Late Morning: From Lazy Start to Big Views
- Let yourself sleep in—no alarms, no pressure. Grab a latte at Parkside Deli, linger on your private patio (if you chose to stay in the Explorer Cabins at Tenaya), and breathe in that pine-scented air. Try your aim at on-site archery or bocce ball, find hidden gems with gold panning, or ascend to new heights on our climbing wall—all included in your stay.
- When you’re ready to roam, point your wheels toward the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway—a 90+ mile loop winding through the Sierra National Forest with sweeping vistas, granite cliffs, wildflower fields, and alpine lakes. It’s a photographer’s dream and a crowd-dodger’s paradise.
- If you’d prefer an afternoon hike to a drive, Corlieu Falls delivers Sierra magic. This tucked-away trail is part of Lewis Creek and offers a forested walk to a 50-foot cascade that tumbles through mossy boulders and fern-framed rock. It’s a favorite among those who prefer the sound of birdsong to bus engines and located just minutes from Tenaya.
Afternoon: Late Entry into Yosemite & Ancient Forests
- By late afternoon, it’s your time to shine. No vehicle reservation is required to enter Yosemite National Park after 2pm, which means you can head in freely for golden-hour explorations.
- We recommend a visit to the legendary Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias—home to more than 500 mature sequoias including the Grizzly Giant and the California Tunnel Tree. The late-day light filters through ancient trees and adds a kind of stillness you can feel in your bones.
Evening: Yosemite Valley History & Stargazing Under Sierra Skies
- After your stroll among giants, continue into Yosemite Valley and make your way to Tunnel View—arguably Yosemite’s most iconic overlook—for a sunset you’ll never forget. As the light fades behind El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall, the valley below glows in gold.
- Before the stars come out, take time to explore Yosemite’s rich cultural roots. Just behind the Yosemite Museum, you’ll find the Indian Village of Ahwahnee. Take a self-guided walking tour of reconstructed bark dwellings, ceremonial structures, and interpretive signage honoring the Ahwahneechee people. It’s a quiet, moving way to experience the cultural history of the land.
- Afterward, stop by the historic Ahwahnee Hotel to admire its iconic architecture and artwork. Originally built in 1927, the hotel remains a testament to the intersection of elegance and wilderness.
- The Milky Way has never looked this close. Settle in for a peaceful night of stargazing. Join a Yosemite Conservancy stargazing program or simply lay back and watch the cosmos above El Capitan or Ahwahnee Meadow. And remember—when exploring meadows and sensitive habitats throughout the park, always stay on established pathways to support meadow restoration efforts and uphold Leave No Trace principles.