A number of great Yosemite winter activities can only be enjoyed in the colder months, giving you and your family a number of great reasons to plan a trip to Yosemite this winter. Hiking, for example, is open year-round. Certain roads get closed when snowfall is heavy or when conditions are too icy, but Yosemite Valley is open year-round and offers a number of trails to stunning locations within the park. Snowfall is usually light enough that you can hike through the valley floor without snowshoes or cross-country skis. But there is usually enough snow in certain areas to make great snowman with your friends or family.

Ice-skating is another favorite activity during winter in Yosemite. Curry Village has an ice-skating rink that visitors to the park can rent skates at and enjoy hours of fun on the ice. When you finish skating, buy hot chocolate and revel in the company of your friends and the cozy atmosphere of the Village. This area also has several fun dining establishments and shops that are perfect for families.

This year, thanks to low snowfall, people were enjoy ice-skating on Tenaya Lake in Yosemite Valley. The lake was open for ice-skating for the first time in many years, offering a rare opportunity to skate in Yosemite Valley.  However, the lake is now closed – but the good news is that the Badger Pass Ski Area is now open!

Visitors to the park during winter also enjoy photography during the winter months. The low light of winter and the lack of distracting crowds create ideal settings for photographers to capture stunning photos of Yosemite Valley and the rest of the park. Other Yosemite winter activities include skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. Many of these activities are available in the Badger Pass Ski Area when snowfall permits.

Make Your Yosemite Reservations with Scenic Wonders this Winter

Whatever Yosemite winter activities you and your friends choose to partake in, be sure to make your Yosemite reservations through Scenic Wonders. Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders offers cabin, condominium, and home rentals just minutes away from your favorite Yosemite activities. Reserve your Yosemite lodging today to ensure that you get your favorite cabin for your winter trip to Yosemite. Our cabins have fully equipped kitchens, plenty of bedrooms, and all the comforts of home. Call now at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our available rentals and rates and to start planning your winter vacation today!

Yosemite News Blog

Our Yosemite News blog provides the latest news, information, and updates.  Be sure to check back frequently as we update our blog weekly.

Some of the most famous pictures of Yosemite were taken by Ansel Adams who passed away in 1984. The Ansel Adams Gallery features a number of his best shots and also offers multiple camera walks, workshops, and classes. Gardner tried out the adult photo walk which lasts for an hour and a half as well as a four-hour basics class taught by a professional photographer working at the studio. In the class Gardner was able to learn how to get the most out of her camera and capture stunning pictures in Yosemite.

On the guided camera walk, the instructor showed the students how different filters and uses of light can create entirely different pictures of the same subject matter. The instructor also showed students the importance of perspective and angels when taking pictures. Gardner also took the kids photo walk and learned of thing or two about trick photos, such as taking a picture of what looks like someone drinking out of a waterfall that is actually far in the distance.

Gardner reported that after taking these classes, she finally felt like she was the artist and the camera was her tool. Art walks and classes are available through the Ansel Adams Gallery year-round. Some Yosemite photography classes are available for free while multi-day workshops are also available for a fee. You can join a group class or set up a private photography tour based on your own preferences and skill levels. The gallery is also open year-round to view some of Ansel Adams’ most famous work. It’s a must-see stop on any trip to Yosemite National Park.

When planning your next Yosemite photography vacation consider making your Yosemite reservations through Scenic Wonders. At Scenic Wonders you can keep taking pictures at one of our Yosemite vacation homes because you’ll still be within the gates of Yosemite National Park. Our condos and cabins also have the benefit of retaining the comforts of home while you’re away on your vacation. Enjoy cooking meals in your own kitchen, sleeping in a comfortable bed, and having enough space to relax with your friends or family at the end of a long day in the park. It’s all possible with a vacation home rental through Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders.

Our Yosemite lodging is available at reasonable rates year-round and we never charge reservations fees. You can learn more about Scenic Wonders’ available rentals and rates by giving us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648). Our friendly staff is standing by to answer your questions and help you plan the perfect Yosemite photography vacation.

Yosemite Lodging Blog

Our Yosemite Lodging blog provides information for people who are planning vacations to the Park.  If you want the latest information on Yosemite accommodations, activities, and events, be sure to check out our blog frequently!

Yosemite sledding and tubing are available to kids of all ages in a few different locations throughout the park. If you have your own sledding and tubing equipment, you can feel free to find a safe, clear hill to sled or tube down throughout the open areas of the park. For a little extra safety and proximity to amenities, try heading to Fish Camp. This snow play area is located about a mile south of Yosemite’s southern entrance. Here kids can enjoy free sledding and tubing down a fairly large hill. The Fish Camp snow area offers free sledding and tubing that is perfect for people who have brought their own snow sleds and inner tubes to the park.

Badger Pass Ski Area for Sledding

Another great place to enjoy Yosemite sledding and tubing is in the Badger Pass Ski Area. At Badger Pass there is a designated sledding and tubing area that kids of all ages are free to enjoy. The Yosemite tubing area in Badger Pass is designed for younger kids, but adults are also welcome to partake in the fun. Inner tubes can be rented from the lodge for about $15 per tube.

Once you’ve had your fill of Yosemite tubing and sledding, kids can enjoy a number of other activities during winter in Yosemite. Curry Village offers ice skating, a perfect activity for the entire family to enjoy. Rent a pair of skates and spend an hour in the rink, then lounge by a cozy fire with a nice big cup of hot chocolate. From Tenaya Lodge families can also embark on horse-drawn sleigh rides through the surrounding forest area. Sleigh rides cost about $20 for adults and $15 for children. It’s recommended that you make a reservation in advance to ensure the time slot of your choice.

Perfect Winter Yosemite Accommodations

However you and your family choose to enjoy your time in Yosemite during the winter, be sure to reserve Yosemite accommodations with Scenic Wonders. We offer cabin, condominium, and home rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park. With our great Yosemite cabins, you’ll be just minutes from your favorite winter activities and have all the space you need to enjoy your nights in Yosemite National Park. Reserving Yosemite cabins can be much more affordable than renting a hotel room, and you’ll get more for your money.  So make your winter vacation in Yosemite as memorable as possible by reserving your Yosemite accommodations with Scenic Wonders. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our available rentals and rates or reserve online today.

Yosemite Vacation Blog

Our Yosemite vacation blog provides our readers with the latest Yosemite news as well as information on activities, sights to see and more.

Now that snow has fallen, Badger Pass Ski Area is now open, and Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders is the closest accommodations to the lifts, just a scenic 15 minute drive!  Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a novice, you won’t want to miss out on the freshly fallen snow that is covering the slopes.  Even if you are not a skier, the Badger Pass Ski Area has something for you.  Enjoy sledding, ice skating, or even take some photos.  Truly, nothing is as breath-taking as Yosemite in the winter after the first snowfall.  The snowflakes sparkle on the trees like diamonds and the views are simply majestic.

Your Best Choice for Yosemite Lodging

With the snow here at last, we hope to see you very soon.  Remember, if you’re looking for Yosemite lodging, our location cannot be beat.  We are right inside the gates of Yosemite which will put you within minutes of popular Winter hot spots, like the Badger Pass Ski Area.  Aside from our perfect location, we offer affordable rates on our cabin, home, and condominium rentals.  Whether you’re planning a romantic vacation for two or want to bring the whole family, our Yosemite accommodations are always spacious and comfortable.

Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our available rentals and rates or make your Yosemite reservations online now.

Yosemite Blog

Our Yosemite  blog is constantly updated with the latest news, information, and resources.  Be sure to check back soon!

A Yosemite visitor center on the Mariposa side of the park is a much-needed addition to Yosemite National Park. By establishing a new visitor center through this proposed land acquisition, Yosemite could significantly decrease traffic at its current entrance station while also enhancing visitor education by providing easier access to park resources. The new Yosemite visitor center would also be a great advancement in the eyes of park workers, most of whom live in Mariposa County. Many Yosemite National Park employees currently have to commute over an hour from Mariposa County across Yosemite to the opposite side of the park in order to get to their desk jobs. These employees could save hours each week on their commutes and get more done at work with a more conveniently located visitor center.

Denham’s proposed plan has support from both Democrats and Republicans who see the proposed land purchase as a win-win situation for the National Park Service, visitors to the park, and employees of Yosemite National Park. All parties hope that Denham’s legislation will go through quickly, that the land purchase process will be simple, and that a new Yosemite visitor center with enhanced orientation services in Mariposa will be built as soon as possible.

Residents of Mariposa County are particularly pleased by the proposed partnership between their county and Yosemite National Park as so many Mariposa residents either work in the park, have family who work in the park, or simply love Yosemite. The general sentiment of Mariposa residents towards the park is extremely positive and residents are very receptive to the idea of bringing Yosemite visitor services into their community.

Denham’s legislation was introduced in tandem with legislation from Sam Farr to upgrade Pinnacles National Monument in San Benito County, CA, to National Park status.

Lodging within the Gates of Yosemite

It may take a while for a new Mariposa visitor center to become a reality, but you don’t have to wait to enjoy a wonderful Yosemite vacation. Scenic Wonders offers Yosemite lodging within the gates of Yosemite National Park. You can reserve a cabin, condominium, or home located just minutes from your favorite Yosemite activities.

By making your Yosemite reservations with Scenic Wonders, you’ll get to enjoy all the comforts of home while exploring the untamed wilderness of Yosemite. Enjoy the difference that having a full house to relax in makes versus staying in a cramped hotel room. Not only will you have a better Yosemite vacation experience, you’ll receive much more bang for your buck.

Don’t believe us? Call now at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about Scenic Wonders’ available rentals and rates. You’ll be surprised how much space and comfort you can have.

Yosemite National Park Blog

Our Yosemite National Park blog offers readers up-to-date news, information on park activities and also lodging suggestions.

Visitors to Yosemite National Park this winter are in for a real treat. Due to unseasonably low snow levels, the park has frozen over creating a winter landscape that is unlike any previous winter in Yosemite. Skiers and snowboarders may be disappointed by the lack of snow on the slopes at the Badger Pass Ski Area, but don’t let low snow levels keep you from enjoying the multitude of other Yosemite winter activities still available. In fact, the lack of snow has created a rare opportunity to do something that has never been possible during winter in Yosemite before – ice skating on Tenaya Lake.

Ice Skating is the Perfect Winter Activity

Tenaya Lake is usually covered in several feet of snow at this time of year. But this year, thanks to our strange California weather, the lake is frozen over and able to be skated on. Visitors to the lake this winter say the ice is clear and beautiful, and it’s wonderful for skating on. Yosemite ice skating is always available in Curry Village during the winter, but this is the first time in memory that ice skating has been allowed or even possible on Tenaya Lake. The Park Rangers are doing a good job of keeping the road up to the lake safe and clear so visitors can enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime Yosemite experience. Ice skating at Tenaya Lake will last only as long as the snow stays away, so be sure to head up to Yosemite soon to have your chance to skate the lake.

Aside from Yosemite ice skating, there are a number of other winter activities that are still available throughout the park this winter without snow. Winter is a great time to hike in Yosemite in order to experience the park at its most quiet and serene. Tours of the park are also available in heated buses throughout the winter, and photography tours are available as well. The winter months also bring a number of annual food and drink festivals to Yosemite National Park that are essential events for foodies. Come taste fine California wines at the Vintner’s Holidays or sample California cuisine at the annual Chef’s Holidays.

Yosemite Lodging for Your Winter Vacation

However you choose to spend this one-of-a-kind winter in Yosemite, be sure to reserve your Yosemite lodging through Scenic Wonders. At Scenic Wonders we have cabins, condominiums, and homes that are nestled within the gates of Yosemite National Park. Our Yosemite lodging options are ideal for romantic getaways as well as large group vacations. When you make your reservations through Scenic Wonders, you’ll never be charged a booking fee and you will get much more for your money than you would if you stayed in a Yosemite hotel.

More and more smart travelers are opting for vacation home rentals rather than hotel stays. Join the trend and enjoy your most comfortable and relaxing Yosemite vacation ever by reserving your accommodations with Scenic Wonders today. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our available rentals and rates or make your Yosemite reservations online now.

Yosemite National Park News Blog

Our Yosemite National Park News blog offers readers the latest news, suggestions on park activities and update on lodging.

Pack Carefully

You’ll want to make sure that you have all of the equipment you need or that you know where to rent equipment. Bear in mind that rental rates can vary throughout the season and that the lodge at Badger Pass might not have the exact equipment that you’re looking for. It’s always a good idea to call ahead to learn what you can expect to pay for your skiing equipment rentals and what the lodge has on hand.

Make Your Reservations Early

If you’re planning on taking skiing lessons at Badger Pass, it’s a good idea to call ahead and learn about the details for that as well. Usually skiing lessons are available from the lodge on a daily basis. You might also want to purchase your lift tickets in advance to secure the best rate, but lift tickets can also be purchased at Badger Pass for a reasonable price.

Try Something New

Many people come to Badger Pass just to downhill ski or snowboard, but winter in Yosemite has much more to offer than just these two activities. Cross-country skiing is particularly well loved in Yosemite thanks to the gorgeous pass from the Badger Pass Ski Area to Glacier Point. During the winter months, cross-country skiing is one of the only ways to get to Glacier Point and take in its breathtaking view of Yosemite Valley. Snowshoeing is another fun activity that will get your heart pumping and give you a new way to enjoy the winter landscape of Yosemite. Yosemite also offers ice-skating, sledding, tubing, sleigh rides, hiking, and even winter fishing during the coldest months of the year.

Reserve Your Yosemite Lodging Early

Hotels and Yosemite vacation homes tend to fill up fast during prime skiing weekends. Make sure to reserve your Yosemite lodging early in order to have the best and most affordable Yosemite skiing vacation. When you make your reservations with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders, you’ll love the comfort and convenience of your cabin or condo which will put you just a short car ride away from Badger Pass.  Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to speak with our staff about our lodging options or reserve your accommodations online now.

Yosemite News Blog

Our Yosemite news blog provides the latest Park news, suggestions for activities and more.  Be sure to check our blog page regularly as we provide frequent information.

But speed climbers are a different story. Just last year Dean Potter and Sean Leary set the record for climbing the Nose in just 2:36:45. Florine and Honnold recently completed the route in just 45 seconds longer than that record. The current record took 20 seconds off of the time set by Florine and another climber in 2008. After coming so close to beating the current record, Florine and Honnold are determined to try again when weather permits and set a new milestone for ascending the Nose.

Florine is a former speed climbing world champion. At the age of 47 he has made a name for himself as the fastest man on El Capitan. To date, he has climbed the Nose more than 80 times and held seven speed records for the climb since 1990. Florine’s climbing partner Honnold is just 26 and the climbing world’s latest superstar. Honnold was recently featured on 60 Minutes for his free solo (no rope) climbs.

The pair has climbed the Nose three times together using an advanced simul-climbing technique. Typically when a pair of climbers summits the Nose one climbs while the other belays, ensuring the safety of both climbers. In a simul-climbing set up, both climbers head up the mountain at the same time while roped together. This makes climbing significantly faster but also much more dangerous. While simul-climbing a single fall can be fatal to either climber.

El Capitan and Half Dome have a number of excellent climbing routes for experienced and novice mountain climbers alike. Thousands of people flock to Yosemite National Park every year to take a crack at Yosemite rock climbing. While overcrowding has led the park to issue permits that can be hard to get a hold of, the effort it takes to legally climb Half Dome and/or El Capitan is well worth it.

Yosemite Lodging for Your Perfect Vacation

Whether you’re coming to Yosemite National Park for a climbing adventure, a river rafting getaway, or simply a relaxing romantic weekend, Scenic Wonders has great Yosemite lodging for your vacation. Our cabins, condominiums, and homes within the gates of Yosemite National Park will put you just minutes from your favorite activities.

During the summer months you can cut hours off of your time in the car by staying with us rather than staying in a hotel outside of the gates of the park. Our Yosemite vacation rentals also have the added benefits of a cozy ambience, a full kitchen, plenty of beds, and enough bathrooms. Save time and money on your next Yosemite vacation by choosing a cabin rental from Scenic Wonders. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn more about our available rental options or make your Yosemite reservations online.

Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite Blog

Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite Blog is updated regularly to provide our readers with the latest news, insights, activity suggestions, and lodging information.

When you rent a cabin from Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders, you’ll not only have extra space and easy access to your favorite activities within the park — you’ll also have a fully equipped kitchen in which to prepare meals, make snacks, and store food for the duration of your vacation. Many visitors to the park underestimate just how much extra money they’ll spend on food if they stay in a hotel room without a kitchen. When you stay in a hotel room, you’ll have to either order extremely expensive room service or go out to restaurants for each of your meals. If you’re traveling with your family or group of friends, your food bills will rack up very quickly this way.

Many Yosemite hotels don’t include don’t even include breakfast with your room, so you’ll need to spend extra cash at least three times a day to keep yourself fed. The costs get even higher if your room doesn’t come equipped with a mini fridge to store leftovers or groceries. And don’t even think about eating any of the food available for purchase inside your room.

When you choose to stay in a Yosemite cabin rental, you’ll have everything you need to prepare all your favorite meals during your vacation. You can still go out for dinner or lunch as often as you like, but even with a few meals out you’ll save a bundle over a kitchen-less hotel room because you’ll be able to save your leftovers, prepare your own breakfasts, and easily pack lunches and snacks for day trips within the park. Over the course of just a two day trip to Yosemite, a family of four can save hundreds of dollars on food by choosing Yosemite accommodations with a kitchen. That’s money that you can spend on adventures within the park or put away for your next vacation.

By choosing Scenic Wonders for your Yosemite accommodations, you won’t just save money on food – you’ll ensure a better vacation experience for yourself and your family. Vacation homes have a much higher value per square foot than hotel rooms do. This means that you’ll get more for your money when you choose to stay in a Scenic Wonders cabin, home, or condominium rather than a typical Yosemite hotel. Beyond the kitchen you’ll have more room to relax, more bathrooms, and a shorter trip to your favorite Yosemite activities. You also have the benefit of being surrounded by the natural beauty of the park throughout your stay and no noisy neighbors bothering you through the walls or ceiling.

Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind vacation experience by booking your Yosemite accommodations with Scenic Wonders today. We have a number of cozy Yosemite cabin rentals within the gates of the park for you to choose from. Just remember to reserve early to make sure you get your family’s favorite cabin for your next trip to the park. Call now at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn more.

Yosemite Vacation Blog

Our Yosemite vacation blog provides our readers with the latest Yosemite news as well as information on activities, sights to see and more.

Over the last 15 years Yosemite has lost 400 campsites, 500 lodging rooms, and 300 employee cabins as a result of rock fall risks and flooding in the Merced River. The ebb and flow of the Merced River requires that these Yosemite lodging sites not be rebuilt so that the river can flow as nature intended. Unfortunately, this means that there are less places to stay in the park.

Yosemite Lodging Limitations

Even people who find Yosemite lodging outside of the park are discovering that they have less access to their favorite Yosemite sites than they did in years past. Limitations are being placed on access to certain areas of the park including the legendary Half Dome hike, treks through the park’s lush forests, and rides down the Merced River in order to protect the park and its wildlife from excessive wear. While such measures help Yosemite National Park remain beautiful and undisturbed for generations to come, they also limit the number of people that can enjoy the park’s untouched beauty.

Attempts in the past to help preserve the park while serving the interests of visitors have failed miserably. Four park superintendents and $65 million have gone into trying to make the Yosemite both accessible and well protected, but little has been accomplished to this end. In hopes of finding a more useful solution, park officials have turned to the public to help them determine what might be best. A series of meetings have been set up to allow the public to comment on what their favorite Yosemite activities are and what measures they think might be effective in protecting the park.

The idea is to find out what people love most about Yosemite so that access to those activities and sights can be given primary focus when planning new parking spaces, bathroom facilities, campsites, etc. In the past, activities within the park have been protected equally, and as a result pizza parlors have been given the same weight as picnic areas within Yosemite’s forests. The new public plan hopes to do away with this improper balance. Once the series of meetings is completed, the comments will be collected and used to shape an environmental report that should be released by June 2013. Whatever the results of the meetings, it is likely that access to Yosemite Valley, Merced River, and the park in general will be reduced.

Plan Your Yosemite Vacation with Scenic Wonders to Avoid Hassles

The best way to ensure that you get to see all the best parts of the park is by planning your visit well in advance and making your Yosemite reservations with Scenic Wonders. Scenic Wonders has cabin and home rentals available within the gates of the park, so even when you’re done enjoying hikes and adventures throughout Yosemite Valley, you’ll be able to remain immersed in the beauty of the park throughout the night. Our Yosemite lodging puts you just minutes away from your favorite activities. Call today at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to reserve your favorite Scenic Wonders cabin.

Yosemite News Blog

Our Yosemite news blog gives you updates on the latest important happenings in Yosemite National Park and is updated regularly.

Fun for Athletes

If you’re a lover of winter sports, Yosemite National Park is an ideal setting for skiers, snowboarders, sledders, and more. The slopes at Badger Pass are particularly well-suited to novice and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, but the park also offers challenges for more advanced skiers. Take a lesson with a professional instructor to get started on the right foot then hit the slopes and enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.

You can also enjoy a hill set aside just for sledders as well as an outdoor ice skating rink at Curry Village. Other popular winter sports in Yosemite include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Guided tours and self guided adventures are can be found in Badger Pass, Mariposa Grove, and the Crane Flat area. Whether you’re interested in a few hours of fun or an overnight extravaganza, the Park Rangers at Yosemite are ready to facilitate your adventures.

Fun for Foodies

People who love fine cuisine and wine flock to Yosemite during the winter to partake in a number of seasonal events devoted to great food and drink. Come to Vintners’ Holidays to taste wines from local vineyards as well as excellent California cuisine, or attend one of the Bracebridge Dinners to experience a 17th century English manner feast. Yosemite also has annual celebrations on New Year’s Eve that simply can’t be next. If you’re looking for a magical setting to treat your palate this winter, Yosemite National Park is the place to be.

Fun for Everyone

Great activities are available in the park year-round, and many of these activities take on a new magic during the winter months. Take a bus tour through Yosemite Valley across snow-covered grounds or see what sights you can capture with your camera on a guided photography tour. Get your fill of sports and fun throughout the park this winter, then come home to your very own Yosemite winter lodging with a cabin, home, or condominium rental from Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders.

With Scenic Wonders, you and your family can enjoy the comfort and relaxation of rustic Yosemite lodging within the gates of Yosemite National Park. Prepare home-cooked meals and enjoy unforgettable evenings gathered in front of the fire with Yosemite reservations through Scenic Wonders.

Many of our customers make Yosemite reservations with us year after year to enjoy the holidays in their favorite Yosemite cabin. Make a tradition with us this year by calling 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) today to learn about our available rentals and rates. With a cabin from Scenic Wonders, you’ll enjoy excellent value for your dollar, you’ll never have to pay a reservation fee, and you’ll help ensure that you and your family have one of the best holiday seasons you can remember.

Yosemite Blog

Our Yosemite blog is a great online resource for those who are looking for information about Yosemite National Park and area lodging.

1. How far is my Yosemite lodging from the Park? Most Yosemite hotels are outside of the gates of the park, and those that are within the gates tend to be rather pricey. If you stay in a hotel away from the park itself, you might be looking at a commute of up to an hour or even two into and out of the Yosemite every day. This can seriously detract from the amount of fun you get to have while here. For the closest proximity to your favorite activities, you’ll most likely want to consider camping or staying in a Yosemite cabin.

2. How much am I getting for my money? This is another category where vacation rentals tend to have Yosemite hotels beat. If you make your Yosemite Park reservations with a hotel, you’ll get significantly less space per dollar you spend than you would in a Yosemite cabin. You also won’t have access to a kitchen and might even have to pay extra for the rental of a small refrigerator. Amenities like Internet access will almost certainly cost extra. If you choose to stay in a Yosemite vacation rental instead, you’ll have all the space you need and can make your trip much more affordable, especially if you’re traveling coming to the park with a large group of friends or family. Why stay in four hotel rooms when you could stay in one large Yosemite cabin?

3. How comfortable will I be? Camping is undeniably a great experience, but it’s simply not for everyone. If you don’t mind taking cold three-minute showers and using public restrooms for the duration of your Yosemite vacation, then camping might be just fine for you. But if you choose to stay in a Yosemite cabin, you’ll have enough beds to go around, hot water, a fully equipped kitchen, and enough space to relax and have a good time while still being surrounded by the natural beauty of Yosemite. Because our rentals are within the gates of Yosemite National Park, you’ll get to have that beautiful, natural experience of Yosemite like you would have camping, but with the added bonus of indoor plumbing.

4. How do I make a reservation with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders? If you’ve weighed the options carefully, chances are you’ve found that Scenic Wonders offers some of the best value for Yosemite vacations. Make your next trip to Yosemite an unforgettable experience by booking a cabin, condominium, or home with Scenic Wonders. Call us at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn more about what we have to offer or reserve online now.

Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders’ Blog

The Yosemite’s Scenic Wonder’s blog is constantly updated to give readers current information on park news, activities to try, sights to see and accommodation tips.

Yosemite winter is unlike any other season at Yosemite. Special seasonal activities such as the Vintners’ Holidays are celebrated, the ice-skating rink is opened, and novice to advanced skiers can enjoy the slopes at Badger Pass. Other great activities during the winter include snowboarding, sledding, bus tours, photography walks, hiking, and more. A particularly well-loved activity in the park during the winter is cross-country skiing. From Badger Pass cross-country skiers can take a guided tour over to Glacier Point and see an unforgettable view of Yosemite Valley covered in snow.

Yosemite Winter Cabins

The best way to enjoy Yosemite winter is with a lodge in Yosemite. Staying in a cabin within the gates of Yosemite National Park is a simply unforgettable way to enjoy your winter in Yosemite. You’ll get to experience the rustic ambience of a warm fire, the comfort of home-cooked meals, and wonderful evenings spent gathered together playing games or watching old movies in a cozy living room.

Sitting in front of the TV in a hotel room certainly doesn’t stack up, nor does freezing out in the open air of one of Yosemite’s campgrounds – temperatures can drop well below freezing during the winter at Yosemite. Yosemite cabins offer the space, comfort, and amenities of home within the gates of Yosemite National Park. What you get for your money simply can’t compare to the cost of staying in a hotel, nor could the comfort possibly be beat by a campground.

Many families come to Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders cabins year after year to ring in the holidays in their favorite spot. People request the same cabins each time to remember old times and make new memories with their families, friends, and loved ones. Wrap up with your loved one and a cup of hot chocolate or have a great evening with a bottle of champagne and your closest friends in private Yosemite lodging from Scenic Wonders.

Remember, cabins at Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders fill up quickly during the winter holidays, so make your Yosemite lodging reservations early to ensure that you and your family or friends get to stay in your favorite cabin. We offer home, condo, and cabin rentals within the gates of the park and we never charge reservation fees. You’ll save money and make unforgettable memories by making Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders part of your Yosemite winter.

Call today at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn more about our available rentals and rates or to get your questions answered by one of our friendly staff members. We look forward to the chance to share the holidays with you.  You can also make your reservations online!

Yosemite Vacation Blog

Our Yosemite vacation blog provides our readers with the latest Yosemite news as well as information on activities, sights to see and more.

Fall in Yosemite is a great time to take in the park as well as the vibrant colors of the season. While most of the park’s trees are evergreens, Yosemite also has a wide variety of deciduous trees that each take on their own unique shade during the fall months. Be sure to pack your camera on your Yosemite trip to capture the yellows, golds, purples, reds, and pinks that will light up the area during this special season.

You’ll also be able to see a great deal of wildlife scampering about the park, especially near creeks and rivers. This is because as the summer crowds subside, Yosemite’s wildlife becomes more courageous and tends to step out into the open. One great way to enjoy the wildlife and changing foliage is to take a photography tour. These tours are available through the park, as are bus tours, open air tram tours, and moonlight tours.

There are also some special annual activities that only happen during fall in Yosemite. For example, you can enjoy Vintner’s Holidays in the Ahwahnee Dining Room from early November to early December. This celebration of food and drink includes seminars and discussions as well as wine tastings from local vineyards and a five course dinner at the end of each day. Advance reservations are required for this event, so be sure to reserve your tickets right away.

Another sight that can only be seen during Yosemite Fall is the Leonid Meteor shower. These showers usually occur in mid-November and typically feature 10 to 20 meteors falling per hour. In order to enjoy this natural show at its best, try to plan your trip around the lunar calendar when the sky will be darkest and clearest.

Whatever you choose to do on your trip to Yosemite this fall, make your reservations with Scenic Wonders.  We offer a great variety of rental properties including cozy cabins, vacation homes and condominiums that are all within the gates of Yosemite National Park. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) today to learn about our available rentals this fall. Our cabins are filling up quickly, so be sure to reserve your Yosemite accommodations as soon as possible.

Yosemite Blog

If you’re looking for current news on Yosemite National Park, activity suggestions or tips related to Yosemite vacations, you’ll want to visit the Scenic Wonders’ blog regularly.  Updated weekly, our blog is a great resource for park enthusiasts as well as those who are visiting Yosemite for the very first time.

However, you should know that our rental properties are starting to book up for the fall months so give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) today to learn about what we have available. You can also make your reservations online – either way, Scenic Wonders never charges a reservation fee.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider making your Yosemite reservations with Scenic Wonders:

Yosemite Fall is one of the most beautiful seasons in the park. The leaves change colors, the wildlife abounds, and the temperatures are perfect for enjoying the park without getting overheated or too cold. Fall is one of the least-crowded seasons in Yosemite, making it a more peaceful and therapeutic experience. Nature photographers in particular love Yosemite in the fall, and there’s no better way to enjoy it then with a Yosemite cabin that keeps you in the midst of the park’s beauty for your entire trip.

Another great reason to book with Scenic Wonders is that our Yosemite cabins will deliver much higher value than Yosemite hotels. If you and your group book hotel rooms, you’ll have less space and less amenities than you would if you reserve one of our Yosemite home rental properties. You’ll also be farther away from the action, won’t able to cook meals within the comfort of your room, and you’ll end up spending more money for much less. If you’re coming to Yosemite with your family or a large up with friends, you simply can’t beat the value and comfort offered by Scenic Wonders.

Scenic Wonders also makes your Yosemite reservations easier with our full-service website. Browse the galleries of all of our most popular rentals and see the prices listed upfront. You can choose the cabin that best suits your needs or the one that you have come back to year after year. For many families, our cabins are like a home away from home and are places where memories are made every year.

We also have a friendly staff available around-the-clock to answer your questions over the phone if you need further assistance. Our knowledgeable staff can provide you with information about our accommodations, activities within the park, things to pack, and other helpful advice.

Whatever you’re looking to get out of your Yosemite fall vacation, Scenic Wonders can help you find it. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) today to make your Yosemite reservations and enjoy everything that the park has to offer in the fall. Whether you’re coming with your spouse or with a group of ten friends, we can help you make your vacation a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Scenic Wonders’ Blog

Our blog is dedicated to the offerings of Yosemite National Park.  Here, readers will find the latest updates, suggestions on things to do and tips for booking lodging.

Fishing – While the famous waterfalls of Yosemite are usually dry or running much slower in the fall months, the streams below them are extremely active. With less people around to scare the fish, more aquatic life can be seen swimming down the creeks and rivers during the fall. Fishing is open during the fall months along the lower portion of the Merced River and on Tenaya Lake. The lake offers great fishing for beginners while Merced is an exciting challenge.

Natural beauty – In addition to Yosemite’s many Evergreen trees, a wide variety of deciduous trees change color in Yosemite in the fall. The beautiful foliage can be seen throughout the park and ranges in colors from bright yellow to vibrant gold to deep purples and reds. Nature photographers love visiting Yosemite in autumn to get beautiful pictures of the park’s amazing colors. Wildflowers often stay in bloom well into the fall, making Yosemite a colorful and alluring place.

Cooler temperatures – While some people prefer the hot sun of summer, sports enthusiasts love coming to Yosemite in fall to enjoy their favorite activities without being exhausted by the heat. Temperatures in Yosemite remain brisk and inviting well into the fall, creating ideal weather for rock climbers, cyclists, hikers, runners, and other sporting enthusiasts.

Lots to do – Though some summer activities shut down during the fall, there is still a plethora of opportunities to have fun in Yosemite National Park during the fall months. Tours including the moonlight tour and the open-air tram tour are available throughout the season. You can also enjoy hikes, wildlife watching, bird watching, rock climbing, photography tours, and some water activities. Special activities are also available during the fall including Vintner’s Holidays beginning in early November at the Ahwahnee lodge in Yosemite. This special celebration of wines and artisan foods brings many travelers to the park year after year.

Whatever you’re planning to do in Yosemite this fall, be sure to book your Yosemite lodging with Scenic Wonders. Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders offers cabin, condominium, and home rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park. You’ll never be far from your favorite activities with a Yosemite cabin rental from Scenic Wonders. Our Yosemite lodging is the perfect cozy retreat after a long day of exploring the park and enjoying the beautiful foliage of Yosemite Fall. Call 1-888-967-3648 (1-888-YOSEMITE) today to learn about our available Yosemite cabins and to make your reservations.

Hurry – our cabins are filling up fast! Call now to make sure you secure your favorite Yosemite retreat.

Yosemite Fall Vacation Blog

Our Yosemite vacation blog is constantly updated to provide you with the latest news and updates.  We also offer information on Yosemite accommodations, activities and must-see areas in the park.

If you have your own kayaks ready to go, you can kayak all along the Merced River from Stoneman Bridge in Curry Village down to Sentinel Point Beach. There is a large picnicking area along this section of the river, so you can pack a lunch and make a day trip out of your kayaking experience. Kayaking is allowed in this section of the river from 10:00am to 6:00pm, unless otherwise stated.

Yosemite kayaking is also allowed on Lake Tenaya. For those kayakers who enjoy a more relaxing boating experience, Lake Tenaya offers calm waters and scenic views of the park. Any non-motorized boat is allowed on the lake during the day. Coming to the lake to kayak can be a great alternative to Merced River which can be quite busy during the summer months.

Rules and Restrictions for Kayaking in Yosemite

There are a few restrictions to keep in mind while kayaking in Yosemite. First and foremost, it is essential to obey the rules and warnings of the park rangers. At times conditions in the Merced River can become too dangerous for kayaking, and it is important to stay out of the water when so advised by park rangers. Also, whenever you kayak in Yosemite, you are required to wear a life vest regardless of your age or ability. This is to help ensure the safety of all visitors to the park.

The best months for kayaking in Yosemite are typically between May and September. Some years the river can be quite low by mid-August. But this year, with the substantial snowmelt, the river is likely to have a steady flow late into September.

Convenient Yosemite Lodging Near Kayaking Sites

A great way to make your Yosemite kayaking vacation even better is with a cabin, condominium, or home rental from Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. Scenic Wonders offers a wide variety of Yosemite lodging options within the gates of the park. In one of our Yosemite cabins you’ll have all the space you need to relax and unwind at the end of a long day. You’ll also have plenty of space for your kayaking equipment and all of the amenities you need to have a good time.

Save money and have a better vacation experience by reserving one of our Yosemite cabins today. To learn more about our rentals and rates give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648). Our friendly staff looks forward to answering your questions about our great Yosemite lodging options. Call today!

Yosemite National Park Blog

Our Yosemite National Park blog contains a variety of great information on the park, things to do inside the park as well as tips pertaining to Yosemite reservations.  We update our blog weekly, so be sure to visit frequently to get the latest news.

Sometimes it can be more affordable to fly into a major airport when going on Yosemite vacations, especially if you’re coming to the park from a long distance. The major airports closest to Yosemite are San Francisco International (SFO), Oakland International (OAK), and San Jose International (SJC). Each of these airports is connected to major hubs around the country, so flights are usually quite affordable.

If you fly into one of these airports, you’ll have to drive anywhere from five to eight hours (depending on traffic) to get to the park. However, the drive can be quite scenic and enjoyable for those who like car trips. Flying into one of these airports is also great if you’d like to see the Bay Area as well as Yosemite on your vacation.

Other options for getting to Yosemite by air include Sacramento International (SMF) and Reno/Tahoe International (RNO). These airports are both four to five hours away from Yosemite by car and Reno/Tahoe is only open during the summer months. On the plus side, if you can fly into the Reno/Tahoe International airport, you’ll have an exceptionally beautiful drive to Yosemite National Park.

Make sure to map out your journey ahead of time and have the contact information for your Yosemite accommodations when you travel. If by chance you get lost along the way, your Yosemite lodging should be able to provide you with the directions you need to make it to Yosemite safe and sound. You’ll also want to check where the closest gas stations are before beginning your journey.

Affordable Yosemite Accommodations

There are a lot of options for getting to Yosemite, but once you get here the best option for your Yosemite lodging is Scenic Wonders. At Scenic Wonders we have cabin, home, and condominium rentals available within the gates of the park. You’ll find all the comforts of home in a spacious, relaxing environment when you make your reservations with us. Our friendly staff is standing by at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to answer all your questions about getting to Yosemite and the best places to stay once you get here. Call to learn about our available rentals and rates and to start planning your memorable Yosemite vacation today.

Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite Blog

Our Yosemite blog is updated weekly and provides our readers with a wealth of information about Yosemite National Park, recreation and places to stay.

If you’re planning a trip to the park, here is a simple acronym to help demonstrate why Yosemite hotels are a thing of the PAST.

P: Privacy - If you choose to stay in a hotel on your next trip to Yosemite, you’ll have minimal privacy. By staying in a hotel you’ll have the annoyance of noisy hotel guests above, below, and to each side. Families staying in one room also have to sacrifice a great deal of privacy to each other.

By choosing a Yosemite cabin rental instead, you can have all the privacy that you do in your own home. Not only will you not have to deal with loud neighbors, you’ll have enough bedrooms and bathrooms for everyone to have some space to themselves.

A: Amenities – Overpriced hotel rooms give you a place to sleep and cleanup. But if you choose to stay in a Yosemite cabin rental, you’ll have the benefits of a full kitchen, multiple bathrooms, multiple bedrooms, a living area, a yard to yourself, and all of the appliances and electronics you need to have a comfortable and relaxing vacation experience. Why spend more on a hotel only to get less?

S: Savings – You can save hundreds of dollars over the course of a weekend by staying in a Yosemite cabin rental versus a hotel. Whether you’re traveling with a large group or just one other person, the cost of staying in a hotel can add up quickly. Without a kitchen to prepare meals then, you’ll spend hundreds of extra dollars going out to every meal. And if you look at the cost per square foot, the value of Yosemite vacation homes is unbeatable. The simple fact is you’ll get much more bang for your buck by staying in a Yosemite vacation home, and your overall vacation price tag will likely be substantially lower.

T: Time – You can also save a great deal of time by staying in a Yosemite vacation home. This is because vacation homes like those offered by Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders are within the gates of Yosemite National Park. When you stay in a Scenic Wonders cabin or house, you’ll be just minutes away from your favorite Yosemite attractions. On the other hand, if you stay in a Yosemite hotel outside of the park, you could be looking at a commute of up to two hours in and out of Yosemite every day.

So save yourself time, money, and comfort by choosing Scenic Wonders for your Yosemite accommodations. Our cabins, homes, and condominiums will be a wonderful addition to your memorable Yosemite vacation. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) today to learn more about our available vacation homes and to make your Yosemite reservations.

Yosemite Blog

Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite blog is meant to provide readers with the latest information on the park, vacation activities as well as lodging tips.

Researchers at Texas State University have studied the factors that go into creating a moonbow. These factors include clear skies, sufficient mist in the air, a dark night, and bright moonlight not blocked by mountains or clouds. Yosemite Falls creates a uniquely ideal setting for moonbows to occur thanks to the mist created by the waterfall.

The Texas State researchers have examined the predicted water flow and sky conditions at Yosemite Falls and have determined that the most likely dates for moonbows to occur are in April, May, and June. Their predictions are precise enough to give a four to five day range in which moonbows are likely to be the brightest. To learn more about which specific days are most likely to have a Yosemite moonbow in the future, visit the Texas State University page.

Those who are lucky enough to see a Yosemite moonbow do not soon forget the experience. Great shots of moonbows have been taken from the bridge near the base of Yosemite Falls as well as the parking lot at Yosemite Lodge. Park rangers can give you further advice about where you’ll be most likely to see a moonbow on your trip to Yosemite.

Yosemite Vacation Home, Cabin and Condominium Rentals

After staying up late to witness a Yosemite moonbow, give yourself the treat of a comfy cabin to come home to by making your Yosemite reservations with Scenic Wonders. We offer cabin, home, and condominium rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park, so it will only take you a few minutes to get to your Yosemite lodging after witnessing your moonbow.

Staying at Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders has a number of other great benefits as well. In fact, you can save money by staying in a Scenic Wonders cabin versus staying in a hotel. This is because you’ll have enough space to fit your whole group in one home versus multiple hotel rooms, you’ll have a kitchen in which you can prepare meals, and you’ll have more opportunities for fun right at your fingertips.

Make the smart choice on your next Yosemite vacation by making your Yosemite reservations with Scenic Wonders. Call us at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our rentals and rates and to learn more about the best time to visit in order to see a Yosemite moonbow. We look forward to your stay.

Yosemite Vacation Blog

Our Yosemite vacation blog gives you the latest news about Yosemite National Park, activities and things to do inside the park as well as the best tips on making your reservations.  We update our blog weekly, so be sure to visit again!

Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular destinations in the United States. With vast mountain peaks, ranges, rivers and meadows, the park is located in California’s Sierra Nevada. Yosemite is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year and gives visitors a chance to relax and enjoy its beauty. With the many choices of Yosemite lodging available, visitors might consider staying at a hotel. However, home rentals and cabin can offer additional benefits than cannot be found in hotel rooms.

Centrally located, Scenic Wonders provides Yosemite cabins, home and condominium accommodations in historic Yosemite. Visitors can avoid the hour commute in and out of the part because it is only minutes away from all the beautiful wonders and attractions of Yosemite.  Scenic Wonders’ website, scenicwonders.com provides visitors with listing of park activities, tour information, room rates, maps and reservation page.  Since 1988, Scenic Wonders has been providing Yosemite visitors and vacationers with memorable experiences to last a lifetime.

According to the website, home rentals offer numerous advantages from traditional Yosemite hotels. Unlike the single room and bathroom layout of hotel rooms, home rentals come in multiple room configurations, a full kitchen, multiple bathrooms, a living room and outdoor space.  Compared to hotels, vacation home rentals also offer better cost savings. It is half the cost when calculating the price per square foot.

In addition to the increase in space and cost savings, home rentals from Scenic Wonders also are perfectly located with the gates of the park. This not only saves time but is minutes away from Yosemite activities for the entire family. Park activities include Bicycling, Camping, Day Hikes, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Rafting, Rock-Climbing, Skiing cross-country, Skiing downhill, Star-gazing, Glacier Point, Mariposa Grove and Wawona Golf Course.

Families and travelers can rest assured to have an enjoyable visit at Scenic Wonders. The facilities include dish-ware, cookware, silverware, blankets, pillows, linens and towels. Condiments provided are hot chocolate, Folgers coffee and filters, sugar packets, cream packets, Lipton tea, and salt and pepper. Grill masters will be delighted to know that all properties come equipped with propane BBQ’s, and propane is provided.

Vacationers planning to visit Yosemite National Park should visit http://www.scenicwonders.com for more information about home rentals for their next trip.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Yosemite Scenic Wonders, Inc.

Ken LeBlanc

7403 Yosemite Park Way

Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

1-888-967-3648

Climbing Half Dome

The Half Dome hike is one of the most strenuous Yosemite hikes, but if you’re physically fit and up for an adventure, few experiences in life are as rewarding as the climb to the summit. The Half Dome hike is about 17 miles long and has an elevation gain of 4,800 feet. Most of the hike is a challenging walk, but the last 400 feet are a real climb. This final stretch to the summit has two cables that allow hikers to climb to the summit without rock climbing equipment. The view from this cabled section of the hike is unparalleled, and the climb itself, while exceptionally challenging, is also extremely fun.

Because so many people wish to climb Half Dome every day, Yosemite National Park has instituted a permitting system that only allows 400 climbers to hike Half Dome daily. These permits can be quite tough to get a hold of, so make sure you snap yours up as soon as possible. Half Dome permits are available on the Yosemite National Park website up to three months in advance of your chosen Yosemite hiking day.

While Half Dome is an unforgettable experience, it should not be attempted by small children or people who are not physically prepared for the demands of a challenging hike. It is recommended that people who wish to climb Half Dome do some training in advance and make sure they’re prepared for the daunting climb.

Yosemite Falls Hike

Another great Yosemite hiking opportunity is the Yosemite Falls hike. This is one of the most popular Yosemite hikes because it is challenging but less than half the length of Half Dome and offers spectacular views of Yosemite Valley. A 7.6 mile round-trip hike from the Lower Yosemite Falls trailhead, the Yosemite Falls hike has an elevation gain of about 2,600 feet and takes between 6 to 10 hours to complete.

The Yosemite Falls hike is known for being quite the workout and also for providing gorgeous views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and a number of other sites within the park. From the top of this hike you’ll be able to see the entirety of Yosemite Falls and have a chance to walk through the spray of Upper Yosemite Falls. The view you’re provided with at the top of this hike also allows you to get a photo of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome in the same frame. The best time to do this hike is during the late spring or summer when the waterfalls are gushing.

Make Your Yosemite Reservations Today

If you’re planning to go hiking in Yosemite this year, consider making your reservations with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. We offer Yosemite reservations within the gates of the park. With one of our cozy cabins, condominiums, or homes, your Yosemite accommodations will be just minutes from your favorite Yosemite hikes. Give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our rentals and to make your Yosemite reservations today.

Yosemite National Park Blog

Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite blog provides the latest news related to Yosemite National Park.  By reading our blog, you’ll stay up to date on activities, accommodations, and more.

Most incidents that occur with Yosemite National Park bears are not fatal to humans. However, a number of bears are killed each year by drivers in the park. Park officials warn drivers to obey speed limits and pay attention while driving through the park. So far this year six bears have been hit by vehicles. Last year 28 bears were hit altogether as well as a number of deer, squirrels, and other park animals.

Safety First

It’s important to drive slowly in Yosemite and be aware that wildlife could be on the road around and he turned. Pay attention and drive carefully to help protect the life of Yosemite bears and other wildlife in the park. Remember, Yosemite is home to the bears and other wildlife – you’re just a visitor in their territory.

Most incidents that occur with bears in the park happen in campgrounds. So far 19 incidents have happened on Yosemite campgrounds with bears. The park considers a “bear incident” to have occurred when a monetary loss to a person is involved. So far the total cost of property damage caused by bears this year has added up to over $9000. Most of this total stems from incidents occurring in parking lots. Be sure to keep your car locked and not to leave any food in your vehicle.

Most incidents with bears in Yosemite could be avoided by keeping food better protected in bear lockers. It’s reported that 12 of the 19 incidents from this year had to do with bears obtaining food from trash that was left out or from unsecured trash cans or dumpsters. Park rangers suggest treating your bear locker like you would your refrigerator at home. Open it to get food out and then close it again right away. The smell of food can attract bears from great distances, so it’s important to be careful with whatever food you leave out and when disposing of your trash.

Yosemite Vacation Home Rentals

Another simple way to enjoy your food without worrying about Yosemite bears is to forgo camping and instead enjoy the comforts of a cabin, condominium, or home within the gates of Yosemite national Park. Scenic Wonders offers Yosemite lodging at affordable prices that are ideal for families, groups of friends, and couples. We have a wide range of Yosemite reservations available to suit the needs of different types of groups. Make your Yosemite vacation memorable for all the right reasons by avoiding campground bear incidents by choosing Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite vacation home rentals.

If you’re hoping to stay in Yosemite over any holiday, remember that lodging books quickly so you’ll want to reserve well in advance!

Experiencing Yosemite on the 4^th

Andy Falk, a writer for the San Rafael Patch, recently shared his experience visiting Yosemite during 4th of July with his family this year. Falk didn’t know what to expect when visiting Yosemite during holidays, but he was pleasantly surprised to find that, while crowded, the park was an amazing experience over the holiday weekend as it is year-round.

Falk and his family, a group of experienced campers, had quite the adventure when hiking to Mirror Lake. The family took a bus to the Mirror Lake drop-off and then had the choice of hiking the trail or taking a paved road to Mirror Lake. Falk and family decided to take the trail, ignoring the advice of a sign at the trailhead warning that the trail was actually closed ahead as a result of a rock slide back in 2009.

Falk’s family got a mile up the trail before having their path blocked. With the knowledge that the river beside them was flowing at a safe speed, the family decided to look for a place to cross. They found a safe crossing location where the river reached only to their waists and forged ahead. Only after safely reaching the other side and meeting up with some fellow hikers did Falk and his family realize that the river they had just crossed was in fact Mirror Lake.

Hiking misadventures aside, Falk’s family enjoyed some great run-ins with nature on their trip to Yosemite during 4th of July. While driving through the park, the group spotted a mother bear and two cubs a mere 20 meters from the road. Traffic was backed up due to the sight, but most of their fellow park-goers didn’t mind. With the exception of one road rage-filled driver, everyone on the road reveled in the joy of seeing such beautiful animals in their natural environment.

Falk and his family enjoyed a number of wonderful experiences at Yosemite this summer, and it’s not too late for you to enjoy the park as well. Soon the astounding flow of water pouring down Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, and Yosemite’s numerous other waterfalls will start to dry up, but even after the falls are gone, the park will remain full of breathtaking sights and unforgettable activities.

Whether you’re an experienced camper like Falk and his family or a newbie to nature, you can enjoy a number of excellent activities at Yosemite National Park this summer or in the following seasons. Great activities currently available in the park include rock climbing, biking, hiking, photography tours, bus tours, bird watching, wildlife watching, and much more.

Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite Blog

Our Yosemite blog is updated every month to give our readers the latest information related to Yosemite National Park.  Be sure to check back as we update our blog weekly!

Before the park began issuing Half Dome permits, crowds of up to 1,200 people a day would attempt the difficult climb. Overcrowding on the cables may have contributed to four deaths since 1996 and dozens of rescues following climbers getting stuck or falling.

On the other hand, proponents of SaveHalfDome.com insist that the permit system is flawed. People who want to climb this national treasure are frequently unable to obtain permits. The Park Service makes Half Dome permits available online up to three months in advance for a small charge of $1.50. Unfortunately, scalpers frequently buy these permits in bulk and resell them at highly inflated prices. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult to climb Half Dome with an honestly gotten permit.

Many Yosemite enthusiasts are also calling for a third cable to be installed up the slope. This will help reduce the overcrowding problem and help justify the elimination of Half Dome permits. The two original cables were installed by the Sierra Club in 1919, forty-five years before Half Dome was designated a wilderness area. If the park were to install a third cable now, they would likely have to battle through hearings, legislation, and possible protests from environmental groups and even many climbers who would like to have the original cables removed.

Supporters of SaveHalfDome.com insist that the struggle would be worth it. A 2008 survey commissioned by the Park Service showed that 46% of climbers and backpackers are against the Half Dome permitting system and only 27% are for it. The same survey showed a substantial preference for having a third cable installed. All in all, it seems that climbers and lovers of Half Dome favor a system in which as many people as possible get to experience the joy of summiting the dome, regardless of overcrowding.

For now, the permit system stays in effect. If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite National Park to climb Half Dome in the upcoming months, be sure to reserve your permit as soon as possible. The park is working on implementing measures to reduce scalping and make Half Dome permits more accessible.

Plan Ahead – Book Yosemite Lodging Now!

Another thing you’ll want to reserve early is your Yosemite accommodations. At Scenic Wonders, we offer comfortable Yosemite reservations within the gates of the park. Enjoy the homey feel of a cabin, condominium, or home when you reserve with Scenic Wonders. Our Yosemite lodging tends book quickly, especially during the summer months, so give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) today at to begin planning your memorable Yosemite vacation.

Yosemite Blog

Scenic Wonders’ Yosemite blog is meant to provide our readers with insights on Park activities, accommodations, and tips and is updated each week.

Only three waterfalls at Yosemite flow year-round. Most dry up by early August, including Yosemite Falls, America’s tallest waterfall. But this summer, thanks to the massive amounts of snowfall, Yosemite’s waterfalls are pouring down massive amounts of water and are expected to continue flowing with great force for several additional weeks. Visitors to the park say it’s like nothing they’ve ever seen before. Even experienced Yosemite park rangers have been blown away by the beautiful Yosemite waterfalls.

Yosemite Falls is Flowing Greater Than Ever

Yosemite Falls itself is said to be pouring down enough water to fill a gasoline tanker truck every 2 seconds. The equally beautiful Bridalveil Falls is pouring down so much water that the mist it creates is clouding the entire meadow below. In fact, there’s so much water pouring down Yosemite waterfalls that a number of new, unnamed waterfalls have popped up all over the park. In dry seasons, some of Yosemite’s named waterfalls only flow for a few weeks, and some years they don’t flow at all. The emergence of new waterfalls is like Yosemite is experiencing this year is simply unheard of.

Yosemite’s Merced River is flowing at about 1600 cubic feet per second. That’s fast enough to pull objects down the river at more than ten miles per hour. Visitors to Yosemite are warned to be careful around the waterfalls and the river. That much water, while astoundingly beautiful, can also be very dangerous if not properly respected. Even creeks and streams that usually just trickle have strong flows that can be dangerous. The increased flow has led to the closure of a few of Yosemite’s campsites.

Don’t Miss Out, Book Your Yosemite Lodging Now

Countless people have been drawn to Yosemite this summer to witness the spectacular beauty of Yosemite waterfalls. Don’t let your family or friends miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Call Scenic Wonders today to make your Yosemite lodging reservations. At Scenic Wonders, we offer Yosemite cabins, home, and condominium rentals within the gates of the park. By booking with us you’ll be just minutes away from some of Yosemite’s most beautiful waterfalls and a plethora of other exciting park activities. Whatever you do, make your reservations soon. Summer is always popular at Yosemite, and the summer is destined to be a record. Particularly with the closing of some Yosemite campsites, Yosemite lodging options are bound to book up in no time.

With Scenic Wonders, you can be sure that your Yosemite lodging will be comfortable, convenient, and a perfect complements to your memorable Yosemite vacation. Unlike other Yosemite lodging options, we at Scenic offer a variety of accommodation options to meet our customer’s varied needs. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our properties or simply make your Yosemite reservation online.

About Our Yosemite Blog

Every month, Scenic Wonders posts the latest Yosemite news as well as articles on hot topics, like must-see sights in the park.  When you read our blog, you’ll receive the information you need to plan a trip of a lifetime!

Great for Singles, Couples, and Young Families

The studio condos that we offer at Scenic Wonders have a large, open living area with a queen-size Murphy bed and a queen-size sofa bed. Each of our Yosemite condos also comes with a full bathroom and a fully equipped kitchenette complete with stove, oven, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and toaster. You could save hundreds of dollars over the course of a weekend by preparing meals in the comfort of your Yosemite condo versus the cost of eating out. Each studio also comes with a twenty-five inch color television and a full videotape library for your entertainment.

Other great features include a river rock fireplace, a private outdoor patio, and a propane barbecue. If you’re coming to Yosemite on your own or with one other person, our Yosemite condominiums are a great choice for you. Our studios are also great for couples with young children.

Why Choose Yosemite Condos Over Hotel Rooms?

Some of the great benefits of staying in our Yosemite condominiums versus staying in a hotel include the homey atmosphere, the fully equipped kitchenette, and the additional space. At one of our Yosemite condos you won’t have to worry about overhearing noisy neighbors through paper-thin hotel room walls, nor will you have to worry about spending a fortune on meals at the hotel restaurant. Our condos provide couples and young families with a relaxing place to unwind at the end of a long day of adventure and excitement. Save money and enjoy greater comfort by choosing a Yosemite condo.

A Great Place to Stay Inside the Gates of the Park

Another wonderful benefit of making your Yosemite reservations with Scenic Wonders is that all of our condominiums, cabins, and homes are within the gates of Yosemite National Park. When you choose Scenic Wonders for your Yosemite accommodations, you put yourself just minutes away from some of your favorite park activities. As an added bonus, our Yosemite accommodations offer great privacy and beautiful views of the surrounding forests and mountains.

For larger groups we offer loft condominiums that can fit comfortably fit up to for adults and two small children. Whatever the size of your group or the duration of your stay, Scenic Wonders has great Yosemite accommodations to fit your budget and your needs. Make your trip as memorable and enjoyable as possible by choosing Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders for your next vacation. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn more about our prices and availability or to make your reservation today. Remember, at Scenic Wonders we never charge reservation fees. Call now!

Heading to Yosemite?

Our Yosemite blog is a great resource to get the latest news, activity suggestions, lodging tips, as well as ideas on sights to see while at the park.  Visit our blog now!

Scalped reservations make it harder for campers to make camping reservations that are affordable and legitimate. In an effort to put an end to reservation scalping, park officials have started checking identification of Yosemite campers upon check-in. If your ID does not match the name on your reservation, your reservation will be found invalid and you’ll be left without a place to stay at Yosemite. Craigslist is also doing their part to help reduce scalping by posting a warning on Yosemite related posts that warns their site users that re-sales of Yosemite camping reservations are illegal.

Scalpers have also been known to sell permits for Half Dome on Craigslist and similar sites. Such permits are available for free at Yosemite National Park, though only a limited number of permits can be issued for any given day.

In order to ensure that your Yosemite camping reservations are valid, purchase your campsite reservations at recreation.gov. Reservations can also be made over the phone at (877) 444-6777. Once you make a reservation for a Yosemite campsite, you will not be allowed to change the name of the reservation – another measure to help prevent scalping. It’s also a good idea to contact the park regarding climbing permits if you’re worried about availability.

Don’t Take Any Chances – Book with Scenic Wonders!

Another foolproof way to ensure that your Yosemite accommodations will be secure is by booking a cabin, condominium, or home through Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. At Scenic Wonders, we offer comfortable Yosemite accommodations within the gates of the park at affordable rates. Because our Yosemite lodging is within the gates of the park, you’ll be almost as close to your favorite activities as you would be if you stayed at a Yosemite campsite.

As an added bonus, you’ll also have the benefits of a full kitchen, private bathrooms, and enough beds to go around. Scenic Wonders’ properties are a great place to relax and enjoy quality time with your friends or family during your Yosemite vacation.

During the summer months in particular, Yosemite’s campgrounds can be crowded and noisy. Why not treat yourself to a cozy, comfortable stay at a cabin instead? You’ll be able to prepare home-cooked meals, take hot showers, and enjoy evenings in front of the fireplace while still being immersed in the beauty of the park. What could be better?

Give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to secure your Yosemite accommodations. We never charge reservation fees and we offer a wide range of Yosemite lodging options to suit different size groups and budgets.

Planning to Visit Yosemite National Park?

One of the best ways you can get up-to-date information on Yosemite as well as the park’s sights, activities, and lodging is by reading our Yosemite blog.  View latest news now!

Problems that can hinder the reopening of Tioga Road include snowstorms that can hit late in spring, the need for road repairs due to severe weather, ditching and brushing operations to get the road cleaned up, and the removal of trees that tend to fall across the road during the winter. The removal of such trees can be very difficult because snowfall often covers the trees, hiding them from worker’s vision, and resulting in damage to snow clearing equipment. Tioga Road also has twenty-six avalanche zones, all of which can be quite detrimental to road opening efforts.

Thankfully, Yosemite National Park workers have gotten past all of these issues to get Tioga Road re-opened. For the time being, a number of campsites remain closed along the road, as do the gas station, store, and village grill. Restrooms, on the other hand, are available in several locations along the road.

Tioga Road on Route to Scenic Wonders

Scenic Wonders’ cabins, homes, and condominiums are located a few miles south of Tioga Road in Yosemite West, the park’s only residential area. Each of our Yosemite lodging rentals is located within the gates of the park not far from your favorite Yosemite activities. Take a look at our property map to see exactly where each of our properties sit and how far they are from your favorite destinations.

You’ll be happy to see that our convenient location within the gates of the Park will put you just minutes away from a number of activities. Compare this to the location of most Yosemite hotels – if you choose to stay at a hotel outside of the park, you could be looking at a commute of up to two hours in and out of Yosemite each day, particularly during the busy summer months.

Another benefit of making your Yosemite reservations with Scenic Wonders is our varied types of Yosemite accommodations. We’ve got great options for couples, families, and groups of friends. Each of our lodging options offers a full kitchen, comfortable beds, hot showers, and an ideal setting to relax and enjoy quality time with friends and family at the end of a long day exploring the park.

After spending hours hiking or white water rafting, you’ll be thrilled to come home to a sizable living space with all the comforts of home. You can save hundreds of dollars over the course of a weekend by making your Yosemite reservations with us instead of reserving multiple hotel rooms outside of the park. Call today at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn more about our available properties or to get your questions answered by one of our friendly staff members.

Want to Learn More About Yosemite Before Your Vacation?

Planning your vacation to the park is easy when you follow our Yosemite blog.  Scenic Wonders is committed to providing our readers with Yosemite news, suggestions on park activities and sites, as well as great lodging tips that will ensure your trip is memorable.  Read our blog now!

Starting Your Visit in Yosemite Valley

If you don’t know where to start on your visit to Yosemite Valley, a great place to get your bearings is the Valley Visitor Center. This ranger staffed information desk, bookstore, and exhibit hall offers a great deal of information about the wildlife, plant life, history, and opportunities for adventure within Yosemite Valley. Yosemite Valley is also home to the Yosemite Museum, a gallery featuring American Indian cultural exhibits as well as exhibitions on Yosemite’s history and art that change periodically throughout the year.

Great Yosemite Valley Activities

Yosemite Valley is also a great central location for a number of spring and summer activities. Within the vast reaches of the valley you’ll find countless miles of hiking trails, bike paths, and horseback riding paths. You’ll be able to venture from the meadows to the forest, from waterfalls to rivers. You can take a photography tour, go on a guided walk, try your best at bird watching, enjoy some fishing in one of several designated fishing areas, take a relaxing swim during the summer, go ice-skating during the winter, or simply gaze at the stars all year long.

This area also happens to be the starting point for some of the best rock climbing in the country. From Yosemite Valley you can make your way up Half Dome, El Capitan, or a number of other excellent climbs. Bouldering is another great option for climbers who only have a few hours to dedicate to climbing. Permits are required for a number of rock climbing routes in Yosemite, and these can easily be obtained from rangers at the park or online through the Yosemite National Park website.

Affordable Accommodations near Yosemite Valley

Whether you choose to visit Yosemite Valley for a rock climbing adventure or a relaxing artistic weekend, one of the best ways to enjoy your trip to Yosemite is with a cabin, home, or condominium rental from Scenic Wonders.

At Scenic Wonders, we offer comfortable Yosemite accommodations within the gates of the park. The relaxing cabins and homes that we have to offer are just minutes from your favorite Yosemite Valley sights and activities. With lodging from Scenic Wonders, you’ll be able to enjoy a full day of fun and excitement and then head home to a relaxing Yosemite cabin in a matter of minutes.

To make your Yosemite reservations with Scenic Wonders, simply give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648). Our friendly team is standing by to answer your questions and to help you enjoy the best Yosemite vacation possible.

1. Easy Access to the Park

When you rent a cabin in Yosemite that lies within the gates of the park, like the cabins offered by Scenic Wonders, you’ll put yourself just minutes from your favorite activities and sights. Instead of taking an hour or two to drive into and out of the park every morning and evening you can take just 20 minutes getting to your first hike of the day or home from your last bird watching tour in the evening. Whatever you’re doing in the park you’ll save yourself time and stress by staying in a summer cabin within the gates of Yosemite National Park.

2. Enough Beds to Go Around

When you choose to rent cabins in Yosemite, you give yourself enough beds to go around as well as enough showers and toilets. Renting a large cabin in Yosemite will save you tons of money over renting multiple hotel rooms outside of the park. You can bring your whole family or a large group of friends and still have plenty of space for everyone to sleep and enough hot running water to go around with the right summer cabin rental.

3. The Option of Cooking For Yourself

Another great way that you save money by choosing a Yosemite cabin rental is in the kitchen. Yosemite cabins offered by Scenic Wonders come equipped with full kitchens and all the cookware you’ll need to prepare meals in the home. By packing lunches and serving your own dinners, you can save hundreds of dollars over the course of a weekend and over $1,000 during the course of a week.

4. All the Comforts of Home

Plus, when you stay in cabins in Yosemite, you’ll get more than a bed and a kitchen – you’ll get all the comforts of home. Yosemite cabins allow you to spread out and unwind just like you would in your own house. Curl up with a book on the couch, relax with a cup of coffee on the porch, or even enjoy an evening in the Jacuzzi at some of our Yosemite cabin rental locations.

On top of all that, by staying in a Yosemite cabin you get to fully enjoy Yosemite National Park because you never have to leave it!

At Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders, all of our cabin rentals are within the gates of Yosemite National Park. That means that you’ll be surrounded by the beauty and ambience of the park 24 hours a day. Enjoy the best that Yosemite has to offer, and enjoy it to the fullest by reserving a cabin with Scenic Wonders.

To learn about our available cabin rentals or to make your reservation today, call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648). Our friendly staff is standing by to answer all of your questions and to help you plan a memorable Yosemite vacation for yourself and your family.

If you’re willing to go a little bit off the beaten track, you’ll find yourself at Chilnualna Falls in the Wawona area. Chilnualna Falls may not be quite as tall as Yosemite Falls, but the lack of crowds at this waterfall make it a much more peaceful and relaxing sight.

Getting to Chilnualna Falls

To get to the less well-known Chilnualna Falls, go to the end of the Chilnualna Falls Road and start hiking down the trailhead that begins there. After only about 200 yards you will come across the Chilnualna Creek which has several beautiful cascades of its own all along the four mile hike. The beautiful hike up to Chilnualna Falls will also provide you with a great view of Wawona Dome as well as the unparalleled natural beauty of the forest.

There is a good deal of elevation along the hike to Chilnualna Falls, and a good portion of the hike will leave you exposed to the hot sun. Be sure when taking this hike to pack plenty of water or to bring supplies to treat creek water along the way.

After climbing about 2400 feet along the four mile trail you’ll finally come to Chilnualna Falls, a beautiful 60-foot cascade. Not far from the trail you also find an area of the creek that is perfect for relaxing and swimming, though it is only advice to swim in this area during the summer months when the creek’s current is gentle.

Other Yosemite Waterfalls

Other waterfalls to visit outside of the more famous falls in Yosemite Valley include Waterwheel Falls and Tueeulala Fall. Waterwheel Falls sits on a rigid incline that causes the falling water to loop back on itself, creating the so-called waterwheel effect. This waterfall is best seen during the spring months and is located downriver from Tuolumne Meadows. Tueeulala fall is located in Hetch Hetchy and is accessible via the Evergreen Road off of Highway 120. Wapama Falls is also located in this area and maintains a significant flow all year long, a feat few other Yosemite waterfalls can boast.

Whichever waterfalls you choose to visit during your spring or summer trip to Yosemite National Park, be sure to make your Yosemite reservations with Scenic Wonders. Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders offers cabin, home, and condominium rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park. Our great location will put you just minutes from your favorite waterfalls and other Yosemite sights and activities.

After a long day of fun in the sun, come home to a relaxing cabin or home by reserving your Yosemite accommodations through Scenic Wonders. Call our office today 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to speak with our friendly staff about making your Yosemite reservation.

There are many vacation rental and social websites, print media, blogs, etc. all over the world that have listed our properties.  We do our very best to keep the calendar on our website updated daily.  We strongly advise that you do not wait until the last minute to make your Yosemite reservations.  Please try to make your reservations at least six to eight months in advance to assure availability during our peak seasons or consider visiting us during our off season period (November, January and March).

If you’re ready to book your lodging, you can reserve online or give us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648).

Yosemite Hotels May Be Far From the Park

Many people simply choose to stay at a hotel while visiting Yosemite. This is a perfectly acceptable choice, and a popular one. However, smart travelers should take the time to think about where exactly their hotel is and what value they’ll be getting from it.

Most hotel accommodations near Yosemite lie outside of the park. If you choose to visit Yosemite during the summer and stay in one of these hotels, you could be looking at up to a two hour commute into and out of the park every day thanks to the hefty crowds. And more likely than not, your overbooked hotel will feel just as crowded as the roads into and out of Yosemite.

You can save yourself a great deal of time, stress, and money by choosing accommodations inside of Yosemite instead of accommodations near Yosemite!

Yosemite Accommodations within the Gates of the Park

Scenic Wonders offers cabin, home, and condominium rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park. With one of our Yosemite cabins, you can sleep your entire family or group of friends comfortably and enjoy a commute of just 10 to 20 minutes to and from some of your favorite Yosemite activities. And because our cabins and condos are within the gates of the park, you’ll never have to leave the natural beauty and ambience that Yosemite has to offer. Few hotels can boast the same!

Another great perk of staying in a Yosemite cabin within the gates of the park is the complete lack of crowds. Many of our cabins are completely secluded with no other cabins or homes insight – just the beauty of the forest. You’ll get to enjoy all the comforts of home in your own private cabin without having to deal with noisy neighbors upstairs or a room by the elevator. It will just be you, your family or friends, and the great outdoors.

It’s true – there are a number of great accommodations near Yosemite that could suit your family just fine. But why settle for near when you can be in?

Call Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders today at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to speak to our friendly staff about our available Yosemite home rentals and cabins. At Scenic Wonders, we never charge reservation fees and we are proud to offer affordable prices year-round. Call now to learn more about our cabins and to begin planning your most memorable Yosemite family vacation yet!

Places to Picnic in Yosemite

There are multiple Yosemite picnicking areas throughout the park. You can find places to picnic in Mariposa Grove, Wawona, Yosemite Creek, Tenaya Lake, Lembert Dome, and in Yosemite Valley. Picnic areas throughout the Valley include Cathedral Beach, Sentinel Beach, Lower Yosemite Fall, and Church Bowl. These picnic areas have the advantage of being close to the Yosemite Village visitor center and the restaurants of Curry Village where you can pick up food to take to one of the Yosemite picnicking sites.

Staying Safe While Picnicking

Yosemite picnicking areas tend to be frequented by wildlife. The critters of Yosemite are drawn to the scent of our food. But it’s important to keep your distance from animals in the park and extremely important to never, ever feed them. Human food can be harmful to animals, no matter how much they may seem to want it!

The scent of our food can also attract larger animals like bears and mountain lions. In order to keep Yosemite’s picnic areas as safe as possible, it’s important to never feed these larger animals and to clean up your picnic area thoroughly once you’re finished. Properly disposing of your food will help ensure that bears and other larger animals keep their distance from Yosemite picnicking areas.

What to Pack for your Picnic

When you choose to stay in a cabin, condo, or home provided by Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders, you’ll have access to your own full kitchen. Take advantage of your kitchen by preparing whatever you would like for your picnic. If you’re picnicking with your family, consider packing sandwiches, chips, and brownies. If you’re planning a picnic with a loved one, perhaps you’d enjoy a fresh salad and some chocolate-dipped strawberries. The possibilities are endless when you have your own kitchen in which to prepare your Yosemite picnic.

You’ll also want to pack games and activities to enjoy during and after your meal. Consider bringing a volleyball or a baseball and some gloves. Or you can bring along your hiking boots to enjoy a trek through the forest before or after your picnic.

Wherever you choose to go and whatever you choose to do for your picnic, make sure you have great Yosemite lodgings to come home to at the end of the day. With Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders you can stay in your very own cabin, condominium, or home within the gates of Yosemite National Park. Wherever you stay with Scenic Wonders you’ll have your own kitchen, plenty of space, and comfortable accommodations.

Call now at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to make your Yosemite reservations. Our friendly staff is standing by to answer your questions and help you choose the perfect Yosemite accommodations for your vacation.

Group Activities for Adventurers

Yosemite group activities for people who like to break a sweat and have fun doing it include rock climbing, cycling, and rafting. Yosemite is world-famous for its rock climbing, and guided adventures are available for groups. There are also rock climbing team-building adventures available for company retreats. If cycling is more your thing, Yosemite has countless trails for novice and experienced bikers alike. Your group might also enjoy white water rafting if you’re planning on taking your group to Yosemite in the summer.

Group Activities for Sight-Seers

For those groups that prefer a slightly more relaxed time, Yosemite group activities include hikes, walks, and tours. Take your group on a guided photography tour or a bird-watching excursion. You can also choose one of dozens of hikes throughout the park on which to see the beauty of Yosemite with your group. If hiking isn’t to your taste, you can also choose to take a guided tram or bus tour through the park. Bus and tram tours include nighttime stargazing tours, historic tours of the Yosemite, and nature tours.

Group Activities in Winter

Winter is a great time to take your group to Yosemite. Yosemite National Park gets the least number of visitors in the winter, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of the park with minimal crowds. Winter is also the only time that Yosemite’s ski area is open. You can take your group up to the Badger Pass ski area to enjoy a day of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, or even ice-skating. Consider taking a guided cross-country skiing tour from Badger Pass to Glacier Point. Cross-country skiing is one of the only ways to get to Glacier Point during the winter. From Glacier Point you’ll have a breathtaking view of Yosemite Valley.

Whatever you choose to do with your group in Yosemite, consider making your Yosemite lodging reservations with Scenic Wonders. When you reserve a condominium, cabin, or home with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders you’ll have all the space you need for yourself and your group.

Enjoy the benefit of a full kitchen, a living room, and enough beds to go around. We have cabins that are big enough to comfortably fit groups of four, six, or even eight people. Plus with our cabins, your Yosemite lodging will be within the gates of the park. That can save you up to two hours of drive time every day, especially if you’re planning your trip for the summer. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to speak with our friendly staff about our available Yosemite lodging for your group. We look forward to your stay!

I was visiting family in CT and my nephew and his wife were celebrating their one-year anniversary and had gathered the family and both sets of grandparents together to share the day.  While eating brunch in New York City after they renewed their vows in Central Park, they shared with us their first year together.  They talked about how much they had grown together, how they learned to support each other, what they learned about themselves and shared some of the high points and low points of that first year.

He said the highlight of the year was climbing Yosemite Falls together on their honeymoon.  While they have hiked in the past, they found the trail to be challenging and rigorous.  They were amazed at the beauty that they encountered along the way that included beautiful greenery, various species of animals and two beautiful rainbows.

At the top, they sat for hours and enjoyed the beautiful vistas and reflected on their new lives together.  While most everyone at the table had not “climbed the falls”, I think each of us left that day with the desire to climb Yosemite one day and experience what they had shared.

For those of us who had “done” the climb, it was wonderful to experience it again vicariously through their eyes years later.  It is something that everyone should try and do once in their life!!!!

- Stephanie (Guest Blogger)

1. Affordability

With Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders you can have a cabin, home, or condo rental that’s big enough to fit your entire family or group of friends. We have rentals that are ideally sized for groups of anywhere from two to eight people. Try fitting your group of eight friends into one or two hotel rooms! You’ll save tons of money by just renting one comfortable cabin from Scenic Wonders instead.

2. Location, Location, Location

All of our Yosemite cabins, condos, and homes are located within the gates of Yosemite National Park. That means that when you reserve your Yosemite lodging with us, you’ll be just minutes away from your favorite activities within the park including rock climbing, hiking, wildlife-watching, cycling, and more. If you choose to visit Yosemite in the summer, you could be looking at up to two hours of travel time in and out of the park every day if you decide to stay in a hotel outside of the park gates. Save yourself time and energy by picking Scenic Wonders.

3. Convenience

Unlike a hotel room or a campsite, all of the property rentals at Scenic Wonders have full kitchens and private bathrooms. Enjoy the comfort of a hot shower and a home-cooked meal during your stay at Yosemite by choosing us. With some of our rentals you can also have the added benefit of a big-screen TV with a full DVD collection or even a Jacuzzi on your porch.

4. Great Selection of Properties

Whether you prefer the comfort of a rustic cabin or a modern condo, we have a property rental to suit your needs. Our properties are all cozy and accommodating, and you can choose the particular property you would like to stay in when you reserve with us. Many people who use us choose to come back to the exact same property year after year to enjoy memorable family vacations. Create your own Yosemite tradition by picking the perfect rental property for your family with Scenic Wonders.

5. No Reservation Fees

We are also proud to never charge reservation fees. Why should you have to pay a fee just for making a reservation? With Scenic Wonders, we strive to make your Yosemite lodging as affordable as possible. With us, what you see is what you get. That’s why so many of our customers come back to us year after year.

Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) today to talk to one of our friendly staff members about your Yosemite vacation. We can help you choose the perfect property for your trip to Yosemite and answer any of your questions about the park and your lodgings. Call now to ensure that your Yosemite vacation is as memorable as possible.

Climbing El Capitan

El Cap, as it is commonly known among climbers, is a rock climbing challenge loved the world over. El Capitan has dozens of marked climbing routes covering its face. Each of these routes is quite difficult and should only be attempted by experienced rock climbers.

The most popular route up El Capitan is known as “the Nose” and was first climbed by Warren Harding, Wayne Merry, and George Whitmore in 1958. Due to their use of siege tactics—an expedition style of climbing using fixed ropes that connect different camps along the way—the climbers took 47 days to reach the top of El Capitan. It wasn’t until 1975 that any climber was able to complete the Nose in just one day. Today, the fastest speed climbers are able to reach the top in under three hours.

Only about 60% of people who attempts to climb the Nose succeed. Depending upon the climber’s physical fitness and experience, most trips up the nose take 4 to 5 days of full-time climbing to complete.

During the 1960s and 70s climbers expanded the routes up El Capitan and found a number of different ways up its steep cliff face that are still used today. Over 70 different climbing routes are available on El Capitan and new routes and changes to existing routes are added all the time. For those adventurers who aren’t quite prepared for the difficult climb up El Capitan, there is also a hiking route to the top.

In the past, BASE jumping was attempted off of El Capitan. The first BASE jumpers to jump off of El Capitan did so in 1966 and both men sustained broken bones as a result of the jump. Since then several successful jumps have been made from El Capitan, but the National Park Service no longer issues permits for BASE jumping due to the high risks involved.

A much safer way to appreciate El Capitan is through photography. Every year photographers flock to Yosemite to take stunning photographs of this magnificent stone precipice. No matter what time of year you visit Yosemite, El Capitan will prove one of the most beautiful and impressive sites you’ll see in the park.

If you’re planning a rock climbing adventure in Yosemite or simply would like to see the majesty of El Capitan firsthand, be sure to reserve your Yosemite accommodations with Scenic Wonders. We offer cabin, condominium, and home rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park that will put you just minutes from your favorite destinations. At Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders, we never charge a reservation fee and we do everything we can to ensure that our prices stay affordable. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our available rentals or to reserve your Yosemite accommodations today.

More Space

In Yosemite hotels, you’ll have a bed, a TV, a bathroom, and if you’re lucky, a mini fridge. That’s about it. If you choose to rent a home through Scenic Wonders, you can have multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, multiple bathrooms, a living room, and outdoor space. You can have all of the amenities of your own home while on vacation by choosing to rent a cabin or condo from Scenic Wonders. More likely than not, if you choose to rent a hotel room for yourself and your family you’ll need more than one. When you compare the costs side-by-side of Yosemite hotels and vacation rentals, the vacation home is almost always more affordable.

More Fun

Staying in a vacation home is much more fun. Scenic Wonders’ vacation properties are all located within the gates of Yosemite National Park. That means that when you stay with us you’ll be just minutes from your favorite Yosemite activities. Few Yosemite hotels can boast the same. You’ll also have the space you need for family games, home-cooked meals, and other evening activities when you choose to rent a home. A hotel room is simply a place to sleep at night. A vacation home, on the other hand, helps you get the most fun out of your vacation by continuing the activities you enjoy into the evening.

More Convenience

Because our vacation rentals are located within the gates of the park, you’ll have a much easier time getting to your planned activities within Yosemite. People who stay in hotels outside the park often face between one hour and two hours of traffic into and out of Yosemite every day. You can cut all of that out (and the gas costs that go along with that much driving) by staying in a Yosemite vacation home rental from Scenic Wonders.

More Affordability

On average, a vacation home rental is half as expensive as a hotel room per square foot. Plus, Yosemite vacation homes from Scenic Wonders give you the option of preparing meals in your own home. This can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a week compared to going out for every meal during your vacation. And you won’t just save money by choosing a Yosemite vacation home– you’ll save time and energy, too.

Give us a call today at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to talk to our friendly staff about our available Yosemite cabins, condominiums, and homes. We have a number of great properties for you to choose from and we never charge reservation fees. Call now to learn more!

Avoid the Crowds of Summer

The vast majority of tourists come to the park in the summer when temperatures are their highest and the most Yosemite activities are available. But in spring, you can enjoy almost as many activities as are available in summer and not have to deal with the crowds. Spring in Yosemite is accompanied by the occasional rain, but for the most part temperatures are pleasant and the atmosphere is serene. Yosemite activities you can enjoy during the spring include rock climbing, hiking, fishing, and cycling, and all without being elbow to elbow with other visitors. Spring is truly the ideal time to visit.

See Yosemite’s Waterfalls at their Best

As the snows of winter melt, spring in Yosemite brings waterfalls that flow at their peak levels. Yosemite has a number of beautiful waterfalls to enjoy including Lower Yosemite Fall. Here, if you time your visit just right, you may be able to spot a lunar rainbow – a phenomenon that occurs at this waterfall when there is a full moon out. During the day you can also enjoy rushing waterfalls throughout the Valley and the beautiful hikes to and from them.

Enjoy Spring Blossoms All Around

Spring in Yosemite is also accompanied by wildflowers blooming throughout Yosemite Valley and across the park. The colors you’ll experience cross the spectrum and make hikes, walks, and bike trips through the Valley a particularly splendid experience. Some of the blooms you’ll come across in Yosemite Valley include California poppies, meadowfoam, baby blue-eyes, Lupine, Pacific Dogwood, and snowplant.

Take Your Best Yosemite Photos

Flowing waterfalls and blooming flowers are accompanied by young life roaming about the park in spring. These idyllic circumstances create great opportunities for photographers to snap their best pictures in Yosemite. Many photographers flock to Yosemite every spring to capture the beauty that surrounds them. Even if photography isn’t your strong suit, you can get great pictures by taking a photography class or tour through the Ansel Adams Gallery.

Spring into Yosemite!

With so many great reasons to visit Yosemite in spring, you should start planning your trip today. Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders offers great Yosemite cabins within the gates of the park. Call today at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to ask about our available Yosemite reservations.

Don’t Just Make Reservations, Make Memories

You may feel like your Yosemite lodging is an unimportant aspect of your trip – the real meat of your adventure will be your time spent in the park. While this is true, you can add to the memorable times and family fun that you’ll experience in Yosemite with a vacation home rental within the gates of the park. By renting a condominium or home from Scenic Wonders, you’ll get the benefit of a full house to enjoy with your loved one or your family, no noisy neighbors on the other side of the wall, and a great deal more space than you could ever expect from Yosemite hotels.

Families and groups of friends come back to Scenic Wonders year after year, often to the same vacation property, to build on the wonderful experiences that they’ve had in years past. Unlike a hotel room, in our Yosemite lodging you can enjoy all the comforts of home including a full kitchen, enough beds to go around, and in some properties a fireplace or even a Jacuzzi. For about the same amount of money you would spend on a hotel room, you can enjoy a much greater value with a rental cabin or home.

Added Perks of Staying in a Yosemite Cabin

The vacation homes offered by Scenic Wonders have the added value of being located within the gates of Yosemite National Park. If you stay at a hotel outside of the gates, you could be faced with up to a two hour commute into and out of Yosemite every day. That’s time that could be spent in front of the fire with your spouse or on a picturesque hike with your friends.

By staying in one of our cabins you also get the benefit of feeling like you’re in a home away from home – that sure beats staying in a stuffy, generic hotel room. Play board games, have family meals, enjoy a good movie on the TV – you can make your Yosemite nights as enjoyable as your Yosemite days by foregoing the old hotel room for a charming house within the gates of Yosemite.

Have a One-of-a-Kind Vacation with Scenic Wonders

Give us a call today at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to make your reservations. By doing so you’ll help ensure a memorable Yosemite vacation for yourself and your friends or family.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

The best way to ensure a successful Yosemite backpacking trip is to plan ahead. Take the time to research the trails at Yosemite and pick a trail that suits your physical abilities and includes sights you would like to see. It’s also important to prepare for the time of year in which you would like to go backpacking. Some trails are open year-round but you’ll have access to the most trails during the summer. Backpacking in winter can be a breathtaking experience, but you’ll need to prepare more thoroughly for the cold and snow.

Permits are another matter to consider when planning your trip. Any overnight Yosemite backpacking experience requires a wilderness permit. These permits can be attained here. Depending upon the season in which you would like to plan your trip and the trail you would like to hike, you’ll want to reserve your wilderness permit at least a few months in advance in order to ensure availability. Particularly in the summer months wilderness permits are highly sought after and can be hard to get a hold of without proper foresight. If you’d like to plan a last-minute trip, however, there are first-come first-served permits available at the park.

An Experience Unlike Any Other

Backpacking in Yosemite is an amazing way to see the park at its best and most natural. On the trails you can enjoy such Yosemite activities as bird watching, wildlife watching, photography, rock climbing, and more. You’ll feel closer to nature than many people get to feel in their whole lives, and hopefully you’ll come back with wonderful stories to share with your friends and family.

Reserve a Great Cabin for the Rest of Your Trip

If backpacking will only be a part of your Yosemite vacation, contact Scenic Wonders to reserve Yosemite accommodations for the rest of your stay in the park. A cabin, home, or condominium from Scenic Wonders can provide you with a home away from home during your Yosemite vacation, helping to ensure a memorable experience. Get a good night’s rest in a comfy bed and prepare hearty meals before or after your backpacking excursion in your own kitchen when you stay with us. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) today to learn about our available Yosemite properties or to reserve your cabin now.

Ansel Adams’ Early Years

Ansel Adams first came to Yosemite in 1916 when he was fourteen years old. He was armed with his Box Brownie camera, given to him by his parents, and with it he took a photo journal of his trip. Ansel returned to Yosemite a few years later to work as the curator of LeConte Memorial Lodge and lead hikes throughout Yosemite Valley. His love for the park continued to grow, as did his prowess as a photographer.

For many years, Ansel’s passion was the piano. He had aspirations of becoming a concert pianist and practiced his skills in Best’s Studio, the same building that is now The Ansel Adams Gallery. But then Ansel took his famous shot of Monolith, the face of Half Dome, and with the snap of his camera, something changed inside Ansel. He soon after decided to dedicate his life to photography. In the years to come, Ansel married Mr. Best’s daughter, Virginia and took over the studio as his own workspace.

A Photography Legend

For decades Ansel Adams’ photographs of the park have been revered by the art community and served Yosemite as symbols of the dire need for conservation and preservation. Ansel worked and lived in Yosemite for about forty years with his wife and children, ever dedicated to capturing the beauty of the park and sharing that beauty with the world. From 1933 until 1971, Ansel served as the chairman of the Sierra Club’s Board of Directors, an organization devoted to the conservation of Yosemite and the Sierra Nevadas.

Ansel Adams’ Lasting Impression

When Ansel passed away in 1984, he left behind an astounding portfolio of images as well as countless contributions to the preservation of Yosemite. Today his photographs can be found in museums all over the country but most notably in the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park. The gallery is open to the public and offers children’s activities and photography tours for seasoned professionals and photography amateurs alike.

On your next trip to Yosemite, be sure to include a visit to the Ansel Adams Gallery to experience Ansel’s legacy firsthand. Also, make sure to book your Yosemite reservations through Scenic Wonders. We offer cabin, home, and condominium rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park. With our cozy properties, you’ll enjoy a memorable vacation with all the perks of home right at your fingertips. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our available vacation rentals or to reserve your lodging today!

Steady Increase

Yosemite National Park recorded over 4 million visitors in 2010, which is the highest number of visitors in the past 14 years!  And that wasn’t a fluke.  The 4 million mark is just an exclamation point on a trend of steadily increasing numbers over the past four years.  An interesting asterisk to these visitation numbers is that an estimated 23% of the visitors to Mariposa County were international—which is a 19% increase from 2009.  People from around the world know that the park is natural wonder to be hold as well as a great deal, given the current economy.

A Consolidated Area Effort

The constant increase in park visitation is the result of cooperation between multiple generous groups, such as the Yosemite/Mariposa county Tourism Bureau, the National Park Service, DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc, and the regional Tourism Bureau marketing partners including Tuolumne County Tourism Bureau, Mono County Tourism, and the Yosemite Sierra Oakhurst Tourism Bureau.  That’s a mouth-full of bureaus, but what’s important is that a lot of people recognize how important the park is to American and international travelers.

The Historic Numbers

Still not quite convinced of how important it is to book your Yosemite lodging early?  Perhaps a little history will show give you a nudge.  In 2010, Yosemite received 4,047,880 visitors, which is up from 3,866,970 visitors in 2009 and that is up from the 3,561,656 visitors in 2008.  The highest recorded level of visitation was in 1996 when 4,190,557 people visited the park.  Looking at the trends, though, it’s not unlikely that the visitor record will be broken soon.  The park first broke the one million mark in 1954, the two million mark in 1967 and the three million milestone in 1987.

A Year Round Destination

Some vacation spots allow you to avoid the rush of visitors by visiting during certain times of the year.  This isn’t the case for Yosemite National Park.  The numbers show that people are visiting the park year round.  Once you’ve stopped by during the spring, fall or winter, you’ll see that the park is spectacular during every season.  There are activities for all ages and interests during the entire year, so when planning your trip you’ll never have to feel limited by the calendar or your personal schedule.  So book your trip early!

If you’re thinking that Yosemite National Park is the destination for you and are looking for lodging, call Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) and book your memorable vacation today!

Beginner Climbs:

1)      Munginella – Five Open Books.  This is a great beginner climb and it’s conveniently located near our Yosemite accommodations.  The climbing is in the vicinity of Yosemite falls and allows for great views of Half Dome and the Valley.

2)      After Six – Maure Pile Buttress.  This is a challenging 6 pitch beginner climb of medium length.  If you enjoy a challenge, this route has been described as the world’s most difficult 5.6.  Some great Yosemite views during this climb include Sentinel, Cathedral rocks, and Half Dome.

3)      Royal Arches – Royal Arches.  This is one of two climbs that are a must for a Yosemite climber—which also means you should get there early to avoid the crowd.  The climb offers 15 pitches of 5.7 or easier climbing and climbers can enjoy views of Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and Glacier Point.

4)      Snake Dike – Half Dome.  The second “must climb” in the park, this is certainly more challenging, but the climb winds its way up Yosemite’s most renowned feature: Half Dome.  If you can keep a calm mind, the ascent provides some of the best views the park has to offer.

Advanced Climbs:

1)      Higher Spire – This climb boasts the tallest spire in North America, which is one of the many reasons this is a classic climb in Yosemite.  The location is also relatively close to our Yosemite accommodations.  After maneuvering from one tree belay to the next, a climber is rewarded with a commanding view of El Capitan and Yosemite Valley.

2)      Central Pillar – Considered by most to be one of the best climbs on Middle Cathedral, this location throws a number of challenges at climbers while also offering scenic views that are sure to make you slow your climb and enjoy the moment.  While climbing and once at the top, Eli Capitan and the Merced River are points of interest.

3)      The Nose – El Capitan.  Think you’re a good climber?  Climb The Nose and prove you’re a Yosemite rock climbing star.  And if you really want to show off, try and beat the speed record of 2:36:45 (average climb time is 4-5 DAYS!).

If you’re interested in lodging within the gates of Yosemite National Park, call Scenic Wonders at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to book your Yosemite accommodations.  Begin planning your memorable vacation today!  We offer home, condominium and cabin rentals at reasonable prices.

From Curry village recreation Center (2 miles round trip)

1)      Mirror Lake – Your first destination can actually make for a pretty eventful day if you plan accordingly.  Take the path past the Mercer River and toward Tenaya Creek.  From there, you can park your bike (the trail is a little too steep to ride) and head toward the lake where you can go for a swim, munch on a picnic lunch and just plain relax in the glow of the scenery.  Not too bad for only one destination.

2)      Mercer River – Although you’ll encounter the river multiple times during your Yosemite vacation, you’ll find that each bridge that guides you over the water makes for a great picture and a unique angle on a beautiful body of water.

3)      Stable – On your way back, be sure to stop at the Yosemite Stable where you’ll have a chance to visit the horses and mules that guide the many visitors through the park.

From Yosemite Lodge at the Falls (5 miles round trip)

1)      Yosemite Valley – One of the main reasons to try Yosemite biking is that a bike is the best way to tour the valley.  The area is quite large, so a bike can get you around the area relatively quickly and at your own pace.

2)      Sentinel Bridge – The park’s newest bridge, Sentinel Bridge provides a Yosemite vacation staple: a personal postcard shot of Half Dome.  The view is spectacular and I doubt you’ll accidentally pass it by along your ride.

3)      Chapel – Nestled in the valley, Yosemite National Park’s oldest structure is home to countless weddings each year as well as providing Sunday service for guests that wish to participate.

Looking to plan a Yosemite vacation?  Scenic Wonders offers home, condominium, and cabin rentals year round at competitive prices.  If you’re interested in Yosemite lodging, please call us at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648).

Merced River—Inside Park

The Merced River is the most well known river in Yosemite, but it is also a prime flying fishing spot that is a convenient distance from our Yosemite lodging.  Located in the Yosemite Valley, this location is one of the most picturesque places on earth and has a multiple types of fish to try and wrangle.  The river meanders alongside Highway 140, so picking out a favorable spot isn’t difficult.  And if luck isn’t on your side in your secret spot, then you can pack up your car, drive a ways down the road and find new spot that offers a completely different view and fishing experience.  Keep in mind, the only restriction for keeping fish is for the wild rainbow trout on the Merced River in the Valley proper.  This stretch is catch-and-release only.

Lyell Fork

The Lyell fork combines with the Dana Fork to form the Tuolumne River within Yosemite National Park.  This is a unique fly fishing location as most of the fork is not accessible by car and, instead, visitors must us the PCT (John Muir Trail), which runs the river’s entire length.  A fun day can be made of hiking the trail to the fork, snatching up some trout for dinner and then taking in the forest afterword.

South Fork

The South Fork splits off from the Mercer and is the first river encountered when entering the park through the southern entrance.  Much like the Mercer, the South fork is another fly fishing spot located near the Scenic Wonders Yosemite lodging and can be accessed by both car and trail—depending on what you’re in the mood for.  The South fork is also an ideal location for beginner fly fishing when accessed in the early summer.

Tuolumne River

And what Yosemite fly fishing trip would be complete without stopping by the Tuolumne River?  The Tuolumne stretches through the Tuolumne Meadow and provide for some fun dry fly fishing.  The scenery is much different than the other locations mentioned, with the river hidden amongst the meadow’s tall grass.  The fish are also outstanding with Brown Trout topping out around 14 inches!

If you’re looking to vacation in Yosemite National Park, call Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) and start planning your next memorable vacation.  Scenic Wonders offers home, condominium and cabin rentals inside the gates of Yosemite!

Yosemite in Winter

Winter is a great time to visit Yosemite National Park for a number of reasons. Yosemite lodging is least expensive during the winter because there are the smallest crowds. People think that the snowfall in Yosemite means less to do, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Winter activities in Yosemite include great skiing and snowboarding at the Badger Pass Ski Area, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing throughout the park, highly regarded annual festivities like Chef’s Holidays, and a completely different view of Yosemite National Park. With snow on the ground and no leaves on the trees, winter is one of the best times for wildlife watching. A white backdrop is ideal for spotting bears, wolves, deer, and other fascinating wildlife.

Yosemite in Spring

Springtime is an excellent season for enjoying Yosemite’s numerous waterfalls. As the snow melts, you’ll get to see Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil, Vernal, and Nevada Falls at their peak. Spring also has the advantage of lesser crowds than the summer while providing most of the same opportunities for outdoor activities. You may have to deal with the occasional rainfall during the spring, but you will also get to experience less expensive accommodations, the beauty of the park coming into full bloom, and the excitement of new life all around. By the end of spring Yosemite really starts to fill up, so make your reservations early to guarantee the best Yosemite experience possible.

Yosemite in Summer

Summer boasts the biggest crowds at Yosemite, and with good reason. During the summer you’ll experience the warmest temperatures, the most activities, and the Park at its most beautiful. During the summer months people flock to Yosemite to enjoy such activities as white water rafting, cycling, rock climbing, hiking, camping, wildlife watching, and much more. Many of these activities require permits or are best enjoyed via guided tours, so make sure to plan all of your Yosemite reservations ahead of time. Most importantly when planning a Yosemite vacation in the summer, book your Yosemite lodgings as early as possible.

Yosemite in Fall

Fall is a favorite season for many Yosemite travelers because of the vibrant colors you’ll see throughout the park. Many of Yosemite’s trees are evergreens, but a large portion are deciduous trees with leaves that turn every shade of red, gold, yellow, purple, and more. Most summer activities are still available in the fall and you’ll be able to enjoy them with smaller crowds. Plus, temperatures in Yosemite during the fall are usually quite warm and pleasant.

No matter what season you’re planning your vacation, make your Yosemite reservations early by contacting scenic wonders today. We offer cabin, home, and condo rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park at affordable rates. Our Yosemite cabin rentals are the perfect choice for any season in Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite Downhill Skiing for Beginners

Badger Pass is an excellent choice for anyone’s first ski trip. The Yosemite skiing destination offers lessons catered to beginners that are given in a safe, roped off area. This allows new skiers to practice their skills and gain confidence in a comfortable setting. Badger Pass also has a program for young skiers: Badger Pups is a ski training program designed for 4 to 6-year-olds. About 35% of the runs at Badger Pass are considered beginner level. Another 50% are intermediate. That means that newcomers and people who are just a little rusty can enjoy up to 85% of the runs available at Badger Pass.

Yosemite Downhill Skiing for Experts

Skiing in Yosemite is also a great option for people who are more experienced skiers. 15% of the runs are considered advanced, and these combined with the intermediate runs give experienced skiers a number of exciting challenges. Badger Pass has two separate terrain parks. The more advanced terrain park features jumps, rails, and boxes for added fun and more exciting runs. Another perk of Badger Pass is that it is usually less crowded than other ski areas. This means more runs and more freedom for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Other Perks of Skiing in Yosemite

The Badger Pass Ski area is well loved for its runs but also for its great accommodations. Skiers can enjoy a wide variety of winter activities, a day lodge, a sports shop, and hot, tasty food. Visit Off the Grill for hamburgers, pizza, and other tasty fast food options. Or head to the Snowflake Room for deli style cuisine and wine, beer, and cocktails served from 11 AM to 4 PM. Other amenities at Badger Pass include a ski repair shop, an outdoor barbecue, a first aid station, and the Yosemite Cross Country Ski Center. In short, Yosemite has everything you need to provide you with an excellent ski vacation.

Reserve your Yosemite Cabin Rental Today

Your Yosemite skiing vacation will be even better with a cabin rental from Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. We offer cabin, home, and condominium rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park. Our cozy homes are warm and inviting. With one of our rentals, you get to enjoy all the benefits of a real home while enjoying your Yosemite getaway. Rentals fill up early so call us at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to reserve your Yosemite cabin rental today.

Wildlife and Flowers in Tuolumne Meadows

During the spring and summer Tuolumne Meadows is a burst of beautiful colors. This particular section of Yosemite National Park features over 1,000 different species of California wildflowers. Tuolumne Meadows is also home to a great deal of wildlife. On a hike through the area you might come across a deer, a wolf, rabbits, even a bear. Opportunities for photography abound throughout the meadow. It is one of the most photographed areas of Yosemite National Park.   This area also features a campground that is open during the spring, summer, and fall for those interested in roughing it.

Hiking and Rock Climbing in Tuolumne Meadows

Tuolumne Meadows is one of the premier locations in Yosemite National Park for hiking. The area features a wide variety of beginner, intermediate, and advanced hikes. Take the Soda Springs hike, considered an easy 1.5 mile trek, to see naturally carbonated water bubbling out of the ground. The Elizabeth Lake hike is a slightly harder five-mile hike that takes hikers to a glacier-carved lake at the foot of Unicorn Peak. If you’re instead in a full day hike, consider the Glen Aulin hike which follows the Tuolumne River for 11 miles.

Rock climbing is also particularly popular in Tuolumne Meadows. The area is surrounded by a number of domes that offer intermediate and advanced climbing. Major domes that can be climbed in Tuolumne Meadows include Stately Pleasure Dome, Daff Dome, Fairview Dome, and Lembert Dome. People flock to Tuolumne Meadows every year to climb these domes and enjoy the amazing scenery that surrounds them. The best months for climbing are typically from June to December, but conditions vary from year to year.

Make your Yosemite Reservations Early to Enjoy Tuolumne Meadows at its Best

If you’re planning a trip to see the beauties of Tuolumne Meadows, be sure to make your Yosemite reservations as early as possible. Tuolumne Meadows is at its best in the spring and summer, and these are also the busiest seasons in Yosemite National Park.

Call Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders today at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to reserve one of our Yosemite cabins, homes, or condominiums. Our Yosemite cabins are cozy and comfortable, plus they provide you with excellent proximity to the best locations in the park, including Tuolumne Meadows. Save yourself the hassle of driving in and out of the park every day by renting a Yosemite cabin from Scenic Wonders. Our Yosemite reservations are always affordable and we never charge booking fees.

Valentine’s Day in Yosemite for Romantics

Yosemite is a place of romance. Everywhere you look you’ll find budding plants, flowing waterfalls, and new life. One of the best ways to enjoy Yosemite National Park with a loved one is on the Glacier Point stargazing tour. On this tour you’ll take a bus ride up to Glacier Point at night and then will be able to sit under the stars and gaze at the heavens from one of the most astounding lookout points in the country. From Glacier Point you’ll not only have a superb view of the night sky, you’ll also have the best view of Yosemite Valley. What could be more romantic than stargazing with your loved one in one of the most beautiful places in the country?

Yosemite is also the perfect place for romantic hikes through woods and meadows. February is a great time to see Yosemite’s many waterfalls flow freely as the snow begins to melt. After a stunning hike, you and your loved one can head to the Ahwahnee Dining Room for a gourmet meal. The dining room offers the elegant ambience of linen table cloths, chandeliers, 34-foot-high ceilings, and floor to ceiling windows with a superb view of the park. Make your reservations early to ensure that you’ll have a table in the dining room for dinner on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day in Yosemite for Adventurers

If you and your partner are less interested in romantic escapes and more interested in thrilling adventures, Yosemite National Park has excellent options for you as well. Go for a challenging day hike or spend the afternoon rock climbing with your loved one. Yosemite has excellent paths for road biking, wildlife watching, and more. You can take a photography tour led by a Yosemite guide to get the best snapshots of the park in winter. You and your loved one might also enjoy traipsing through Mariposa Grove or skiing down Badger Pass. If the weather permits, you can even cross-country ski from Badger Pass to Glacier Point and enjoy the terrific view from that legendary lookout.

No matter what activities you and your loved one would enjoy for Valentine’s Day in Yosemite, your trip can be perfected with a cozy and romantic cabin rental from Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. Our available Yosemite reservations include cabins, homes, and condominiums within the gates of Yosemite National Park. With one of our Yosemite cabins you’ll be able to relax in the comfort of a private home. With a Yosemite cabin rental you’ll also be able to enjoy all the comforts of home without the hassle of noisy hotel guests in the next room or a drafty tent. Many of our cabins feature romantic fireplaces, each has a full kitchen, and some even have private jacuzzis. What could be more romantic? Call today to learn about our available Yosemite reservations for this Valentine’s Day at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648).

There is a growing trend of third party Internet reservation companies that will attempt to reserve accommodations for you with lodging operators. They will charge you a non-refundable fee of up to 10% of the total reservation cost, which at times can amount to hundreds of dollars.

The Internet was supposed to level the playing field for businesses. Quite frankly, in our opinion, we don’t understand why anybody would pay these reservation fees when all you have to do is enter a keyword search for whatever business or service you may want: in our case, “Yosemite Lodging,” “Yosemite Reservations,” “Yosemite Cabins”, etc. You will easily find most, if not all, of the Yosemite operators that are listed on these pay-for-reservation websites. Most, if not all, of the companies listed on these travel lodging reservation sites have their own websites so you can easily just call them and make your own reservation directly with the owner or operator of these properties thereby cutting out the middle man. Not only do these pay-for reservation websites charge you a fee, they also charge the business owners an additional 5-17% if the lodging operator accepts the reservation. The reason some people go along with this absurdity is because these big companies buy up all the top positions on the first page of your keyword search making it almost impossible for the smaller companies to be seen at the top of the page. For whatever reason, most people will click on the top listings thinking they’re the most popular because they’re on the top. THEY ARE ON TOP OF THE PAGE IN THE SPONSORED AREA BECAUSE THEY PAY A FORTUNE TO BE THERE! We, smaller operators, are forced to pay for these positions but really can’t afford it and are slowly being pushed out of business. Take a moment and view at least the first two pages of the listings on the non-sponsored areas of the page. You will most likely find all the companies that are listed on these pay-for-reservation websites! The McDonald’s ad “four bucks is dumb” is a classic! it’s referring to the high cost of Starbucks coffee. PAYING RESERVATION FEES IS DUMB! It’s almost like paying scalpers for tickets at the ballpark, but at least in that situation you really don’t have a choice — if you want to see the game, you have to pay the price. When it comes to finding a reservation though, all you have to do is take a moment, relax and search around. So why make your reservation through a third party when you can make your reservation directly with the source? WHY PAY RESERVATION FEES?

The only possible reason anyone would use these sites would be for the possible discounts they claim to have. But who do you think gives the discounts? It’s the owners of the business, of course. If you contact the business directly they will honor the same discount without charging you the reservation fees.

Avoid the extra reservations service fees and confusion by simply making your reservation directly with the lodging operator of your choice. Hopefully you can find accommodations that suit your needs with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders! With our years of experience, our knowledge of Yosemite, our personalized attention and a great website full of information, we will make your Yosemite vacation a memorable lifetime experience.

http://scenicwonders.com/rentals.html

To help the consumer, The Los Angeles Times ran several articles on this subject:

July 7, 2002 Reserving at a National park? Know Your Source
August 1, 2004 Unofficial park sites can cost you
August 15, 2004 Good guys deserve their due!

Yosemite Cross Country Skiing from Badger Pass

Most of Yosemite’s favorite cross-country ski excursions start from the Badger Pass Ski Area. One of the most prominent trails is the 21 mile round-trip excursion to Glacier Point. Cross-country skiing is one of the only ways to get to the Glacier Point lookout in the winter. This is because the main road up to Glacier Point is usually snowed over. The pleasant trip from Badger Pass to Glacier Point can be taken as a self-guided trip or with the help of an experienced Yosemite skiing guide. Once you reach Glacier Point, the view of Yosemite Valley in winter is unparalleled. From the top of the summit, cross-country skiers can see Half Dome, El Capitan, and the rest of Yosemite Valley covered in frost and snow. It’s one of the most beautiful sites found in our fair country.

Other great trips from Badger Pass Ski Area include a much shorter trip to Old Badger Summit. Altogether about 90 miles of marked trails and 25 miles of machine-groomed track extend from Badger Pass for cross-country skiers. These trails are designed for novices and experts. Those new to cross-country skiing can take advantage of the Yosemite Cross Country Ski School. This school at Badger Pass has expert instructors available to teach the basics and help perfect the form of more experienced cross-country skiers. The cross-country center also provides guides for overnight cross-country ski trips. A number of guided cross-country skiing excursions are available from Badger Pass, and prices for those excursions can be found here.

Cross Country Skiing in Yosemite Valley

Aside from the Badger Pass trails, Yosemite has a wide variety of cross-country trails throughout the Park. Mariposa Grove in particular has some excellent trails for cross-country skiers to take self-guided tours through the beautiful giant sequoias. Trails found throughout the park include overnight trips. However, anyone planning an unguided overnight cross-country ski trip in Yosemite must obtain a wilderness permit from one of the parks ranger stations.

Make the Most of your Yosemite Skiing Vacation

Your Yosemite cross country skiing vacation will be the best it can be if you reserve a comfortable cabin from Scenic Wonders. We offer cabin, condominium, and home rentals within the gates of Yosemite National Park. By staying with Scenic Wonders, the closest accommodations to Badger Pass means you’ll be just minutes from your favorite cross-country ski trails. Find the ideal Yosemite cabin for your ski vacation by giving us a call at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648).

Reasons for the Change

The main concern of Yosemite National Park officials is the safety of their visitors. When the park opted to require permits on weekends and holidays in 2010, the intention was to limit crowding on the Half Dome cable route and minimize injuries. However, while permits successfully limited the number of people on the Half Dome cable route to 450 people per day on weekends and holidays, the number of people who climbed Half Dome on non-permit days skyrocketed. To provide a little perspective, about 692 people per day climbed Half Dome on weekends and holidays in 2008. In the summer of 2010 an average of 635 people climbed Half Dome every weekday that the cable route was open.

The more people on the route each day, the more likely accidents are to occur. Yosemite National Park officials attribute at least one fatality in recent times to overcrowding. That is why Yosemite activities officials have decided to enforce permits on every day that the cable route is open. Typically, Half Dome opens to climbers in mid May and the season lasts through mid October depending on weather conditions. By limiting the number of climbers to a maximum of 450 people per day every day, officials hope to make the Half Dome climb a safer and better experience for everyone.

Getting a Permit

Permits only cost $1.50 and can be easily attained through the Yosemite activities office. To learn more about Half Dome permits or to get one for your summer Yosemite vacation, visit www.recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777. Reserving your permit early helps ensure that you’ll be able to climb Half Dome when you take your vacation. Permits will be available beginning March 1, 2011 for the months of May and June and then at the beginning of each month for the following three months.

Be sure to get your permit early to guarantee that you’ll be able to climb Half Dome. In fact, it’s a good idea to make all your Yosemite activities reservations as early as possible to ensure the best vacation for yourself and your family. If you’re looking for Yosemite lodging for your Half Dome climbing vacation, consider reserving a condominium, cabin, or home with Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders. We offer comfortable, affordable Yosemite accommodations within the gates of the park. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to begin planning your memorable vacation.

When visiting Yosemite National Park in the winter, there is no end to the possibilities for fun and entertainment. Winter offers an array of activities that cannot be enjoyed at any other time of year in Yosemite. During the winter, you can head to Badger Pass Ski Area for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and more. From Badger Pass, you can also cross-country ski to Glacier Point. From this amazing lookout, you’ll have an extraordinary view of Yosemite Valley in winter, encompassing everything from snow-topped Half Dome and El Capitan to the frost-covered Mariposa Grove. Another great Yosemite activity that simply can’t be missed during the winter is the Curry Village Ice Rink. The rink is a permit fixture of Curry Village, a small community nestled at the foot of Glacier Point. The Curry Village Ice Rink typically opens up around Thanksgiving and stays open throughout the winter.

The Curry Village Ice Rink has been in operation since 1928. In its first year, the ice rink was no more than a flooded parking lot. Since its humble beginnings, the ice rink has developed into a permanent feature of Curry Village. From the rink skaters have a view of Glacier Point, Half Dome, and other sites within Yosemite Valley.  At the Curry Village Ice Rink, adults and children alike can enjoy the simple pleasure of ice skating. The rink offers multiple sessions throughout the day as well as ice skate rentals for anyone who needs them. The rink also features cubbies for shoes and possessions, a warming hut, and a great supply of hot drinks and snacks. Next to the rink, there is even an area with a cheerful fire pit for people who would like to watch the skaters and socialize.

The ice rink operates in sessions. If you would like to skate at the Curry Village Ice Rink, you can enjoy their 3:30 to 6 p.m. or 7 to 9:30 p.m. sessions any day of the week. On weekends the rink also offers an 8:30 to 11 a.m. session and a noon to 2:30 p.m. session. Regardless of what time you come, the fees for each session are $8 for adults and $6 for children. There is a $3 skate rental fee per session. The rink also makes helmets available at no additional cost. The rink is subject to weather conditions and may cancel sessions if the weather does not permit.

If you’re planning a trip to Yosemite National Park this winter, be sure to visit the Curry Village Ice Rink. Also make sure to reserve your Yosemite accommodations as early as possible. Particularly around the holidays, lodging can fill up very quickly in Yosemite. Scenic Wonders offers Yosemite cabins within the gates of the park that are comfortable and affordable. Nothing could be better suited to your perfect, charming Yosemite winter vacation. Our cabins, condominiums, and homes let you enjoy Yosemite in the peace and comfort of a cozy home. Call us today at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn more about our fantastic Yosemite cabins and begin planning your winter getaway today.

Badger Pass Downhill Skiing

Badger Pass features ten downhill runs. The runs break down as 35% beginner runs, 50% intermediate, and 15% advanced. That makes Badger Pass the perfect place for beginning and intermediate skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes. Yosemite’s Badger Pass offers excellent skiing and snowboarding lessons for anyone new to winter sports. The downhill ski area also features a roped off area where novices can practice their skills before hitting the slopes. It has a great tubing and sledding area as well. Badger Pass is the ideal place for young families to come to ski thanks to programs like Badger Pups, a class created to teach kids age four to six to ski.

The longest runs at Badger Pass have an elevation drop of about 800 feet. Badger Pass is open daily from 9:00-4:00 during the ski season which typically lasts from mid-December to late March. To learn about current snow conditions at Badger Pass, check the Badger Pass Snow Report. Prices for the season are quite affordable.

Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country trails can be found around the park suited to every skill level. One of the most astounding trails you’ll find in Yosemite is the path from Badger Pass to Glacier Point. Cross-country skiing is one of the only ways to access Glacier Point in the winter, and the view from the summit simply can’t be beat. Few visitors to Yosemite get the privilege of seeing the view of Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point in the winter. It’s a sight that no visitor will soon forget.

Yosemite has a cross-country ski center that operates a number of guided overnight cross-country ski trips. Most visitors find the training and knowledge of Yosemite guides invaluable on such trips, but visitors to the park also have the option of heading out on overnight trips on their own. Any overnight ski trip in Yosemite requires a permit which can be attained at the park.

Reserve Your Yosemite Cabin Today

Top off your Yosemite skiing vacation with cozy accommodations from Scenic Wonders. We offer the closest cabins, condominiums, and homes within the gates of the park that will put you just minutes from Badger Pass and other great skiing locations. Call us today at 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to reserve your Yosemite lodging.

Once you’ve picked the timing of your visit, start planning which Yosemite activities you would like to enjoy. Because Yosemite is such a popular place in the summer, it can be very difficult to find available activities if you wait until you’re at the park. If you’re interested in climbing Half Dome, going white water rafting, taking a popular tour, or anything along those lines, check to see what permits or Yosemite reservations you will need and get them as soon as possible.

The other very important thing you will want to secure as soon as possible is your Yosemite lodging. Yosemite National Park reservations can be extremely hard to come by in the summer if you wait too long. The best cabins, homes, and condominiums book up very quickly, as do hotels and the campgrounds within the park.

Remember, if you’re interested in visiting Yosemite in the summer, it’s never too early to call and make Yosemite reservations with Scenic Wonders. We don’t charge booking fees, so if you need to change your plans, it’s not a problem.

When you book with us you get the added benefit of staying within the gates of the park. During the summer when visitation to the park is at its peak, commuting into and out of the park every day can take up to and even over two hours a day. That’s two extra hours you could be spending inside the park having a great time with your family or friends. Scenic Wonders offers cabins, homes, and condominiums with full kitchens, fire places, and enough beds to go around. Whether you’re heading to the area for a romantic getaway or a fun weekend with a group of friends, we have great Yosemite lodging options for you. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to start planning your summer vacation today!

Plan Out Your Activities

With so many options for things to do in Yosemite, it’s a good idea to have a plan before you come. Do some research on the Yosemite National Park website and find out which activities interest you the most. Then find out if any of your planned activities require or advise advanced reservations or permits. For example, climbing El Capitan and Half Dome both require permits now. Or if you want to take a photography tour to get the best snapshots of new life throughout the park, it’s a good idea to reserve such tours in advance. Just be sure to keep your plans flexible—you’ll likely discover even more great activities when you get to the park.

Make Your Yosemite National Park Reservations in Advance

Spring is truly one of the best times of year to see Yosemite. The park’s wildlife is having new young, the plants are springing forth with new leaves and new flowers—everything is beautiful. If you would like to visit Yosemite in the spring, be sure to make your plans for Yosemite accommodations early. By booking the right home, condominium, or cabin as soon as possible, you help guarantee that your Yosemite vacation will be a memorable one for all the right reasons. When you book your Yosemite reservations with Scenic Wonders, you’ll get the benefit of staying in a warm, inviting Yosemite cabin within the gates of the park. Call 1-888-YOSEMITE (1-888-967-3648) to learn about our available rentals or to start planning your spring vacation today.