California Mountains & Parks
California Mountains & National Parks
Including Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes and Death Valley, these areas stretch down the Eastern side of the State along the Nevada border. Offering stunning scenery with mountains, lakes, rivers and deserts, with an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking, as well as skiing and snow shoeing in the winter, Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes and Death Valley make a great contrast to the coastal attractions in the West.
Tuolumne County
Experience iconic Yosemite explorations, authentic California Gold Country discoveries and unforgettable High Sierra outdoor adventures in Tuolumne County. Just 2 ½ hours east of the San Francisco Bay Area, Tuolumne County is easily accessible year-round. Enjoy endless outdoor recreation, state and national park, sightseeing, stargazing, history, shopping, wine and cider tasting, relaxation and much more.
Tuolumne County is a pristine, scenic expanse reaching from the foothills into the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Gold was discovered in Tuolumne County in 1848, setting off the major gold rush of 1849. The main highways leading to the picturesque drive from San Francisco and East Bay Area are Highways 108 and 120 from the west and Highway 49 from the north. The CA Highway 120 entrance to Yosemite National Park is considered the ‘front door’ of the park for the
San Francisco Bay Area. The Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park and other surrounding areas provide numerous outdoor activities including hiking, water skiing, horse riding, rafting, camping under the stars, boating and fishing. Historic hotels, golf courses, numerous and varied dining establishments, wineries and a hard cider distillery, museums, two state historic parks, live theatre and many bed-and-breakfast inns are among the many other attributes that make the county a year-round vacation destination. Try your hand at panning for gold, visit an historic saloon or take a ride on an authentic stagecoach or steam train.
Suggested Itineraries
Suggested Accommodation- Yosemite National Park
Yosemite View LodgeModerateFrom £110 per room per night
Being the closest accommodation outside of the park, the Yosemite View Lodge is located right on the border, east of El Portal and alongside the Merced River.
The lodge has beautifully appointed accommodations which have cable TV, hairdryer and private bathrooms, many with spa baths, kitchenettes and fireplaces. There is an indoor and outdoor pool, a restaurant, cocktail lounge and gift shop.
The Redwoods in YosemiteSelf-CateringFrom £161 per room per night
Located four miles from the South Entrance of Yosemite National Park, off Highway 41, these homes are situated in the Wawona area. The Redwoods Homes are ideally located for enjoying all that this renowned National Park has to offer. The Redwoods Silver and Gold Homes offer a wide range of sizes from 1 to 6 bedrooms.
Silver Homes are well maintained with up to date furnishings, but may not be as such high quality as the Gold Homes. Gold Homes are well coordinated and attracting, featuring new, or almost new upgraded quality furnishings. All homes feature BBQ, well equipped kitchen including microwave, coffee maker and dishwasher, WiFi, TV, free local calls and most homes also have satellite and DVD player.
Yosemite Valley Lodge ModerateFrom £216 per room per night
This hotel is adjacent to the Yosemite Falls in the Yosemite Valley area of the park. The Yosemite Valley Lodge also features a food court, restaurant, bar and outdoor swimming pool.
The hotel offers 245 rooms with private bathrooms, TV and telephone. There is also a tour desk where you can plan park activities including rafting, hiking, climbing and biking. During peak season there are also specialist ranger/naturalist presentations every evening. Breakfast is included in the rate. Children under 13 years stay free in the room when sharing existing bedding.
Yosemite Cedar Lodge Tourist ClassFrom £93 per room per night
The Cedar Lodge is located only eight miles from the entrance to Yosemite National Park in El Portal. The hotel is also in close proximity to the Merced River, walking trails, fishing, rafting and kayaking.
All rooms have cable TV and a private bathroom. The lodge also features an indoor and outdoor pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, lounge and gift shop.
Tenaya Lodge First ClassFrom £215 per room per night
Bordering Yosemite National Park, the Tenaya Lodge is the only full service resort within the High Sierra Mountain Range. It is situated two miles from the south entrance of Yosemite and surrounded by beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.
The hotel boasts 244 well equipped rooms with coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hair dryer and safe. The lodge has a restaurant and bar, fitness centre, spa, indoor and outdoor pool and jacuzzi.
Suggested Accommodation- Mammoth Lakes
Cinnamon Bear InnBed & BreakfastFrom £90 per room per night
This is a quaint bed and breakfast, nestled in the mountains, close to restaurants and shopping.
The inn has a comfortable, homely atmosphere, a full complimentary breakfast is included each morning and hors d’oeuvres in the afternoon. All rooms are beautifully furnished, non-smoking, with private baths, free HBO and a daily maid service.
Alpenhof Lodge ModerateFrom £134 per room per night
The Alpenhof Lodge is located within walking distance of shops and restaurants, and the gondola.
The 58 rooms are comfortably furnished and there is an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar and games room. The lodge offers the choice of a room, a suite or cabin and the amenities include complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, iron and ironing board and ski/snowboard racks.
Suggested Accommodation- Sequoia National Park
Wuksachi LodgeModerateFrom £109 per room per night
At an elevation of 7200 feet, this lodge has spectacular views of the mountain peaks and Sequoia forest. These giant trees surround the lodge and the park’s main attractions, such as the General Sherman Tree and Moro rock are easily accessible from there.
The Wuksachi Lodge offers 102 rooms with modern amenities, including TV, telephone, coffee maker and mini-refrigerator. There is also a restaurant, bar and gift shop. Children under 13 years stay free in the room when sharing existing bedding.
Comfort Inn & Suites Sequoia Kings CanyonModerateFrom £105 per room per night
This Comfort Inn hotel is just an 11 minute drive from Sequoia National Park. Nearby local attractions include Kaweak Lake, Lemon Cove, Three Rivers Historical Society, Stanislaus National Forest and Kings Canyon National Park.
The rooms are simply furnished and have televisions and coffee makers and some also offer microwaves and refrigerators. Onsite amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, hot tub, picnic area, gift shop and fitness centre. Breakfast and Wi-Fi- is also included in the rate.
Suggested Accommodation- Death Valley National Park
The Ranch at Death ValleyModerateFrom £155 per room per night
The Ranch at Death Valley is located in an oasis in the centre of the Death Valley National Park. The hotel features a spring-fed swimming pool, a golf course, as well as tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.
The hotel has 224 rooms, restaurants, a coffee shop and a saloon. For your stay, you can choose between standard rooms, deluxe rooms, cabins or staying within the campgrounds. The resort also offer horseback rides, carriage tours and Jeep rentals. Children under 17 years stay free in the room when using existing bedding.
Suggested Accommodation- Barstow
Best Western Desert Villa InnModerateFrom £84 per room per night
Located on Historic Route 66, this Best Western hotel is between the I-15 and I-40. Between Death Valley and Yosemite National Park, Barstow is an old Western mining town in the Mojave Desert.
This hotel is on the edge of town and offers an outdoor pool, jacuzzi and cocktail bar. The rooms are comfortable and amenities include coffee maker, TV, refrigerator, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and high speed internet access. Complimentary continental breakfast is included.