Yosemite + Mariposa County: One of California’s Best Ideas
The Ken Burns documentary “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea” is shining an ever-brighter spotlight on California’s magnificent and awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park. Nearly 1,200 square miles of majestic Sierra Nevada territory was actually first entrusted to the state of California in 1868, before the national park system existed, in order to protect the scenic wildlands that range from 2,000 feet above sea level to majestic peaks of more than 13,000 feet. Encompassing groves of giant Sequoia trees, alpine meadows, granite cliffs, lakes, dramatic waterfalls, wildflowers and wild animals, Yosemite attracts up to 4 million visitors every year, offering a restful, awe-inspiring antidote to man-made civilization– a magnificent place were one can truly commune with the glories of nature’s beauty.
As one of the nation’s first national parks– it officially became one in October 1890 — and one of most popular, Yosemite offers a range of sensory experiences for visitors from all over the world, from rock climbing to camping, horseback riding, white water rafting, historic and cultural exploration and fine dining. And surrounding Mariposa County boasts its own unique charms with picturesque scenery, vineyards, annual festivals and a peak into the past when it was the heart of the California Gold Rush, and encompassed one-fifth of the territory of the entire state. The four entrances to the park all go through the county (although some of the entrances are closed seasonally—check www.yosemite.org for travel tips.)
There are a host of guided outdoor adventures at Yosemite, including twilight strolls departing from the back porch of the famed Ahwahnee Hotel—the place to stay within the park itself, a AAA, four-diamond national historic landmark—and nighttime tours to study the glorious skies and learn about astronomy.
The Ahwahnee, once the site of a village of the native Miwok tribe, was built in the mid-1920s and has played host to presidents and royalty. The hotel boasts stunning views of Yosemite’s iconic sites: Glacier Point, Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. A meal in the Dining Room is a memorable occasion and a culinary treat, and although dress throughout the park is casual, there is a dress code at dinner, so think slacks or skirts–no T-shirts, shorts or tennis shoes. Executive Chef Percy Whatley presides over a well-tuned kitchen turning out imaginative California cuisine featuring organic and locally grown ingredients, with a splendid wine list.
The Victorian-style Wawona Hotel is also a national historic landmark, built in 1879 on a lush meadow just four miles inside the park’s south entrance. There are 104 rooms, but 54 of them have shared bathrooms, so privacy hounds need to keep that in mind when making reservations. In addition to the authentic charm of a bygone era, the property has views of the magnificent, ancient Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, of which tours are offered frequently throughout the day.
Don’t despair if you’re not able to get accommodations within the park. And despite the economic downturn, that does require advanced planning, especially during the summer high season. We checked out a couple of places in the vicinity that were both unique — and fabulous.
Walk into the soaring lobby of Tenaya Lodge, located two miles from the park’s south gate, and it is reminiscent of the grand Western lodges built in the early 1900s, yet thoroughly modern. The four-diamond mountain resort property features multiple dining options—including a beautiful outdoor patio when weather permits, as well as a full range of spa services and recreational activities. The new Embers restaurant on site features sustainable California cuisine. Tenaya Lodge is also a unique location for corporate events, and weddings, with a professional, well-trained staff to handle all your needs.
Another outside-the-park lodging does not offer a grand façade or impressive architecture, but beautiful, first-class rooms (335 of them) in a stunning mountain setting. Not only that, Yosemite View Lodge sits right on the rushing Merced River—and if you ask for a river view (your other option is a mountain view), you could sit for hours on your patio hovering right above the currents. If you don’t like the sound of rushing water, especially when the river runs high in the summer, well, opt for the mountain view. But the rooms are soundproof, and feature luxury amenities, like a Jacuzzi in the room, to luxuriate in the surroundings. The property also features a casually upscale dining room and banquet and catering services.
Yosemite National Park, www.nps.gov/yose
Mariposa County Tourism Bureau, (209) 966-3685, www.homeofyosemite.com
Tenaya Lodge, 1122 Highway 4, Fish Camp, CA 93623, 888-514-216, www.tenayalodge.com
The Ahwahnee, 9005 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite, CA 95389, 559-253-5635, http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations_TheAhwahnee.aspx
Wawona, Yosemite National Park, 209-375-6566, http://www.yosemitepark.com/Accommodations_WawonaHotel.aspxContact:
Yosemite View, 11156 Highway 140, El Portal, CA 95318, 209-379-2681, http://www.yosemiteresorts.us/yosemiteviewlodge/index.htm
Hotel Jeffrey, 5001 Main Street, Coulterville, CA 95311, 209-878-3471, www.hoteljefferygold.com
River Rafting, 800-431-3636, www.zrafting.com
Lake McClure, 9090 Lake McClure Road, Snelling, CA 95369,
209-378-2521www.lakemcclure.com
