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Hotel at a Glance: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

At Tenaya Lodge, “it’s like roughing it, minus the rough part.” The resort may look like a giant log cabin, but inside it’s an AAA Four Diamond–rated property with newly renovated premium rooms, gorgeous mountain views, plush bedding, a full-service spa, and multiple dining options. The resort offers nearby access to Yosemite’s iconic landmarks including the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, and even won the 2018 Sunset Travel Award for “Best Park Classic”. Step outside to go hiking through the surrounding Sierra Nevada range, or venture into Yosemite National Park—the south entrance is just 2 miles away.

• Activities for all seasons: Typically less crowded than in the summer months, fall in Yosemite has ample hiking and biking opportunities, as well as plenty of chances to see some of the parks’ waterfalls in action.
• On-site dining: Five seasonal restaurants serve everything from casual pizzeria fare to farm-to-table meals next to a fire.
• Lots to do: Tenaya Lodge can gear you up for half-day mountain bike rental, guided morning nature hike, guided flashlight hike, climbing wall session, archery session, guided snowshoe hike, ice-skating with rentals, or snowshoe rentals. This deal includes one in-house activity for two, based on availability, weather and season.
• Unwind at the full-service Ascent Spa, which helped land the lodge on USA Today’s list of the World’s Best Wellness Resorts. See Ascent Spa’s offer for spa packages here.
• Bring your furry friend along: the lodge received the 2016 Sunset Magazine Travel Award for “Best Resort for Pets.”. Pet fees apply.
• Need more assistance? Just talk to the on-site concierge.

Yosemite National Park, California: Waterfalls, Giant Sequoia Trees, and Half Dome

Yosemite National Park is a place of superlatives: it’s home to one of the world’s tallest waterfalls, the largest piece of exposed granite in the world (climb to the top on a Half Dome hike), and a grove of ancient sequoia trees that are among the largest living beings on the planet. So it’s no wonder why this swath of wilderness in central California welcomes nearly four million visitors each year.

Crowds at Yosemite are much smaller in the fall, so visitors can typically experience the park’s natural wonders at an unhurried pace. One trek worth making is the 1.2-mile Bridalveil Fall hike, which leads right up to the roaring cascade. It can be icy during winter, but it’s a trip that’s both easy and rewarding. Much of the Yosemite Valley stands at a low elevation, and remains accessible to drivers and hikers throughout the year.