Wawona Hotel formerly Big Trees Lodge – Yosemite National Park

Built-in 1856 the Wawona Hotel formerly Big Trees Lodge is on the National Historic Landmark located near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Pioneer History Center in Yosemite National Park.

Big Tree Lodge features authentic Victorian-style architecture including authentic period furniture, marble top dressers, showcasing the authenticity of this mid-1800’s hotel. 

As of July 15, 2019, the name for the Big Tree Lodges has been restored to the Wawona Hotel. 

If you are wondering how far Big Tree Lodge is from Yosemite Valley…The hotel is 30 minutes from Yosemite Valley and a quiet oasis from the hustle and bustle of the valley. 

Rooms are available with and without a bathroom so you will want to make sure when you book a room.

Staying at the Big Tree Lodge is the perfect location for visiting Mariposa Grove and access to Oakhurst, California. 

Big Trees Lodge

We stayed in a queen bedroom with a private bathroom located on the 2nd floor of the main lodge building. The room had an outside entrance on the deck. There were 20+ stairs to reach the 2nd floor. If you have any mobility restrictions you will want to let the hotel know when you make your reservations.

The room reminded us of a room we stayed in Venice, Italy….the floor sloped down into the bathroom. A marble would have rolled right into the bathroom. The outside deck also had quite a slope on it. Enough that our suitcases rolled down it on their own.

This is definitely something to know if you have any mobility restrictions. With two knee surgeries in my history, I had to be really careful to make sure my steps were stable as I walked to the stairs. 

The room was decorated with Victorian-era decorations including a claw-footed tub in the bathroom. 

Room Options 

Rooms with Private Bathrooms

Room types – 1 Queen Bed, or 2 Double Beds, or 1 Double and 1 Single Bed

Rooms with Shared Bathrooms

Room types – 1 Queen Bed, or 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

Hotel Amenities

WiFi – Wireless access is available in the Sun Room and Golf Shop.

Golf course on the property

During the summer there are Saturday night barbecues at the hotel

Outdoor swimming pool

YARTS (Yosemite Area Rapid Transit System) Bus offers free shuttle service from the Big Tree Lodge to Yosemite Valley. 

There is also a free shuttle from the hotel to the Mariposa Grove of Trees offered often! Just make sure you don’t miss the final shuttle back to the hotel. 

Tuesday through Saturday evening from 5:30 to 9:30 there is live piano music in the parlor. 

Big Tree Lodge Dining Room

The Big Tree Lodge dining room is located on the 1st floor of the lodge off of the main lobby. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

You can also order drinks on the sun deck, in the piano bar and in the lobby of the hotel from 5 pm to 9:30 pm. 

Breakfast Menu

Lunch Menu

Dinner Menu

Dessert Menu

Big Tree Lodge Summer Barbecue

During the summer you can enjoy Saturday night barbecues on the lawn! This is a great way to relax and soak up the beauty of Yosemite NP. 

Also, keep an eye out for special musical performances that are held at the lodge. 

Things to know when planning a trip to the Big Trees Lodge in Yosemite National Park

Current season:

• April 1, 2019 – December 1, 2019
• December 13, 2019 – January 5, 2020

Check-In at 4:00 pm

Check-Out by 11:00 am

You can check current availability here. 

There are no pets allowed on the property.

See all of our Yosemite National Park Posts!

If you are looking to camp in Yosemite make sure and check out this post on all of the Yosemite Campgrounds that are available in the park.