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 a AAA Four Diamond–rated property with gorgeous mountain views, plush bedding, a full-service spa, and multiple dining options. 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.

• Lots to do: Tenaya Lodge can gear you up for a guided snowshoe nature hike, guided snowshoe flashlight hike, archery session, rock-wall session, half-day mountain-bike rental, snowshoe rental, or ice-skating session and rental. This deal includes one in-house activity for two, based on availability.
• Activities for all seasons: Typically less crowded than in the summer months, Yosemite has biking, prime cross-country skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding opportunities. In the fall, there’s ample hiking and biking opportunities, as well as plenty of chances to see some of the parks gorgeous, pre-frozen waterfalls in action.
• Onsite dining: Five seasonal restaurants serve everything from casual pizzeria fare to farm-to-table meals next to a fire.
• Two indoor pools: There’s one at the lodge and one at the cottages.
• Unwind at the full-service Ascent Spa, which helped land the lodge on USA Today’s list of the World’s Best Wellness Resorts.
• Bring your furry friend along to the lodge the received the 2015 Sunset Magazine Travel Award for “Best Resort for Pets.”
• Need more assistance? Just talk to the onsite concierge.

Yosemite National Park, California: Giant Sequoia Trees, Waterfalls, and Guided Snowshoe Hikes

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 (known as El Capitan), 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 winter, so you can typically experience the park’s natural wonders at an unhurried pace. In cold weather, one trek worth making is the 1.2-mile Bridalveil Fall hike, which takes you right up to the roaring cascade. It can be icy during winter, but it’s an easy trip and the reward makes it worth trying.

Much of the Yosemite Valley stands at a low elevation, and it remains accessible to drivers and hikers throughout the winter. The full-service Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area features 10 runs, five lifts, and a beginner-friendly terrain park. Skis, snowboards, and snowshoes are all available for rent here; you can even take a guided snowshoe hike to see some of Yosemite’s best views.

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