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Looking for the best places to stay in Yosemite? We’ve compiled a list of our top 3 picks for Yosemite Lodging.

Hey there, fellow nature lovers and adventure seekers! If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite National Park and wondering where the best places to stay are, you’re in luck. I’ve scoped out the top three places to stay in Yosemite that offer not just a place to rest your head but a full-on immersive experience in this breathtaking wilderness. Let’s dive in, starting with number three on our list: Evergreen Lodge.

3. Evergreen Lodge

Nestled in Mather, on the western end of Yosemite, Evergreen Lodge offers a rustic yet comfortable retreat for travelers looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life. What sets this lodge apart is its blend of modern amenities and classic wilderness charm. You’ll find cozy cabins surrounded by towering pines, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the park’s wonders.

One of the highlights of staying at Evergreen Lodge is their guided adventures. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, or simply soaking in the serenity of nature, their knowledgeable guides will lead you to hidden gems and share fascinating insights about Yosemite’s ecosystem.

Evergreen Lodge also offers both play and relaxation opportunities on-site. Challenge your friends to a game of ping pong in the Plaza, explore the Tuolumne Hall Game Room, and discover a range of amenities like hammocks, a zip-line, and bocce ball scattered throughout the property. Don’t miss their forest disc golf course—it’s a hidden gem!

After a day of adventure, you can relax by the outdoor fire pit, swap stories with fellow travelers, or wind down with a cocktail at the onsite Tavern, beloved by locals for its specialty drinks, craft beers, extensive wine list, relaxed dining experience, and vibrant atmosphere. Step into its authentic Old West ambiance complete with a pool table, vintage photographs, a 30-foot wooden bar, and a charming wrap-around wooden porch—you’re guaranteed to have a great time!

When you’re ready for a meal, visit their restaurant for restaurant, available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whether you prefer a cozy dining room, the rustic charm of our big timber front porch, the inviting atmosphere of our classic tavern, or the refreshing open-air covered patio with views of the main plaza, you’re sure to find the perfect setting. And no matter where you choose to dine, our delicious food always delights!

Evergreen Lodge is a great choice for those seeking a balance between wilderness escapades and creature comforts. Click here to check out the Evergreen Lodge website!

2. Rush Creek Lodge & Spa

Moving up our list is Rush Creek Lodge & Spa, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking luxury without compromising on nature’s beauty. Situated just minutes from Yosemite’s western entrance, Rush Creek welcomes guests with its elegant yet unpretentious ambiance.

Accommodations range from spacious lodge rooms to private hillside villas, each offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests and mountains. The lodge’s design seamlessly blends with the natural landscape, creating a harmonious retreat that feels like a home away from home.

What makes Rush Creek stand out is its array of amenities designed to enhance your Yosemite experience. From the outdoor pool and hot tubs overlooking the wilderness to the wellness center offering massages and yoga sessions, every aspect is geared towards relaxation and rejuvenation.

Dining at Rush Creek is a culinary journey in itself, with a focus on farm-to-table cuisine showcasing the flavors of the region. Whether you’re savoring a gourmet meal at their full-service restaurant or grabbing a quick bite at the tavern, you’ll appreciate the attention to detail and commitment to quality. Click here to check out the Rush Creek Lodge & Spa website.

1. Yosemite’s Newest Gem: Firefall Ranch

Get ready to chill out at Firefall Ranch, the newest spot hitting Yosemite in Spring 2024. It’s a whole vibe, totally different from anything else around, nestled in peaceful meadows and and serene forested hills near Yosemite’s northwest entrance, along the most direct route to Yosemite from the Bay Area!

Firefall Ranch is your go-to basecamp for all things Yosemite, with cozy accommodations like Cottages, Villas, and an Event Center that are decked out with cool design touches blending right into nature.

When it’s time to grub, hit up the Ranch’s Restaurant for some fun dining vibes. They’ve got your back with full-service breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including hearty mountain grub and some funky California-South American fusion grill action. And don’t miss out on their killer wine selection from the Pacific Northwest and super fresh desserts made with a Swiss Pacojet.

After a day of adventure, kick it at the Tavern, where you can grab awesome drinks, chill with craft beers and fine wine, nosh on tasty bites, and vibe with good company. Plus, catch all the big games if you’re into that scene.

Take your pick from a bunch of cozy 1- & 2-Bedroom Cottages or spacious 3-Bedroom Villas spread across the 300-acre resort. Each spot is decked out with comfy vibes, fireplaces, private decks with killer views, and all the goodies like Bluetooth speakers, gourmet coffee setups, heated bathroom floors—you name it!

Firefall Ranch is all about kicking back, soaking in nature, digging into awesome food, and making some epic Yosemite memories. Click here to read more on the Firefall Ranch website.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed this list of our top 3 favorite places to stay in Yosemite! For more resources to help you plan your Yosemite stay or Elopement, keep reading!

Need More Help Planning Your Yosemite Stay?

get some of our favorite Yosemite planning resources

Looking to stay somewhere close to Yosemite, that offers a bit more of a night life, dining, shopping, and activities?

Click here to hear more about our favorite town to stay outside of Yosemite.

Looking for more inspiration for your Yosemite Elopement?

Click here to read our article on How to Elope in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park Resources

Click here for more information on Peak Season Yosemite Entrance Reservations

Get more planning information on Yosemite.com

Meet your Yosemite Elopement Photographer

Hey! I’m Salisha, your Yosemite Elopement Photographer. I fell in love with photography as a child roaming around the forests in my mountain home just outside of Yosemite, and my love for the art of photographing only grew during my years as a college student in North County San Diego where I took various film and digital photography classes. During my 28 years as a resident in a small community just outside of Yosemite National Park I have explored all over the Sonora Pass, Yosemite, and the Sierra Nevadas to find the most gorgeous spots to elope. Trust me, Yosemite is just the tip of the iceberg! There are so many places here in the high sierras, and I’d love to help you find the best one for your dream elopement! Click here to inquire with me!