Under the Gaydar | Summer Series: Yosemite

Jul 07, 2022

Sky-scraping sequoias. Cascading waterfalls. Towering cliffs. Yosemite is one of the oldest National Parks in America and the idyllic retreat for those looking to escape the monotonous weather and polluted city air that plagues the nearby metropolises of the Golden State. With winding mountain roads lined with ancient redwoods, the 4-hour drive from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park is one of the most scenic in the country, and the 6-7 hour drive from Los Angeles will fly by with just a quick pit stop at In-N-Out Burger.

Part 8: Yosemite, California

Photo Credit: Aniket Deole

If only one word could be used to describe Yosemite, the most commonly used would be majestic - from the sheer scale and grandeur to the lush pine forests that boast a parade of thundering waterfalls, you will be awestruck every time you enter the park, whether you are a first time visitor or a season-pass holding vet. Yosemite is a perpetual bucket-list topper for good reason - covering more than 760,000 acres, almost 95% of which are designated wilderness, the hiking options are in abundance - ranging anywhere from casual strolls through wildflower-riddled meadows to more strenuous treks that show off the park’s rich geological history leading excursionists through a unique assemblage of colossal granite domes carved by the wild, natural force of ancient glaciers and volcanoes.

In terms of can't-miss hiking spots, there are a plethora of great hikes that start at the Valley Floor, including the famous Mist Trail. This hiking route is ideal for hiking in the spring and summer months but tends to be a bit strenuous. For those looking for a simpler path, Mirror Lake is another great option.

Photo Credit: Yosemite National Park

In the southern portion of the park, you’ll find the world-famous Mariposa Grove, home to 500 mature giant sequoias and the reason the idea of national parks came to be. For context, in 1864, years before President Theodore Rosevelt established the National Park System, the Mariposa Grove, and the Yosemite Valley were named the first federally protected lands in the United States by President Abraham Lincoln. The Grove is home to trees so profound and grand that they have their own names on the map, like the ‘Faithful Couple’ trees or the ‘Bachelor and Three Graces’. On top of that, you can even walk through the ‘California Tunnel Tree' which was carved in 1895 to permit horse-drawn stagecoaches to pass through.

Photo Credit: Vladimir Kudinov

First protected in 1864, Yosemite is more than just a great valley; the strength of granite, the power of the glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra serve as a shrine to human perseverance. For an updated list of road conditions and weather-related warnings, please check out The National Park Service website where you can learn more about park closures and alerts in affected areas.

Summer Things to Do:

Ascent Spa at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

The fabulous Ascent Spa is located inside Tenaya Lodge, the only resort on the South Entrance to Yosemite that has a full-service spa available for guests. Recently renovated to include steam rooms and sauna areas, this spa is definitely worth checking out on your trip to Yosemite.

Gold Rush BBQ at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

Enjoy a summer barbecue at one of the most majestic spots in town conveniently located near Tenaya Lodge. Open for selected dates, the barbecue takes place in a conifer forest clearing and is all about getting a taste of the Old West. There’s live music and a hearty menu, and at $55 for adults and $25 for kids, it’s a good deal for a fun evening activity.

Photo Credit: Tenaya Lodge

Hotel Recommendations in Yosemite:

Summer is bright in Mariposa, the California county that encompasses much of Yosemite, and though it can be difficult to find a comfortable place to stay among rustic lodges and rugged camping grounds, the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite offers picture-perfect accommodations just two miles from Yosemite National Park’s South Gate entrance. The all-season resort can be found perched on the green foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains and offers guests hundreds of acres to explore right outside their doorstep.

The property includes various different types of lodging options. In the main lodge, you’ll find comfortable rooms that compliment the alpine grandeur surrounding the resort as well as spacious modern suites with custom in-room amenities. The Cottages at Tenaya Lodge offer a unique, secluded escape with private entrances, outdoor sitting areas, and fireplaces. For even more privacy, the newest lodging offering, the Explorer Cabins, offers both the privacy and comforts of home in an immersive forest setting. These two-bedroom cabins offer a more secluded experience with a rushing creek, communal fire pits, a private deck, and access to the Explorer Clubhouse.