Experience Life in a Forest Cabin at the Gateway to One of America's Premier National Parks

Located just two miles away from Yosemite’s entry point, Tenaya at Yosemite offers charming cabins along with six dining options and numerous facilities.

Yosemite National Park in California stands as an early example of America’s remarkable natural assets, untamed landscapes, and historical significance. It's common for individuals' wishlists to feature sights like El Capitan or treks up Half Dome, and during my short stay at the park, I encountered visitors from every corner of the globe drawn here to experience those very activities.

Although visitors may choose to challenge themselves by ascending over 700 steps along the well-known Mist Trail or even tackling one of the most perilous rock climbs globally on El Capitan within the park, the optimal approach to fully enjoy this expansive 748,000-acre natural paradise is to select accommodations that allow for maximum exploration time inside the park.

For me, Tenaya at Yosemite was the perfect spot. Located within the Sierra National Forest, merely two miles from Yosemite’s southern gateway, you can’t get much nearer without actually stepping into the park itself. Combining natural beauty with modern conveniences, Tenaya provides three distinct accommodation options: hotel rooms, cabins, and cottages. All lodgings feature stylish mountain lodge décor along with every amenity needed for a comfortable stay away from home. My choice was an Explorer Cabin situated above a trickling brook and enveloped by tall trees. It offered easy access to a clubhouse which provided free breakfasts, shuttle services to the park, as well as help arranging equipment rentals and outdoor excursions.

At Tenaya, the array of features truly shines; beyond what its setting offers, guests have access to an impressive range of activities such as swimming pools, Jacuzzis, dining establishments, film screenings, and nature trails. It's rare that I've experienced so many choices within one resort that nearly left me feeling inundated. Regardless of whether your objective is exploring the entire park, Tenaya supports this endeavor through organized excursions and transportation services. Moreover, should you prefer visiting during wintertime, rest assured knowing that Tenaya remains operational throughout all seasons, ensuring exceptional hospitality regardless of weather conditions.

To discover more about Tenaya’s products, continue reading for my comprehensive review.

Tenaya at Yosemite

• You really can't surpass Tenaya's location — being merely two miles away from the park's entrance makes visiting incredibly convenient.
• The spacious and fully equipped lodges offer all necessary amenities for a snug and traditional experience, along with entry to the Explorer Lounge.
• The establishment boasts six restaurants that provide an extensive array of delectable choices.

The Rooms

Tenaya provides multiple accommodation choices, encompassing dimensions, configurations, facilities, and positions.

The accommodations in the main lodge resemble conventional hotel rooms and are conveniently close to key facilities such as eateries and swimming pools. Fully refurbished in 2024, these rooms provide visitors with an upscale yet rustic-modern experience. For added luxury, guests may opt for upgraded rooms featuring Jacuzzis and personal terraces; meanwhile, Lodge Suites offer additional roominess—measuring between 550 and 850 square feet—for those seeking extra space. These suites come equipped with special details including fireplaces, separate dining areas, and wet bars. Additionally, some adults-only suites boasting individual entries are offered within the premises.

If you're seeking a closer connection with nature along with greater solitude, consider staying in one of our Explorer Cabins. Located somewhat apart from the primary lodge, these accommodations offer a peaceful retreat for visitors who wish to immerse themselves in their surroundings. Each cabin features a deck or veranda oriented towards scenic elements such as creeks, ponds, or fields. One cherished moment during my time at Tenaya involved relaxing on the terrace with a companion, sipping coffee while we listened to the sounds of flowing water and avian melodies.
The cabins come equipped with comfortable living areas featuring gas-burning fireplaces, fully stocked mini-bars complete with microwave ovens, spacious fridges, and additional distinctive touches including classic board games, pairs of binoculars, and complimentary entry into the exclusive Explorer Lounge.

The Explorer Lounge serves as the central gathering spot for those staying in the Explorer Cabins. It features amenities such as a television, an oversized fireplace, outdoor games, and convenience foods available at all times. In addition to these offerings, the lounge offers free morning meals, evening wine tastings, nightly marshmallow roasting sessions, and rental services for golf carts. Guests of the cabins have unrestricted access to this space using their key cards around the clock; however, during operational hours, a reception area is manned to help with registration, equipment loans, and transportation to the principal lodge.

Should you prefer an option somewhere between full privacy and communal spaces, check out The Cottages. Nestled amidst the woodland, these suite-style accommodations provide extra seclusion yet remain easily accessible from the primary lodge area via footpaths. Each cottage comes equipped with inviting amenities such as fireplaces, patios, and balconies. Additionally, they house one of the resort’s principal dining venues alongside pathways leading back to the central lodge facility.

Food and Drink

Multiple eateries across Tenaya’s premises offer an array of dishes, ranging from pizzas to steaks, and catering to both quick pickups and gourmet experiences.

Jackalope’s Bar and Grill serves as the primary spot for relaxed eating at the resort, operating throughout the year to cater to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I strongly suggest beginning your meal with either the Garlic Crunch Shrimp or the artichoke dip and concluding with the Sticky Toffee Pudding. These dishes have been well-received by everyone.

Located within the Cottage’s complex, Timberloft Pizza offers sizable specialty pizzas along with a salad bar. This place is ideal for carb-loading either before or after an extensive hike. For quick meal choices and possible keepsakes such as locally made fudge and honey, Parkside Deli is another great option.

Opposing Tenaya’s laid-back choices is Embers, the on-site upscale eatery offering either a four- or seven-course fixed menu complete with an optional wine pairing. Notable dishes include the standout elderflower crème brûlée as well as the exceptional service provided. It’s uncommon for a mountain lodge to feature such a luxurious dining experience.

There are two seasonal eateries operational solely during summertime: Barefoot Bar, catering to the outdoor pool zone, and Gold Rush BBQ. This spot provides classic barbecue dishes such as pulled pork, sausages, hot dogs, along with a variety of toppings for baked potatoes.

Activities and Experiences

The primary appeal of Tenaya lies in its location. Visitors are merely two miles away from the park’s entry point, with the Mariposa Grove as the nearest highlight. It takes only about five minutes to reach this grove where you can embrace one of the massive sequoia trees after departing from Tenaya.

Tenaya also provides shuttle services to the park and an all-encompassing Yosemite 360 tour, encompassing all of the park’s key attractions—a daunting feat to accomplish solo. Our guide possessed extensive knowledge about both the park and its historical background and shared with us the optimal vantage points, time-saving routes, and helpful hints for our upcoming hiking excursions.

If being close to Yosemite isn't sufficient to ensure an action-packed vacation, worry not; the array of onsite activities might just overwhelm you! With two swimming pools—one indoors and one outdoors—alongside five distinct hot tubs, including two exclusive adult-only ones scattered across both zones, there's plenty to choose from. Additionally, the indoor pool area connects directly to a games room designed for everyone young at heart, complete with daily "diving" movies. During warmer months, guests can borrow bicycles, whereas wintertime offers access to snowshoes. A convenient shuttle service runs continuously among different accommodation spots as well.

Tenaya features a well-equipped gym along with numerous options for staying active such as pickleball, guided mountain bike tours, archery sessions, and yoga classes. It also offers opportunities like rock climbing and additional recreational pursuits. For those interested in learning, various educational activities are provided, including regular nature walks and night-time flashlight hikes, gold panning experiences, glassblowing demonstrations, and access to telescopes after dark.

The Spa

Tenaya’s Ascent Spa features 12 treatment rooms providing various services for relaxation such as massages, facials, and body wraps. Additionally, both saunas and steam rooms are available for use by all visitors without needing to make a reservation.

Family-friendly Offerings

Tenaya is ideal for family vacations. Cabins equipped with bunk beds are particularly recommended, and visitors have the option to add amenities such as cribs and pack-and-plays for a nominal charge.

If you have a pet at home, Tenaya offers multiple accommodations suitable for dogs. There’s a single charge covering up to two pets, and these rooms come equipped with water bowls, treats, waste bags, toys, and even a cozy dog bed.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Tenaya accommodates all guests with 10 ADA-compliant rooms, five cabins, and three cottages featuring roll-in showers, wider doorways, and grab bars.

Tenaya is putting significant effort into ensuring the sustainability of the resort through initiatives like their GreenerStay Program. Guests have the option to participate in this program which aims to reduce environmental impact by limiting housekeeping services and conserving resources such as water, electricity, and minimizing waste production. Additionally, the property features a solar-powered lodge that reportedly saves over 2,880 kilowatt-hours annually and offers several Tesla charging stations for electric vehicles.

Location

Tenaya and Yosemite National Park are roughly 90 minutes away from the Fresno airport and about four hours from San Francisco. Many visitors will require a vehicle to get to the resort; however, shuttle services between the lodges and the park are provided after arriving at the destination.

Ways to Maximize Your Experience During Your Visit

Tenaya doesn’t have a loyalty program, but it provides various deals such as seasonal rates and a New Year’s Eve package. It also extends discounts to AAA members, seniors, and both discounted stays and complimentary park access to veterans.

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