As an avid hiker, rock climber, and naturalist, I’ve spent a good deal of time enjoying and exploring Yosemite National Park. And with approximately 4 million visitors annually, so do a lot of other people!
After a day in the great outdoors, when my feet can’t go another step, I don’t want to go to a campsite! Fortunately, there are several more civilized options within the park, and my favorite is Yosemite Valley Lodge.
Located in the heart of Yosemite National Park and directly across from the majestic Yosemite Falls, the Lodge is a modern yet rustic hotel that offers million-dollar views in every direction, including Half Dome, El Capitan, Glacier Point, and more.
For me, Yosemite Valley Lodge offered the best combination of affordability and location. It’s a destination within a destination, and a recent renovation emphasizing glass and wood showcased the park’s natural beauty while it blended harmoniously with its surroundings.
Instead of a single building, the Yosemite Valley Lodge is a series of one- and two-story buildings, with patios and balconies, that welcome everyone from outdoor enthusiasts to families on extended vacations.
Staying at the Yosemite Valley Lodge immersed me in its surroundings. My rooms was modern, quiet, comfortable, and focused on eco-sustainability. Multiple dining spots – included the Mountain Room Restaurant and Base Camp Eatery – and provided everything from a relaxed dining to a grab-and-go spot for those on the run.
One of the best ways to explore the Valley floor is on bicycle, which can be easily rented from the Yosemite Valley Lodge. One of my favorite features of the Lodge was its massive swimming pool. A casual dip is ideal after a day on dusty trails and a much better way to cool off than jumping in the icy Merced River!
Another great reason I made the Yosemite Valley Lodge my home inside the park was because it’s a regular stop on the free Yosemite Valley shuttle, which operates from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily.
Hiking amid and on top of multimillion-year-old granite monoliths is one of the most popular activities for Yosemite visitors. And with more than 800 miles of hiking trails, I’ve enjoyed everything from short walks to full-day trips, like hiking to the top of Half Dome and viewing the park’s natural beauty from nearly 9,000 feet high!
Yosemite Valley Lodge is also the perfect embarkation point for a day of adventure and comfortable landing spot after a day of hiking, climbing, sightseeing in the Mariposa Grove or Tuolumne Meadows, and even skiing over in Badger Pass.
Yosemite National Park is an absolute marvel during all seasons, but my favorite times to visit are spring and fall. I have found that the earlier I made my reservations for the Yosemite Valley Lodge the better.
It’s my go-to spot every time I go to Yosemite and helps me make the most of my vacation days.
