From snow-capped peaks to waterfall-lush valleys, the topography of the Sierra is a sight to behold. John Muir put a bow on it when he wrote: “Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” Indeed, the wild lands of Yosemite Mariposa County are both invigorating and relaxing — a rare combination that calls out for exploration.
Which poses a question: where can I find a comfy place to stay at the end my day’s adventure? The good news is that up here there are plenty of lodging options where sweeping panoramas and fluffy pillows coexist in perfect harmony. With an eye towards gaze-worthy cabins, hotels and bed & breakfasts, here is our guide to view lodging in Yosemite Mariposa County.
View Lodging Inside Yosemite National Park
The pirouette of iconic views in Yosemite Valley is without equal: 360 degrees of granite massifs, ribbons of plunging water and the meandering path of the Merced River bring about a convergence of natural beauty unlike any other place on earth. Dotted throughout this invigorating landscape is lodging that’s face to face with the surrounding grandeur.
Yosemite National Park’s signature luxury hotel, The Ahwahnee, emboldens these views with its natural wood, stone and glass architecture. To the southeast Glacier Point rises 3,200 ft above the Valley floor, and to the west Yosemite Falls keeps guests company from winter through mid-to-late summer. Countless things to do provide their own unique sightlines with hiking, biking, rafting and museums just outside your door.
For visitors who want to cozy up to Yosemite Falls, the Yosemite Valley Lodge offers intimate views of the this 2,425 ft H20 superstar while providing a family-friendly refuge in the heart of the action. Situated between the base of the Lower Yosemite Falls and its confluence with the Merced River, the Yosemite Valley Lodge is home to the Mountain Room Restaurant, Starbucks coffee and the Base Camp Eatery food court, while the Yosemite Valley Lodge bike stand enables guests to cruise the Valley surrounded by fresh mountain breezes and stunning views. Pro Tip: Guided tours leave directly from the Lodge, whether that’s the Yosemite Valley Floor Tour or the view-riffic Glacier Point Tour.
View lodging in the Glacier Point Road region of Yosemite is all about the historic enclave of Yosemite West. Select cabins, condos and vacations homes offer a unique view northwest into the dramatic Merced River Canyon below, and are available through Yosemite Scenic Wonders.
The town of Wawona in Southern Yosemite is a self-contained hideout of natural beauty that boasts its own waterfall (Chilnualna Falls), its own museum (Yosemite History Center) and its own river (South Fork of the Merced). In keeping with our gaze-worthy theme, the Wawona Hotel is a stately Victorian-era destination where Adirondack chairs and piano music in the lounge create a restful vibe, and the gentle sweep of Wawona Meadow tempt guests into evening strolls. Note: The Wawona Hotel is currently closed as the National Park Service completes a comprehensive assessment of this historic hotel’s condition.
The oft-overlooked community of Foresta is a hidden gem of the Northern Yosemite region. This quiet cluster of cabins and vacation rentals (just a dozen, so book early!) is seven miles from Yosemite Valley’s west end, offering some unique views of Half Dome in the distance. Try walking up Old Coulterville Road for great photo ops! Note: Foresta is home to full-time residents so please be respectful and do not block driveways.
View Lodging In Greater Mariposa County
Located on the western flank of Yosemite, greater Mariposa County provides easy access to the Park as well as its own attractions. The elevation range translates to a multitude of unique microclimates and impressive views be they vineyard, meadow or canyon.
This range is best exemplified by the Central Mariposa County region. Just 3 miles from Yosemite’s Arch Rock Entrance in El Portal, the appropriately-named Yosemite View Lodge offers balcony rooms perched over the Merced River’s purposeful flow. Hot food awaits guests at the end of their day with Parkside Pizza and The River Restaurant both located on-site.
The Yosemite Cedar Lodge is another Merced River gem six miles farther west along Highway 140. River and canyon views abound, not to mention a river walk to gazebos near a sandy beach where Yosemite Mariposa trailgating is a favorite picnic pastime. Perfect for watching the water flow on by.
For a full mountain resort experience, Tenaya at Yosemite is perched at an elevation of 5,000 ft in the town of Fish Camp and offers luxe amenities including its Ascent Spa, several on-site restaurants and direct access to the surrounding Sierra National Forest. The Main Lodge of the Tenaya gazes down the forested slopes to the town of Oakhurst, while select Explorer Cabins offer views of Big Creek from their bedroom decks.
Also located in Fish Camp, the Big Creek Inn is a star among Yosemite Mariposa County bed & breakfasts due to its unsurpassed meadows views. The second-floor guest rooms are named as a trifecta of M’s — the Mariposa, the Merced and the Madera — and are ideal for stargazing as well as bird & wildlife watching. For a sneak preview, check out the Big Creek Meadow webcam located on the property.
Fine wine always adds a top note of romance to any getaway, and lodging amid the vines in Mariposa County takes amour to another level. Try the Winemaker’s Cottage at the Mt. Bullion Vineyard for views of the vines and a cozy 2-bedroom cottage set on 20 acres. If peace & quiet is your thing, The Loft at Papillon Cellars offers couples inspiring vistas and tasty wine in a 1-bedroom/1-bath refuge on the 32-acre property.
View lodging in the Northern Mariposa County fixes its gaze on the Blackberry Inn Yosemite. This luxury bed & breakfast is set on 36 forested acres with wrap-around porches overlooking the Stanislaus National Forest and the property’s Arabian horses. Located just 12 miles from Yosemite’s Big Oak Flat Entrance, the Blackberry Inn provides easy access to the Park and adds a nice touch to your stay with daily fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies!
Set amid rolling, oak-dotted foothills at an elevation of just under 1,000 ft, Lake McClure & Lake McSwain are the twin gems of Northwest Mariposa County. The mild winters and hot summers make lakeside lodging a year-round affair whether you’re interested in swimming, fishing or boating. The Park Cabins at Barrett Cove offer 390-square feet of tiny house goodness a short distance from the Lake McClure Marina, while the Park Cabins at Lake McSwain are located right along the shore where in summer the Splash-n-Dash Aqua Park entertains thrill-seeking families from far and wide.
The View From Above
Yosemite Mariposa County is a vibrant land where where rock, water and history collide to create a kaleidoscope of breathtaking vistas and enriching activities. At the end of the day — whether you’ve been hitting the trail, shopping in town or taking in the sights — there’s nothing like coming home to your comfy Yosemite Mariposa County accommodations, kicking off your shoes, and marveling at the beauty just outside your window. Picture perfect, indeed.
