Summer Weekend Itinerary

Check into your cozy Lodge or Cottage room and settle into nature-mode. You’ve arrived at a place that was built to enhance your adventure at every turn.

Jump into the Tenaya experience with our on-site Glass Blowing Experience — a hands-on opportunity to shape molten glass into a keepsake of your trip.

Enjoy a classic meal, Sierra-style. Gold Rush BBQ is a casual favorite with smoky flavors and mountain vibes—complete with fire pits, local brews, and lasso lessons.

Then, take a short drive to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias for a peaceful sunset hike among ancient giants. The golden-hour light through the towering trees is something you’ll never forget.

Cap off the night with the Sierra Stargazing experience, where telescopes and expert guides help you discover planets, constellations, and stories hidden in the sky. It’s a magical way to wind down and settle into the rhythm of the mountains.

Welcome sunrise in Yosemite Valley with a stroll through one of its most peaceful pockets: Cook’s Meadow with its dreamy boardwalks, Stoneman Meadow under the towering cliffs (ideally located for parking near The Mist Trail), or El Capitan Meadow, where you might spot climbers ascending the granite face. These serene stops are perfect for soaking in the morning light and low-hanging fog.

Then, take on one of the park’s most iconic hikes: the Mist Trail. This scenic trail follows the rushing Merced River past emerald pools and up a stone staircase carved into the granite cliffs. With over 600 steps to Vernal Fall and a total elevation gain of about 1,000 feet to the footbridge — or 2,000+ if you continue to Nevada Fall—it’s a thrilling challenge that rewards you with misty views, vibrant rainbows, and the sound of cascading water around every bend. Book a private guided hike with Yosemite 360° Tours to let a local lead the way, tailoring the pace to your needs while sharing stories about the park’s geology, flora, and history.

Back at Tenaya, treat yourself to a well-earned unwind at Ascent Spa. Whether you choose a soothing massage, a eucalyptus steam, or just quiet time in the sauna, it’s the perfect way to ease tired muscles and reset your senses before tomorrow’s adventures.

Ease into the evening with dinner at Embers, where seasonal ingredients and chef-crafted flavors take center stage. It’s a more refined take on Sierra dining, with a menu that reflects the surrounding landscape.

Afterward, head outside to one of Tenaya’s fire pits. With a drink in hand and the night settling in around you, it’s the kind of moment that doesn’t need much else—just good conversation, crisp mountain air, and a sky full of stars.

Take Tioga Road (Highway 120) through the park’s high country. There are no gas stations between Crane Flat and Lee Vining, and limited services along Tioga Road—so fill your tank and pack snacks or a picnic before you head out.

Along the way, stop at Olmsted Point for panoramic views of Tenaya Canyon and Half Dome from an unexpected angle.

For added adventure, stretch your legs on a short hike to May Lake, a hidden gem tucked beneath Mount Hoffmann. The 2.4-mile round-trip trail features sweeping views and a pristine alpine lake that feels like your own private retreat.

Continue on to Tenaya Lake, a striking, glacier-fed alpine lake set against smooth granite domes and clear Sierra sky. Pull off along the shoreline to take it in, stretch your legs, or settle in for a picnic by the water. On warmer days, the calm, glassy surface is ideal for a quick dip or paddleboarding.

From there, follow Tioga Road into Tuolumne Meadows, where the landscape opens up in a completely different way. Wide skies, the winding Tuolumne River, and expansive subalpine meadows define this high-country setting. It’s the perfect place to pause and bring your Yosemite adventure to a close.