Yosemite Valley Lodge: Wake Up Steps From Yosemite Falls Every Morning

If you are looking to stay in the heart of Yosemite National Park, then you will love Yosemite Valley Lodge. The lodge is located close to Yosemite Falls, which makes it an excellent base for a Yosemite vacation.

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Yosemite Valley Lodge

Yosemite Valley Lodge rooms are spread over fifteen buildings. We stayed in the Manzanita Building close to the pool.

The pool is available for hotel guests free of charge. They do have a daily rate if you are not staying at the lodge but want to cool off in the pool.

One thing to know about staying in Yosemite is the hotels do not have air conditioning. We stayed in the Yosemite Valley Lodge on a day it was 95 degrees in Yosemite Valley. I am not going to lie the room was warm.

There are screen doors on both sets of doors so that air can flow through the room. We ended up taking cold showers and sitting on the bed with cold wet towels over us and the fan going to cool off.

The room was still warm at night but it definitely cooled off compared to during the day.

Yosemite Valley Lodge has great dining options available on-site including Base Camp Eatery, Starbucks and the Mountain Room Restaurant.

Starbucks and Base Camp Eatery open early so you can get breakfast and snacks before hitting the trails for the day.

The gift shop has a small grocery section with beer, some food choices and lots of souvenirs.

Check Yosemite Valley Lodge Availability

Yosemite Valley Lodge Room - Traditional Room 1 King

We booked a traditional room with one king bed for our stay at the hotel. When you book you do not get to choose what building you stay in. We did read that people ask for Yosemite Falls views but we did not ask during our stay. We honestly were so hot with the weather we just wanted to get into the room and cool off for a while.

Our room was in the Manzanita building which is near the swimming pool. There was parking near the building that thankfully had space. There are no set parking spaces for hotel guests so you may have to walk a bit once you find a parking spot.

We would suggest parking and using the Yosemite free shuttle (YARTS) during your stay.

Our room was on the 2nd floor of the building with around 15 stairs to reach it. The room was clean and comfortable. The room was larger than we expected it to be. There was room to stretch out and relax.

We found the bed to be comfortable and easy to sleep on. It was actually hard to leave the next morning but we knew we wanted to have a full day exploring the Tioga Road and Tuolumne Meadows.

The sink and mirror are separate from the toilet and shower, making it easy for two people to get ready in the morning. There is a small college dorm-sized refrigerator below the sink that is large enough to hold drinks and snacks.

The shower has shampoo, conditioner, and soap, so you don't need to pack them if you are ok with hotel amenities.

Traditional 1 King Room in Yosemite Valley Lodge

Room Types at Yosemite Valley Lodge

Yosemite Valley Lodge provides 245 Traditional, Family, Bunk, and ADA Accesible Rooms near Yosemite Falls.

Traditional Rooms

Traditional rooms is a hotel style room with one of the following options: one King Bed, two Double beds, or one Queen.

Family Rooms

Family rooms are located upstairs with large windows, have a King-sized bed, a bunk bed with a double-size bed on bottom and a single-sized bed on top, a sofa, a dining table, and a large TV

Bunk Rooms

Bunk Rooms are perfect for small groups, closest to the Merced River, and have a Queen-size bed and a Bunk bed (Double size bed on bottom, and a single bed on top.

Yosemite Valley Lodge Amenities

Private bathroom
Hairdryer
Small table and chairs
Small refrigerator
Coffee Maker
TV
Iron/ Ironing Board (Available by Request)
Extra blankets (Available upon Request)
Rollaway Crib (Available upon Request)
Balcony or patio
Toiletries
Fan
Mountain WiFi
Free guest parking
shuttle access
Seasonal outdoor swimming pool
Gift Shop
Seasonal onsite bike rentals
Outdoor Amphitheater

Reserve Your Room at the Yosemite Valley Lodge Before it Fills Up

Things to know when planning a stay at the Yosemite Valley Lodge

Check-In at 4:00 pm

Check-Out by 11:00 am

Smoking is strictly prohibited at all accommodations and buildings in Yosemite.

Pets: no pets allowed on the property.

WIFI: WiFi bandwidth is limited in Yosemite National Park. The WiFi is only recommended for checking email or some (very) light web browsing.

Location: Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley Lodge Address:
9006 Yosemite Lodge Dr.
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389

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Base Camp Eatery at Yosemite Valley Lodge

Where to Eat at Yosemite Valley Lodge

The Yosemite Valley Lodge has several dining options to match your needs. They have everything from a morning cup of coffee to fine dining

Base Camp Eatery

Base Camp Eatery is the kind of place that sets the tone for a great day in the park. The casual atmosphere makes it easy to linger over a proper cup of coffee from the Starbucks bar before heading out to the trails, and the all-day menu gives you plenty to look forward to whether you're fueling up at breakfast or winding down after a long afternoon hike. The kitchen leans on local and seasonal ingredients across a menu that covers everything from classic grill items and pasta to fried chicken, with vegetarian and grab-and-go options also on hand. Seating is available indoors or out, making it a welcoming stop at any point in the day.

Starbucks

The Starbucks located just off Base Camp Eatery is a welcome convenience for guests like myself who want a familiar favorite before heading into the park. It offers the full range of espresso drinks, coffee, and tea alongside pastries and grab-and-go snacks, and doubles as a small gift stop as well. There is no dedicated seating, but guests are welcome to take their drinks into Base Camp Eatery and settle in before the day begins.

The Mountain Room: Fine Dining With Views of Yosemite Falls

The Mountain Room is the lodge's signature dinner restaurant, and it earns that status both on the plate and through the window. Floor-to-ceiling views of Yosemite Falls set the backdrop for an upscale casual menu built around chef-inspired steaks, fresh pasta, and seafood sourced in line with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch List. The kitchen puts a strong emphasis on local, organic, and seasonal ingredients, with vegan and gluten-free options rounding out the menu. Reservations are recommended and can be made through OpenTable, making it worth planning ahead if you want to secure a table for what is likely to be one of the more memorable meals of your trip.

Mountain Room Lounge at Yosemite National Park

The Mountain Room Lounge

The Mountain Room Lounge is the kind of spot that makes it easy to lose track of time in the best way. Pull up a seat near the Swedish-style fireplace, order a cocktail or a beer on tap, and roast marshmallows while the evening settles in around you. The menu keeps things relaxed with appetizers and light bites, and when the weather cooperates, the outdoor patio opens up with views that remind you exactly where you are. It is a great option for a casual wind-down after a full day in the park.

Book the Yosemite Valley Lodge Before it Fills

Additional Yosemite National Park Information & Resources

Yosemite National Park Tours

California Audio Tour Bundle (Get 4 Audio Tours)
⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 days | 🔊Check Rates and Availability

With Shaka Guide's GPS Audio Tours, you are guided to hidden gems and iconic sights. Now, you can explore at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with a tour. Tours include:

Yosemite's Majestic Beauty
Death Valley's Unique Geology
Joshua Tree's otherworldly Landscapes
Lake Tahoe's Clear Waters

Yosemite Mist Trail and Nevada Fall Loop Private Day Hike
⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6-8 Hours | 🥾Check Rates and Availability

Discover one of Yosemite National Park's most beloved hikes as you follow the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall, a 4-hour guided hike from Yosemite Valley. Take in sweeping views of the valley while climbing alongside your guide, and learn about the park's ecology, natural history, and landscape. Catch a glimpse of Vernal Fall as you cross the Merced River, walk through billowing mist on a trail that parallels the waterfall's drop from a high, granite cliff, then enjoy clear air and scenic views from the top.

Private Full-Day Fly Fishing for Beginners and Experienced Anglers
⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🎣 Check Rates and Availability

Here is your chance to enjoy fly fishing in Yosemite with your private guide! This full-day adventure (Approx. 8 hours) is where you can fish the Tuolumne and Merced River watersheds for Rainbow, Brown, Brook, and Golden Trout on the catch-and-release excursion. The tour includes:

all fly fishing gear, fishing license, Peak Season Reservation, and entrance fees
round-trip transportation from Yosemite Valley or Groveland
snacks/lunch

Check out more great tours of Yosemite.

Lodges In Yosemite National Park

⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Ahwahnee Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.

The Ahwahnee stands as Yosemite's most iconic lodge, a National Historic Landmark that has hosted royalty and presidents while offering unmatched views of Half Dome and Yosemite Falls. This architectural masterpiece blends historic elegance with modern comfort, featuring fine dining, a heated outdoor pool, and artisan shops right at your doorstep. After a day exploring the valley's waterfalls and granite cliffs, you'll appreciate the world-class hospitality and luxurious amenities that make this more than just a place to stay.

⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Yosemite Valley Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.

Yosemite Valley Lodge sits right at the base of Yosemite Falls, offering 245 rooms including family rooms and bunk rooms perfect for groups exploring the park together. The lodge's glass-and-wood architecture frames incredible views while keeping you close to trailheads, with shuttle access, multiple dining options, and seasonal bike rentals right onsite. After hiking to Vernal Fall or exploring the valley floor, cool off in the seasonal outdoor pool or grab a meal before heading to the outdoor amphitheater for evening ranger programs.

⭐️ 4.0 of 5 Stars - Wawona Hotel - Currently Closed for Renovations

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.

⭐️ 4.3 of 5 Stars - Curry Village Tent Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.

Nestled beneath Glacier Point since 1899, Curry Village offers authentic Yosemite lodging with options from classic tent cabins to wood cabins and hotel rooms. This historic base camp puts you right in the heart of Yosemite Valley with multiple dining options, an outdoor pool, and easy shuttle access to trailheads and waterfalls. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly tent cabin experience or more traditional accommodations, Curry Village delivers that classic national park stay with all the amenities you need after a day on the trails.

Lodges near Yosemite National Park

There are great options for lodging near Yosemite National Park. We are huge fans of staying in Oakhurst, California and entering the park from the southern entrance. Here is a few of our favorite places to stay in Oakhurst:

⭐️ 4.8 of 5 Stars - Chateau du Sureau - Click here for Rates and Availability.

Exceptional 5-star luxury accommodations south of Yosemite National Park. Includes breakfast, feww WIFI, pet friendly, air conditioning and much more! Also has an incredible restaurant o-site and a spa!

⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - The Pines Resort at Bass Lake - Click here for Rates and Availability.

Bass Lake Beachfront Resort with lots of amenities, including Spa services, gym, two restaurants, bar/lounge, Airconditioning and more!

⭐️ 4.4 of 5 Stars - Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite - Click here for Rates and Availability.

4-star eco-friendly resort near Yosemite. You can look forward to a poolside bar, a terrace, and shopping on site at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. Adventurous travelers may like the rock climbing, snowshoeing, and ice skating at this resort. Indulge in a deep-tissue massage, a body treatment, and aromatherapy at Ascent Spa, the onsite spa

Click on this link or the map below to see additional lodging options near Yosemite NP.

Yosemite National Park Entrance Fee

New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Yosemite National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.

Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

$0.00 for Education/Academic Group

$300.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)

$40.00-$20.00 for Commercial Sedan with 1-6 seats and non-commercial groups (16+ persons)

$20.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

$200.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

$300.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.

Yosemite National Park No Longer Requires Peak Hours Reservations

Yosemite National Park will not require advance reservations in 2026, including during peak summer months and the February-March firefall period. The park will rely on real-time traffic management measures, including temporary traffic diversions when parking areas reach capacity and deployment of additional seasonal staff to manage high-use areas.

Additional Yosemite National Park Resources

Additional Information on Oakhurst/Bass Lake, California

Check out all of the National Parks in California and neighboring National Parks in Oregon, National Parks in Nevada, and National Parks in Arizona.

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