Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (Fodor's) - Fodor's [23]
Homestead Cottages.
$$–$$$$ | Serenity is the order of the day at this secluded getaway in Ahwahnee, 6 mi west of Oakhurst. Set on 160 acres of rolling hills that once held a Miwok village, the cottages here have gas fireplaces, living rooms, fully equipped kitchens, and queen-size beds; the largest sleeps six. Hand-built by the owners out of real adobe bricks, the cottages are also stocked with soft robes, oversize towels, and paperback books. Pros: remote; quiet; friendly owners. Cons: remote; some urbanites might find it a little too quiet. | 41110 Rd. 600, 2½ mi off Hwy. 49, Ahwahnee 93601 | 559/683–0495 or 800/483–0495 | www.homesteadcottages.com | 5 cottages, 1 loft | In-room: no phone, kitchen | AE, D, MC, V.
Little Valley Inn.
$$–$$$ | Historical photos and old mining tools recall Mariposa’s heritage at this modern B and B. A suite that sleeps five people includes a full kitchen. All rooms have private entrances, baths, and decks. The large grounds include a creek where you can pan for gold. Pros: quiet; comfortable; about halfway between Yosemite’s western entrances. Cons: still about 40 minutes outside the park. | 3483 Brooks Rd., off Rte. 49, Mariposa 95338 | 209/742–6204 or 800/889–5444 | www.littlevalley.com | 4 rooms, 1 suite, 1 cabin | In-room: no phone, refrigerator | MC, V | CP.
Narrow Gauge Inn.
$$–$$$$ | All of the rooms at this well-tended, family-owned property have balconies (some shared) and great views of the surrounding woods and mountains. For maximum atmosphere, book a room overlooking the brook; for quiet, choose a lower-level room on the edge of the forest. All of the rooms are comfortably furnished with old-fashioned accents. Reserve way ahead. The restaurant ($$$, open Wednesday–Sunday, April–October), which is festooned with moose, bison, and other wildlife trophies, specializes in steaks and American fare, and merits a special trip. Pros: close to Yosemite’s South Entrance; well-appointed; wonderful balconies. Cons: rooms can feel a bit dark; dining options are limited (especially for vegetarians). | 48571 Hwy. 41, Fish Camp 93623 | 559/683–7720 or 888/644–9050 | www.narrowgaugeinn.com | 25 rooms, 1 suite | In-room: no a/c (some), Wi-Fi. In-hotel: restaurant, bar, pool, some pets allowed | D, MC, V | CP.
Snowcreek Resort.
$$$–$$$$ | In a valley surrounded by mountain peaks, this 355-acre modern condominium and town-house community on the outskirts of Mammoth Lakes contains one- to four-bedroom units. All have kitchens, living- and dining rooms, and fireplaces; some have washers and dryers. Guests have free use of the well-equipped athletic club. Pros: lots of evening activities and options; families can be very comfortable here; modern. Cons: a little too bustling for some; expensive. | 1254 Old Mammoth Rd., Mammoth Lakes 93546 | 760/934–3333 or 800/544–6007 | www.snowcreek.com | 180 condos | In-room: no a/c, kitchen. In-hotel: golf course, tennis courts, pools, gym, some pets allowed | AE, D, MC, V.
Tamarack Lodge Resort.
$$–$$$$ | Tucked away on the edge of the John Muir Wilderness Area, where cross-country ski trails loop through the woods, this 1924 lodge looks like something out of a snow globe; the lake it borders is serenely beautiful. Rooms in the charming main lodge have spartan furnishings, and, in old-fashioned style, some share a bathroom. For more privacy, opt for one of the cabins, which range from rustic to downright cushy; many have fireplaces, kitchens, or wood-burning stoves. In warm months, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking are right outside. The small, romantic Lakefront Restaurant ($$$) serves outstanding contemporary French-inspired dinners—with an emphasis on game—in a candlelit dining room. Reservations are essential. Pros: rustic but not run-down; tons of nearby outdoor activities. Cons: thin walls; some main