Blog & Travel Tips
Your insider guide to Yosemite, Groveland, and the Sierra Nevada
Latest Articles
HikingThe 10 Best Hikes in Yosemite National Park
From the iconic Mist Trail to the challenging Half Dome summit, discover the trails that make Yosemite a hiker's paradise.
8 min read
PlanningYosemite Seasonal Guide: When to Visit and What to Expect
Each season brings a different Yosemite experience. Spring waterfalls, summer adventures, fall colors, and winter wonderland.
6 min read
Dining GuideWhere to Eat in Groveland: The Complete Restaurant Guide
From California's oldest saloon to hidden culinary gems — our top 10 Groveland restaurant picks with insider tips and must-try dishes.
7 min read
SightseeingYosemite's Most Stunning Viewpoints
Glacier Point, Tunnel View, Olmsted Point — the iconic vistas you absolutely cannot miss on your Yosemite trip.
5 min read
FamilyFamily-Friendly Activities Near Our Cabin
Rainbow Pool swimming, Pine Mountain Lake, easy nature trails, and more adventures the whole family will love.
4 min read
TipsWhat to Pack for Your Yosemite Cabin Trip
Essential gear, seasonal clothing tips, and a complete packing checklist for your mountain getaway.
4 min readYosemite Insider Tips
Everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Yosemite National Park and the surrounding area
Mist Trail
The #1 must-do hike. Walk alongside Vernal and Nevada Falls — you'll get soaked by the mist, and it's absolutely worth it. Pro tip: hike up Mist Trail and descend via the John Muir Trail for the best experience.
Half Dome
A bucket-list 14-mile round trip climbing 4,800 feet. Permits are required and hard to get — apply in the lottery well in advance. The cable section is thrilling but not for the faint of heart.
Glacier Point
Arguably the best viewpoint in all of Yosemite. Stunning views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the entire valley. Come at sunset for golden hour magic. Road open May through October.
Tunnel View
The famous Ansel Adams view of Yosemite Valley framed by El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall. Best in the afternoon with the sun at your back. For fewer crowds, hike up to Artist Point nearby.
Yosemite Falls
The tallest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet. The Lower Falls trail is an easy walk; the full trail to the top is a strenuous all-day hike with incredible views looking down.
Rainbow Pool
A local secret just 15 miles east of Groveland — a gorgeous natural swimming hole fed by a waterfall in the Stanislaus National Forest. Perfect for a hot summer afternoon.
Hetch Hetchy
Skip the crowds at this under-the-radar Yosemite gem. The trail to Wapama Falls offers spectacular scenery with a fraction of the visitors. Accessed from the road near Groveland.
Sentinel Dome
A short, moderate hike to one of the most beautiful 360-degree panoramic viewpoints in the park. Especially stunning at sunset when golden light hits Half Dome.
Wildlife Watching
Yosemite is home to black bears, mule deer, coyotes, and over 260 bird species. Dawn and dusk in the meadows offer the best sighting opportunities. Always maintain a safe distance.
Stargazing
With minimal light pollution, Groveland and Yosemite offer incredible night skies. Summer nights are ideal. Bring binoculars and look for the Milky Way arching overhead.
Tuolumne River Rafting
The Wild and Scenic Tuolumne River is California's premier wilderness whitewater, rated #1 by the San Francisco Chronicle. Several outfitters offer day and multi-day trips.
Wildflower Season
Visit in late spring (May-June) for spectacular wildflower displays in Yosemite's meadows. Crane Flat and Tuolumne Meadows are particularly beautiful during peak bloom.
When to Visit
Each season offers a unique Yosemite experience. Here's what to expect throughout the year.
- ✓Peak waterfall season — Yosemite Falls at full force
- ✓Wildflower blooms in lower elevations
- ✓Fewer crowds than summer
- ✓Some high-elevation roads still closed
- ✓All roads and trails open
- ✓Perfect for high-country hiking (Tuolumne Meadows)
- ✓Warm days, cool mountain evenings
- ✓Busiest season — arrive early to beat crowds
- ✓Stunning fall foliage along rivers and meadows
- ✓Comfortable hiking temperatures
- ✓Thinner crowds, golden light for photography
- ✓Waterfalls may slow to a trickle
- ✓Snow-covered valley — magical scenery
- ✓Cross-country skiing at Badger Pass
- ✓Snowshoeing to Dewey Point
- ✓Quietest season; Tioga Road closed