I had been driving for a few hours, so when I made the final turn on the quiet country road that leads to Evergreen Lodge, I was excited to get out of the car and start exploring. Just minutes away from checking in, I was happily stopped on the roadway by my first wildlife spotting — a herd of free-roaming cattle, many sporting clanking cow bells. Their musical roadway antics were the perfect introduction to the unique Yosemite experience that Evergreen Lodge offers guests.
When the lodge first opened a century ago, Prohibition was in full swing, and lore has it that moonshine was brewed in the basement. It’s believed the property was constructed primarily to serve workers building the O’Shaughnessy Dam in nearby Hetch Hetchy Valley.
After a day exploring Yosemite Valley, head to the property’s solar-heated saltwater pool.
Credit: 2021 Kim Carroll
Today, more than 80 cabins are scattered throughout the 20-acre property. A majority are two-bedroom cabins with full bathrooms that can accommodate four to six people.
I stayed in a two-bedroom family cabin steps from the pool. The layout was pleasant and practical; one bedroom had a king bed, another two twin beds, and the living room featured a queen sofa bed. When closed, the sliding barn doors off both bedrooms created three contained and private sleeping areas.
Surrounded by towering trees, all cabins have a cozy, rustic vibe, but offer the modern conveniences most clients desire, including reliable Wi-Fi access, mini-refrigerators, Keurig coffee machines, electric kettles, ample USB ports, easy-to-reach electrical outlets and both central heating and air conditioning.
There are no televisions, but cabins are stocked with board games and books, and offer patios to sit and blissfully do nothing. Clients will experience all the satisfying feelings that come with sleeping in the wilderness without giving up the amenities they love.
Camping at Evergreen Lodge
Even campers will be spoiled at Evergreen Lodge. Guests arrive to tents that are already set up, furnished with foam mattresses, sleeping bags, linens, camping chairs and a lantern. (Cooking is not allowed at any of the 21 campsites due to fire and bear risks, but food storage lockers are provided.)
Located at the western edge of Yosemite National Park, the lodge is less than 10 miles from the too-often skipped Hetch Hetchy reservoir and O’Shaughnessy Dam. Plan on an hour’s drive to reach Yosemite Valley.
Autumn is a great time of year to visit the park; the number of visitors decreases considerably, and the weather is great for hiking. Some of the big-name waterfalls such as Yosemite, Bridalveil and Vernal Fall may be reduced to a trickle, but Yosemite Valley makes up for it with its take on falls colors around mid-October.
Are Reservations Still Required to Visit Yosemite?
Entrance reservations, mandated throughout the busy summer months to manage visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic, are no longer required, and park passes are once again valid for seven consecutive days. Some modified operations due to COVID-19 will remain in place. There are no shuttle buses operating, no traditional Ranger walks, and stores and restaurants may have limited hours.
A guest cabin at Evergreen Lodge
Credit: 2021 Kim Carroll
Yosemite National Park includes nearly 1,200 square miles of inspiring scenery; clients will likely want to spend as much time exploring as possible, but encourage them to set aside some time to simply enjoy the property.
They can play a game of horseshoes or bocce ball, swing in a hammock or spot deer on the Nature Trail that loops the property. The solar-heated saltwater pool and hot tub are a relaxing escape for all ages after hours on the trail, and a fantastic spot to view the sunset.
Evergreen Lodge values old-fashioned family fun; even clients traveling without kids will appreciate the richness and charm it adds to a stay here. Tuolumne Hall, the Evergreen’s game room, boasts a pool table, a shuffleboard, a foosball table, a bumper pool, a ping-pong table and more. Daily activities range from bingo and nature journaling to tie dying. Nature-inspired playgrounds include a tree fort, a climbing spider web and a pair of ziplines for kids and kids-at-heart.
Cabins have refrigerators, but to discourage any possibly curious wildlife, there are no barbecues or cooking facilities for guest use. The General Store offers grab-and-go items such as yogurt, sandwiches and fruit, in addition to an assortment of coffee drinks. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the Main Lodge Tavern & Restaurant.
For a change of culinary scenery, guests can make the 15-minute-or-so drive to Evergreen’s sister property, Rush Creek Lodge. Wherever they dine, they’ll want to save room for dessert. Both properties offer nightly complimentary s’mores, another old-school favorite that’s bound to bring a smile to your clients’ faces.
The Details
Evergreen Lodge
