Evergreen Lodge, Rush Creek, and Firefall Ranch are among the best hotels in Yosemite Valley, offering fantastic lodging and amenities surrounded by nature. Most people visiting Yosemite stay in resort-style lodges like these because the accommodations and extensive amenities make downtime between hikes and sightseeing adventures seamless. The popular cabins, hotel rooms, and villas blend rustic charm and modern living, making these properties ideal for groups, families, couples, and even pets.
While it’s hard to go wrong with any of the Yosemite Valley hotels, the right lodging depends on your vacation itinerary, travel companions, and preferences. Follow along to see the top hotel options near Yosemite Valley and find the right fit for your next visit.
Family-Friendly Hotels in Yosemite
You don’t have to worry about exploring Yosemite with kids—this family-friendly area offers hikes for all skill levels, resorts with extensive amenities, and excellent family lodging. Rush Creek Lodge, Evergreen Lodge, and Firefall Ranch each provide amenities and all-ages entertainment, so you won’t miss out on fun staying at any of these lodges.
Each property features a stunning pool deck, complete with a saltwater pool and hot tub, perfect for cooling off and relaxing. The outdoor recreation areas also abound at these resorts, providing a variety of spots for families to gather, play, and relax. The daily programming at Rush Creek, Evergreen, and Firefall Ranch includes activities like crafts and games, giving everyone opportunities for hands-on fun.
Here are a few unique highlights of the amenities each hotel near Yosemite Valley provides:
- Rush Creek Lodge features an on-site spa that offers individual treatments, including a kids’ foot soak, and day-use passes for rejuvenating family time.
- Evergreen Lodge is home to a beginner-friendly disc golf course and a nature trail winding around the property, providing the ideal launching point for Hetch Hetchy, Yosemite’s hidden gem.
- Firefall Ranch offers sand volleyball courts and complimentary bicycles, and the on-site stables provide access to horseback riding adventures and pony rides.
While the kids play, parents and grandparents can relax poolside with a drink, soak in a saltwater hot tub, and explore the grounds on strolls or strenuous hikes. The Rush Creek Spa and Evergreen Lodge’s private massage cabanas are parent-approved and appreciated—especially after a long day exploring the park.
From double-bed hotel rooms to multi-room cabins, the lodging options at Rush Creek, Evergreen, and Firefall Ranch accommodate any family size or budget. If you’re booking hotels near Yosemite Valley for a larger group or multiple families, consider Firefall Ranch’s 3-bedroom villa (sleeps 8) or Evergreen Lodge’s John Muir House (sleeps 10).
If you require accessible accommodations, Firefall Ranch, Rush Creek Lodge, and Evergreen Lodge are committed to accessibility. You’ll find accommodating rooms, parking, public areas, pools, and other facilities throughout these resorts.
- Rush Creek Lodge offers ADA options for its suite, villa, and traditional room layouts, with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a roll-in shower or accessible tub.
- Evergreen Lodge’s ADA accommodations include updated ground-level cabins or custom canvas tents for comfort and convenience.
- Firefall Ranch features ADA-accessible lodging for solo travelers, couples, or families in one-, two-, or three-bedroom villas with a roll-in shower.
All three locations make ideal base camps for families to explore Yosemite’s many attractions.
Dog-Friendly Hotels Near Yosemite Valley
Traveling with pets? You’ll be pleased to know that one of the best Yosemite hotels is dog-friendly. Firefall Ranch welcomes your pet at an affordable “Doggie Daily Rate” (for two dogs), per its pet policies. Pet amenities include water bowls, dog beds, and spacious, comfy crates, and the on-site general store also stocks treats and toys for your canine companions.
Leash up and explore! Dogs are only allowed on a leash on designated paved trails on the Yosemite Valley floor. Consider exploring the many miles of trails and forest surrounding Firefall Ranch for alternative dog-friendly hikes during your stay. Read up on Yosemite’s pet policies to leave no trace and keep everyone, including your dog, safe.
Ideal Yosemite Escapes for Couples
Yosemite is a romantic destination for couples celebrating milestones or spending time together surrounded by natural beauty.
If you’re looking for intimate vintage accommodations, the cabins at Evergreen Lodge inspire connections with nature and each other. Enjoy a date night at the on-site restaurant, share a meal alfresco, or book a massage amongst the pines in one of the lodge’s wellness cabanas.
The rooms at Rush Creek offer a more traditional hotel experience, with incredible views from your private balcony. The on-site spa enhances your romantic getaway, and the tavern provides a fun date-night atmosphere.
Firefall Ranch’s cozy luxury villas cater to couples seeking a serene time away. Use the complimentary bikes to take a playful ride through the area or plan a romantic picnic and swim at nearby Carlon Falls. If having your pet along puts you at ease, Firefall Ranch is one of the best dog-friendly hotels near Yosemite Valley. Enjoy meals with your dog by your side at our outdoor dining venues.
Make plans through your resort’s recreation department, your backstage pass to Yosemite. Our staff are experts on the area and can help you plan secluded hikes and adventurous excursions. If you need equipment or advice, our team will have you exploring trails like an insider in no time.
Ideal Base Camp for Yosemite’s Best Waterfalls
Spring is the best time to visit to see Yosemite’s waterfalls as the melting snow from May to June causes peak flow. As the weather warms, things begin to open up in this region, so you’ll find more options for lodging, trails, and activities.
Rush Creek Lodge is only 5 minutes from Carlon Falls, a small waterfall with fewer crowds, and 40 minutes from the treasured waterfalls of Yosemite Valley. Rush Creek’s YARTS stop provides bus service to and from Yosemite Valley and bypasses any reservation system that might be in place.
Evergreen Lodge is the closest hotel to Hetch Hetchy (Yosemite’s hidden gem), home to popular waterfall-viewing destinations. Hetch Hetchy’s entrance, just one mile from the lodge, provides access to Wapama Falls, Tueeulala Falls, and Rancheria Falls.
Best Hotels Near Yosemite Valley by Season
Thankfully, there is no bad season to visit Yosemite—this park offers stunning views and adventurous hikes all year. Most lodging options are available year-round, and many amenities are too. If you’re torn on where to stay in a specific season, here are lodging highlights of warm and cool seasons:
Winter and Fall Yosemite Hotels
For cool-weather explorers, Rush Creek and Evergreen Lodge are the places to be for snowshoeing and winter hiking. Though Evergreen Lodge hibernates for the first six weeks of the year, its seasonal experiences are worth the wait. This area offers plenty of things to do in the winter to keep any nature lover busy, from renting snowshoes to making s’mores to joining in holiday activities. If you love snow sports, a day on the slopes at Dodge Ridge ski area nearby is a convenient alternative for laid-back fun.
Travelers more interested in an intimate, indoor winter getaway should consider Firefall Ranch. This upscale hotel’s winter atmosphere is tranquil, and you’ll especially love the villa’s double-sided fireplace and the spa-style bathroom’s heated floors. The property’s proximity to the Old West town of Groveland makes it easy to find entertainment near your Yosemite Valley hotel.
While many hotels near Yosemite Valley are open year-round, some roads and lookouts may be closed in the winter; double-check what’s open as you plan your itinerary. Check out our travel updates page for more information.
The pool areas at Rush Creek and Firefall Ranch are open in winter, weather permitting, so you can take an exhilarating lap or two or stargaze from a bubbling hot tub.
Spring and Summer Yosemite Lodges
Expect the hotels around Yosemite Valley to be bustling during the late spring and summer. The warmer months are best for wildflower viewing and seeing waterfalls, and these times are also when you’ll have access to the most excursions and trails.
Staying slightly farther from the park’s entrance in a standalone villa at Firefall Ranch may afford you added privacy, making it an ideal alternative to the hustle and bustle of Yosemite Valley.
If you like excitement, Rush Creek and Evergreen Lodge provide an energetic atmosphere that may be more your style. For those who love—or want to try—glamping, Evergreen Lodge offers canvas tents for summertime guests.
Each of these hotels is near swimming holes, lesser-known waterfalls, and other Yosemite hidden gems—many of which are inaccessible in other seasons.
The best hotels near Yosemite Valley are ready to host your epic Yosemite adventure! Book your stay early to secure your ideal lodging style. Whether you’re visiting the area with your family, a partner, or hiking companions, you’ll find hotels near Yosemite Valley with all the features you need for an unforgettable stay.