Nestled among towering Sierra pines just two miles from Yosemite National Park’s South Gate, Tenaya Lodge is a mountain resort that masterfully blends rustic charm with upscale comfort. The massive wooden beams and river rock façade welcome visitors into a soaring lobby where a massive stone fireplace serves as the heart of this mountain retreat.

During my stay, I found myself drawn to the lodge’s intimate connection with nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the Great Room framed the surrounding forest, while our private balcony offered a peaceful sanctuary to enjoy morning coffee amid the crisp mountain air. The lodge is pet-friendly, and the ground-floor room and the patio allowed easy access for pleasant dog walks around the resort.  

The property itself is a recreational playground. Five pools (two indoor, three outdoor) provide year-round swimming options. The 75,000-square-foot Ascent Spa offers welcome relief for trail-worn muscles. I did a complimentary yoga class at the spa which was excellent and is offered Thursdays through Mondays which I recommend.

For families, there’s so much to do including corn hole on the lawn, a game room with arcade games, video games, air hockey, and more. The kids will hardly want to leave the resort!

The resort’s activity program includes guided hikes, mountain biking, archery, rock climbing, and seasonal activities like ice skating and sledding. The kids’ adventure program ensures younger guests are thoroughly entertained with nature-focused activities and games.

We arrived during the slower Fall season, so the dining options were limited to Jackalope’s Bar & Grill and Parkside Deli. Jackalope’s Bar & Grill offers a more casual atmosphere with a menu that includes elevated comfort food and craft cocktails. The restaurant’s outdoor seating area provides a perfect pet-friendly spot to enjoy an al fresco lunch or early dinner in the mountain air.

For grab-and-go options, Parkside Deli provides sandwiches, salads, and snacks perfect for packing on Yosemite adventures for those eager to hit the trails.

Speaking of trails, Tenaya’s location is nothing short of perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The lodge serves as an ideal base camp for exploring Yosemite’s wonders, from the towering granite faces of El Capitan to the misty veil of Bridalveil Fall. The hotel’s concierge can arrange guided tours or provide expert advice for self-guided adventures.

Venturing beyond Yosemite, I discovered the charm of nearby mountain communities. Coarsegold, about 25 miles away, captures the essence of Gold Country with its weekly Wednesday Night Market (during summer months) and the fascinating Historic Village, where you can still pan for gold. The town’s name comes from the coarse nuggets found in its creeks during the Gold Rush era.

Oakhurst, the larger neighbor to Fish Camp, serves as the southern gateway to Yosemite. Here, I found excellent antiquing opportunities and the fascinating Little Church on the Hill, a restored 1894 structure that speaks to the area’s rich history. The town’s Yosemite Sierra Wine Road offers a surprising taste of mountain viticulture.

For those seeking adventure combined with comfort, Tenaya Lodge delivers a quintessential Sierra Mountain experience. You can spend the day exploring some of America’s most stunning natural wonders and return to world-class amenities and service. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or solo adventure, Tenaya provides an elegant basecamp for exploring this remarkable corner of California.

1122 CA-41, Fish Camp, CA 93623

visittenaya.com