Discover the Adventure
Yosemite High Country Lodges

Yosemite High Country Lodges

You have three choices for lodges and camping in Yosemite's High Country, along Highway 120, and we'll take a look at each of these choices in just a moment - one of them is going to surprise you!

But when considering Yosemite's High Country as a camping or lodging option, keep in mind that the High Country is only accessible from mid-summer to about September.

That's because of its elevation (just over 8,000 feet) and Upper Montane climate. The area is snowed-in much of the year.

That being said, here's a little Insider's Secret: the High Country is an ideal choice during the summer months when the floor of Yosemite Valley is overrun with automobiles, hikers, sightseers, mountain climbers, bikers, campers, and people stopping their cars in the middle of the road to get that perfect picture of Half Dome!

Even during the busiest times, Yosemite's High Country is comparatively free of people and offers the peace and solitude one looks for in such a setting. Even living nearby, we seldom visit the Valley in Summer, heading for the High Country instead.

Are you one of the 3.5 million people
who visit Yosemite each year?
Share your story here!

---

Yosemite High Country Lodges:
Tuolumne Meadows Lodge

The Lodge has a central dining tent as well, where they serve family-style breakfasts and dinners along-side the stunning Tuolumne River.

Sorry, there are no private cooking facilities.

Tuolumne Meadows is not only a beautiful Montane Forest area with Alpine meadows, lakes, and wildflowers, its a favorite Yosemite experience, and an excellent jumping off place for hiking and backpacking adventures! There are many day hikes as well as trails that will take you several days to complete.

And how can you beat a setting like this!

---

Yosemite High Country Lodges:
White Wolf Lodge - A Best-Kept Secret

Another example of a Yosemite lodge set in the exquisite scenery of the High Sierra's is White Wolf.

White Wolf Lodge is situated in a sub-alpine meadow that's generously dotted with Yosemite wildflowers and provides unparalleled tranquility for people who truly want to get away from it all!

You can choose between wood cabins with private bathrooms, propane heating and some electricity, or wood-framed canvas-covered tent cabins with no electricity and wood-burning stoves.

Beds and linens are provided in both; there are two central showers and restrooms are nearby the tent cabins. Meals (breakfast and dinner) are taken in a central dining room located in a darling little wooden building with a porch that looks out onto the surrounding forest.

This is a great base camp for day hikes to Lukens and Harden Lakes, both of which are destinations for wildflower enthusiasts who can get their timing just right.

---

Yosemite High Country Lodges
High Sierra Camps = Extraordinary Backpacking

Insider Secret: This is the big surprise in lodging choices that I mentioned earlier!

Here you have the unique experience of Yosemite's High Sierra Camps, a chain of hiking camps.

These are the most rustic of all your choices, but are great for when you want a real back-country experience over a two-or-more day period.

There are five hike-to camps that are between five and ten miles apart along a looped trail, so - after your days in the wilderness - you end up right back where you started.

This is backpacking at a whole new level - you don't have to carry your tent and sleeping bag; no bringing in your own food (which you would otherwise have to carry as well).

At each campsite, you've got lodging in the form of dormitory style canvas tents. Family-style breakfasts and dinners are provided, and you can even order box lunches for the next day's trekking.

If there is water availability during your stay, you'll luxuriate in hot showers with soap, and restroom facilities. In a dry year? Sorry, no showers...

You'll need to bring along sheets or sleep-sacks and towels, but pillows and blankets are provided.

This really is a unique experience which allows you to relax and enjoy each day's hike without the burden of carrying all your supplies. It's like a backpacking spa vacay... sort of.

---

That about sums up Yosemite High Country Lodges - I hope you've had as much fun exploring Yosemite lodging as I have!

And if you missed some of the other Yosemite lodging options, you'll find more information here:

• Yosemite Hotels
  Whether you choose the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite valley, or the Wawona Hotel higher up, you won't be disappointed.
• Yosemite Lodge at the Falls
  Yosemite Lodge at the Falls is a less expensive hotel option - it's also a good possibility when you want to stay in the valley, but find that the Ahwahnee is booked.
• Yosemite Cabins & Tent Cabins
  You'll find several levels of comfort from which to choose when you are wanting to stay a little closer to nature, but still want an easy visit.

Like what you're finding here at Discovering Northern California? Then please share with the Social Network of your choice.

And thanks for coming!