Evergreen Lodge

Top choice in Yosemite National Park


Outside Yosemite National Park near the entrance to Hetch Hetchy, this classic, nearly century-old resort consists of lovingly decorated and comfy cabins (each with its own cache of board games) spread among the trees. Accommodations run from rustic to deluxe, and all cabins have private porches without a distracting phone or TV. Roughing-it guests can cheat with comfy, prefurnished tents.

It has just about everything you could ask for, including a tavern (complete with a pool table), a general store, a fantastic restaurant serving all meals, live music, horseshoe pits, ping-pong, bocce ball, a giant outdoor chess set, a kids' zipline, s'mores every night, and all sorts of guided hikes and outdoor activities – many of them family oriented. Seasonal equipment rentals are also available. Evergreen uses hydroelectric power and has an electrical-car charging station. Off-peak rates are especially good value.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Yosemite National Park attractions

1. Tueeulala Falls

7.64 MILES

These falls, pronounced twee-lala, drop more than 1000ft over a sheer granite cliff on the north side of the Hetch Hetchy reservoir.

2. Merced Grove

7.87 MILES

A dirt road, closed to cars, dips steeply down the smallest, densest and quietest sequoia grove in the park.

3. Wapama Falls

7.9 MILES

These falls, on the north side of the Hetch Hetchy reservoir, fall more than 1000ft and are a worthy destination for a 5-mile round-trip hike from the O…

5. Rainbow Pool

9.24 MILES

About 15 miles east of Groveland, in the Stanislaus National Forest, Rainbow Pool is a popular swimming hole with a small cascade; it's signed on the…

6. Tunnel View

14.9 MILES

Just off Hwy 41, immediately east of Wawona Tunnel, is the parking lot for this spectacular viewpoint where you can take in much of the valley floor,…

7. Ribbon Falls

15.19 MILES

At 1600 ft, Ribbon Falls, only seen from the west side of El Capitan, is the highest single drop falls in North America. There's no signage and no real…

8. Valley View

15.34 MILES

Views of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall can be had from this valley-floor turnout.