Evening: Discovering Tenaya at Yosemite
Ease into mountain time by exploring the grounds and gearing up for an on-site activity at Tenaya.
- Join the afternoon archery session and try your hand at hitting a bullseye in the pines.
- Enjoy a cozy dinner at Jackalope’s Bar & Grill or grab a casual bite at Timberloft Pizzeria.
- Relax in the indoor pool or hot tub, or warm up by the outdoor fire pits—don’t miss out on our complimentary evening s’mores station, the “s’morgasbord”!
After Dark: Spring Stargazing
Spring skies are ideal for stargazing, and both Tenaya and Yosemite National Park bring the night sky to life in unforgettable ways.
- Join a Sierra Stargazing experience, where Tenaya’s expert naturalist will guide you through the constellations visible above the Sierra Nevada. From Orion to the Milky Way, you’ll learn about stars, planets, and cultural mythology tied to the night sky – all from Tenaya’s outdoor viewing area surrounded by forested serenity.
- Stargazing from Tunnel View or Yosemite Valley offers a magical perspective of the night sky framed by Yosemite’s most iconic landmarks. Around sunset, take a scenic drive from Tenaya into the park to catch the cosmos.
- At Tunnel View, you’ll gaze out over El Capitan, Bridalveil Fall, and Half Dome silhouetted against a backdrop of stars – a breathtaking contrast that makes this overlook a favorite for night photographers.
- Down in the Valley, wide-open meadows such as Cook’s Meadow and Ahwahnee Meadow, provide peaceful spots to watch constellations drift across the sky. On clear spring nights, the lack of light pollution reveals a brilliant spread of stars, planets, and sometimes even the Milky Way arching above the granite walls. It’s the kind of Yosemite moment that lingers long after your trip ends.
Morning: Yosemite Valley Sights
Start early to catch Yosemite’s famous waterfalls at their spring peak. Melting snow turns Yosemite’s cascades into thunderous shows of nature. Make time to stop at the below list of must-see waterfalls in spring:
- Bridalveil Fall – One of the first waterfalls you’ll encounter when entering the Valley.
- Yosemite Falls – The tallest in North America, and a must in March–May.
Don’t miss the chance to catch a mistbow – a rare, rainbow-like phenomenon that appears in the spray of waterfalls when sunlight hits just right, most often seen at Yosemite Falls in the spring. Make sure to pack your ND filters and a tripod for waterfall photography!
Afternoon: Hiking & Wildlife Watching
Ready for a hiking adventure filled with towering granite monoliths, peaceful meadows, and vibrant wildlife? Spring is the perfect season to hit the trails, spot songbirds in flight and catch a distant glimpse of black bears awakening from hibernation. Explore these top spring hiking trails in Yosemite:
- The Mist Trail – One of the most iconic hikes in the park, the Mist Trail lives up to its name in spring when snowmelt sends water thundering over Vernal Fall. Keep an eye out for bobcats navigating talus fields with ease and birds of prey soaring overhead. Be sure to pack your rain gear! The powerful mist from the roaring waterfalls can leave you drenched without the right protection.
- Wawona Meadow Loop – A quiet 3.5-mile loop near Tenaya, this trail is especially peaceful in spring, with blooming dogwoods and chances to see wild turkeys, woodpeckers, and the occasional black bear in the early morning or evening.
Want to explore with an expert? Book a Private Guided Yosemite Hike through Tenaya at Yosemite. These customized hikes are led by experienced naturalists who tailor the experience to your group’s interests and fitness level. It’s a great way to deepen your connection with the park as you learn about its geology, flora, fauna, and hidden gems.
Evening: Back to Tenaya for On-Site Activities
After a full day in the park, return to Tenaya for some R&R – or more fun.
- Relax in the sauna and steam room at Ascent Spa after a long day of exploration.
- Enjoy a poolside, “dive-in” movie at Tenaya’s indoor pool.
- Cozy up with a fireside board game, craft cocktail or mocktail, and live entertainment in the Lodge lobby.
- Finish the evening with a closer look at the stars! On-site telescopes are available every evening on the terrace (weather permitting).
Morning: Walk Among Giants and Wildflowers
Spend your final day in Yosemite exploring one of the park’s most awe-inspiring treasures – the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Just minutes from Tenaya at Yosemite, this ancient grove is home to over 500 mature sequoias, including the famed Grizzly Giant and California Tunnel Tree. Look for purple lupine blooming along sunlit stretches of trail and the bright red snowplant, a striking wildflower that pops up through the pine needles in late spring.
- The Big Trees Loop Trail is an easy, 0.3-mile walk perfect for a short outing.
- The Grizzly Giant Loop Trail (about 2 miles) takes you past some of the most iconic trees in the grove.
- For a longer adventure, the Mariposa Grove Trail climbs all the way to the upper grove, where you’ll find sweeping views and fewer crowds.
Looking for something a little more adrenaline-fueled? Spring is a great time to explore rock climbing tours offered by regional guides.
Afternoon: Scenic Train Ride on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
After your morning hike, take a short drive to the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad for a delightful journey through history and nature. Located near Fish Camp, this historic narrow-gauge railroad offers scenic train rides aboard authentic steam locomotives.
Evening: Departure
As the sun begins to dip behind the Sierra peaks, it’s time to say goodbye to Yosemite – for now. Head back to Tenaya at Yosemite to freshen up, grab one last bite, or take a quiet moment near the creek to reflect on your spring escape. If you’re not quite ready to leave, consider extending your stay another night for an e-bike adventure, gold panning experience, or fun on the bocce ball court – you’re already in the perfect place to do so.