How to Choose Yosemite Lodging

Many families from around the world will visit Yosemite National Park this year, especially in the summertime. Among the many things to consider in planning a vacation to this location, the issue of Yosemite lodging is surely an integral part of that process. From how many nights to stay, to where to stay, to what to budget on your stay; these and other issues like them will need to be resolved in order to have the most harmonious experience on your trip.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. The Ahwahnee

   Consider your budget for lodging. For example, if the budget is for $150/night, a grand hotel like The Ahwahnee in Yosemite Valley is not going to meet your needs. With a range between $300 to $500 per night, your visit will be short indeed. The Yosemite Lodge, which is also in the Valley, but priced much closer to that $150 per night range, would be a better match (reservations needed).

2. Yosemite West

   Decide if you want to stay inside the park, or in the surrounding vicinity. Lodging fills up fast during peak season in the park. If you really want to stay inside the park and are willing to "rough it" a bit more, there is the possibility of camping or RV camping. These reservations, however, are even more competitive to secure; it is essential you know the reservation system and work within that system. A web site to start is the park government site (nps.gov); here, you will find what dates are important to make reservations, and what phone numbers to call. Still another way to lodge inside the park in a unique, little known way is to find those with private residences (yes, people have homes in the park) who rent their properties throughout the year. Searching online under "private residences + Yosemite" will help bring up phone numbers and other contacts of owners and information about these communities, which include The Redwoods, Yosemite West, and one in Foresta.

3. Get the lodging arrangements solidified as soon as possible. Rooms fill up very fast in and around the park during peak season (May-September).

4. Lastly, there are hotels and motels outside the park available. Be sure to pick these based on your preferred entrance into the park. There are four entrances to Yosemite (one from the east on hwy 120, one from the south via hwy 41, and two from the west via hwys 140 and 120). Each artery into the park offers lodging options; it's simply a matter of narrowing down what will work for your family. Remember to consider winter road conditions. For example, hwy 120 is always closed for the winter due to heavy snow.

5. Fall Color

   Consider going during "off season". October to April will give you more affordable rates. It is never really off season at the park. Not only is the park open year round, but there are activities during the winter months like snow skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. What is typically meant by "off season" is simply this: there will be less people around to compete for services and goods in the park. However, there will also be less services available compared to the peak season; tours, stores and other services are limited. Each season is very different in Yosemite, so you will want to choose which one is most intriguing to you and maybe save some money and avoid the crowds while you're at it!

Tips & Warnings

• Regardless of which lodging option you choose, with a little bit of planning and foresight, your family can feel good about visiting Yosemite and concentrating on all the beautiful scenery no matter where you stay. Enjoy!