Mariposa County and is situated at an elevation of 5,866 feet, bordered by Yosemite National Park and the Sierras. Badger Pass Ski area is 6.5 miles away and the Tunnel View is 8.3 miles away, making Yosemite West an ideal area for visitors to start their Yosemite adventure. Long before the current residents, the North American Indian tribes made homes in the area as evident by grinding stones and obsidian chips used as arrowheads hidden in parts of the development.
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Bass Lake/South Gate
Located in Madera County, Bass Lake is situated at an elevation of 3415 feet and is 17 miles from Yosemite's Southern entrance. This picturesque area offers a wide array of outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking and camping. Also in Madera County, the community of South Gate located close to Bass Lake is a quaint group of residential and vacation rental homes in close proximity to the town of Oakhurst which offers shops and restaurants. It is 30 minutes to Yosemite's south entrance. (Mention the sequoia forest hike?)
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Wawona Area
Located in the southern region of Yosemite National Park at an elevation of approximately 4,000 feet, Wawona is popular for giant Sequoia groves. The area consists of Pioneer Yosemite History Center, Wawona Hotel, Wawona Golf Course, Wawona store, library, gas station and offers horseback riding, hiking, nature walks. Indians used to call the area "Pallachun" or "Good Place to Stop."
Getting to Yosemite
Approximately 6 hour drive from Los Angeles to Yosemite's southern entrance along Highway 41, 4 hour drive from San Francisco to Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance along Highway 120 or to Arch Rock entrance on Highway 140, and 3 hour drive from Reno, Nevada to the eastern entrance of Tioga Pass which is only accessible in the summer and early fall by way of Highway 120 from Lee Vining. Greyhound Bus and Amtrack will take you to Merced where one can take YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation).
Staying in Yosemite
Ranging from rustic camp grounds to full service hotels, one can choose according to needs and price range. Typically accommodations are busy during holidays and summer season.
Hotels
In Yosemite Valley, Aramark Corporation runs the hotels including the Majestic Yosemite Hotel (formerly known as The Ahwahnee Hotel). Outside of the park are the Tenaya Lodge and other establishments in Mariposa and Madera Counties. Travelyosemite.com
Tents & Cabins
Yosemite's campgrounds are operated by the the National Park Service. Advanced reservation and first-come, first-served system. Backpacker campgrounds are located in Yosemite Valley, Tuolumne Meadows and Hetch Hetchy. 877-444-6777, recreation.gov
Vacation Homes
Offer comfortable and affordable stay for visitors. According to number of guests and desired level of luxury, vacation homes provide fully equipped kitchens, hot tubs, barbecue sets, and other comforts of home. Yosemite's Scenic Wonders' homes and condominiums located in Yosemite West, inside the gates of Yosemite National Park provide such memorable stay and and offer the closest accommodation to Badger Pass Ski Area. They also have homes in Wawona and in the south gate community near Oakhurst.
Where to eat
Restaurants in Yosemite Valley range from casual to formal. During the high season and weekends, they can be busy. Stores sell groceries and prices are higher. Vacation homes provide good alternative by allowing guests to prepare their own meals. Restaurants are available in the gateway towns of Mariposa, Groveland, Fish Camp and Oakhurst.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Night walks, star gazing, seasonal lectures by rangers take place in the valley. Quiet hours are enforced in the valley. Oakhurst has movie theater, community theater and bars.
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