Tenaya at Yosemite & Explorer Cabins - Why You Should Visit This Winter
Hi friends and Merry Christmas! This week I’m celebrating the holidays and the beginning of the Winter season in Yosemite National Park, and I’m delighted to partner with Tenaya at Yosemite, an incredible mountain resort located just outside of the park. Join me in discovering all that Tenaya at Yosemite has to offer during Winter as I stay in a Premium Explorer Cabin.
Winter sunrise over Tenaya Lodge
Tenaya at Yosemite Overview
Tenaya at Yosemite has been welcoming guests since 1990 and it’s about the closest hotel you can find outside of the park. Owned and operated by Delaware North, the property offers over 300 luxurious lodge rooms, suites, cottages, and cabins, as well as numerous dining options, luxurious spa services and countless family-friendly activities. Tenaya at Yosemite continually ranks at the top of hotels in and around Yosemite National Park. In fact, it received Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice award for 2023, as well as the 2018 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award.
In the addition to all the fun activities available for kids big and small, the resort is also extremely dog-friendly. When I first began visiting Yosemite National Park years ago, I found Tenaya Lodge when I was seeking out dog friendly hotels near the park that I could accommodate Thumper, my small terrier mix, and it’s been at the top of my list ever since.
Christmas decor inside the Tenaya Lodge lobby
Location
Tenaya at Yosemite (previously known as Tenaya Lodge) can be found right off Highway 41 just 2 miles south of Yosemite National Park’s south gate entrance in Fish Camp, CA. Bordering Sierra National Forest, the resort is about 30 miles south of Yosemite Valley, making it the perfect place for your next Yosemite adventure. Tenaya at Yosemite consists of three main areas: Lodge at Tenaya, Cottages at Tenaya, and Explorer Cabins at Tenaya. Each area has a designated entrance driveway, and guests will experience unique rooms, food options and amenities depending on the area they book their stay in.
Premium Explorer Cabin at Tenaya
Explorer Cabins at Tenaya
Explorer Cabins at Tenaya
The Explorer Cabins are the most recent accommodation additions to the resort, consisting of 50 picturesque cabins. They opened in 2019 and are nestled among the forest in an exclusive area of the resort. There are a few variations of Explorer Cabins, each featuring an extended living space of over 500 square feet, including two bedrooms, a cozy living room with a kitchenette, and a large covered porch to relax and soak in the sights and sounds of nature.
Premium Explorer Cabin living space
Premium Explorer Cabin master bedroom with adjoining deck
Premium Explorer Cabins
This trip I’m staying in one of the property’s Premium Cabins, these premium cabins offer views of a rippling creek, a mountain pond, or an alpine meadow right from the master bedroom. These cabins include a lovely living space with one of my personal favorite winter amenities, a roaring fireplace, which is perfect for cozying up with a blanket in the evening when the snowy winter weather sets in.
Explorer Clubhouse at Tenaya
Wine hour in the Explorer Clubhouse at Tenaya
Explorer Clubhouse
Explorer Cabins at Tenaya also come with access to the Explorer Clubhouse, which provides exclusive amenities, including a daily continental breakfast, a nightly complimentary “wine hour”, and a 24-hour “grab-and-go area” complete with all the snacks and refreshing drinks you need to satisfy any cravings during your stay. Here you’re also treated with a nightly “S’moregasbord”, which takes this nostalgic s’mores treat to a next level of decadence and deliciousness.
Big Creek along the Explorer Trail at Tenaya at Yosemite
Explorer Trail at Tenaya at Yosemite
Rainbow Pond along Explorer Trail
Explorer Trail
Located along the perimeter of the Explorer Cabins area is the Explorer Trail. This short 1/4 mile path takes you beside Big Creek, Rainbow Pond, and beautiful wooded scenery. This makes for a perfect family-friendly activity to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Christmas decorations in the Tenaya Lodge lobby
Roasting marshmallows during S’mores Hour at Tenaya at Yosemite
Winter-Time at Tenaya
Tenaya at Yosemite is an amazing place to stay any time of year (my first trip here was in the Summer), but Winter-time is absolutely magical. The Lodge is completely adorned with holiday decor, and guests are treated to special holiday festivities throughout the season.
One of my personal favorite winter treats here is enjoying the complimentary hot cocoa in the evening and listening to the special musical guests in the main lobby. Another festive activity not to be missed is the nightly “S’mores Hour”. Multiple fire pits are conveniently located throughout the property, and this is a perfect little evening indulgence while warming up by the fire.
Tenaya at Yosemite Ice Rink during Winter
Winter Activities
Tenaya offers guests many activities and one-of-a-kind specialty experiences, including guided nature walks, winter snowshoe hikes, and my personal favorite, ice skating! I grew up as a competitive figure skater, and while I haven’t competed for many many years, anytime I get a chance to lace up my skates and jump on the ice is a real treat. Nothing brings me back to my favorite childhood memories like taking a few laps around the ice rink located on the Tenaya property. The rink is surrounded by pine trees & cozy fire pits as you skate below twinkling lights to the music of the season. This is a perfect winter activity for both beginners and experienced skaters alike, and since the rink is fully covered, skating can continue rain, snow, or shine!
In addition to all the fun activities found on premises, Tenaya at Yosemite also provides winter experiences in the park, including skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Yosemite’s Badger Pass (when sufficient snow is present). My favorite off-site winter activity though has got to be Yosemite 360 Tours...continue reading below for more info on this incredible Yosemite tour service.
Yosemite 360 Tours all-terrain group tour vehicle
Yosemite 360 Tours private vehicle with Half Dome & El Capitan in the distance
Yosemite 360 Tours
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography aficionado, or you simply long to explore the wonders of Yosemite’s pristine wilderness, Yosemite 360 meticulously plans tours that bring out the adventurer in all of us with wonderful guides who provide both educational and awe-inspiring information.
Yosemite 360 Tours are exclusively provided by Yosemite at Tenaya, and both group & private bus tours are provided year round in their all-terrain vehicles. If you’re looking to plan an unforgettable experience to one of the world’s most iconic national parks, this is an incredible way to immerse yourself in the wonder of Yosemite.
Yosemite 360 Private Tour at Valley View in Yosemite National Park
El Capitan seen through the Yosemite 360 Suburban sun roof
Private Yosemite 360 Tours
On my recent visit, Nate & I were treated to a private Yosemite 360 Tour. This allowed us to enjoy a fully customized day in Yosemite and take in the sights & sounds of this magical park at our own pace. The all-terrain Suburban was extremely comfortable and featured an oversized moonroof to easily view Yosemite’s iconic granite features that tower above the valley floor.
For more information on Yosemite 360 Tours, check out my full Yosemite 360 Tours review.
Dinner at Jackalope’s Bar & Grill in Tenaya Lodge
Dining at Tenaya
Something Tenaya at Yosemite does exceptionally well is food…and it might be one of my favorite parts of a stay here! There is a wide variety of dining options that are open year-round, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
Lunch at Jackalope’s Bar & Grill at Tenaya at Yosemite
Chocolate Flourless Espresso Torte dessert at Jackalope’s Bar & Grill
Jackalope’s Bar & Grill
I love stopping at Jackalope’s Bar & Grill, which features made-to-order grilled burgers, sandwiches, steaks, specialty salads, as well as heart-healthy, gluten-free, and vegan options. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a great meal, a decadent dessert, and a specialty cocktail after a long day of Yosemite adventures any time of year.
Nate & I enjoyed multiple meals here for lunch and dinner...and both the food & service were phenomenal. Our top recommendations are the Soft Pretzel Bites, Lobster Bisque, Roasted Beet & Arugula Salad, Jackalope Burger. and Chocolate Flourless Espresso Torte...and although we don’t typically partake in alcoholic beverages while dining out, we indulged in their signature cocktail, The Black Antler, which was super unique and delicious.
The Black Antler signature cocktail at Jackalope’s Bar & Grill
Timberloft pizza to-go on the deck of my Explorer Cabin
Timberloft Pizzeria
On every Yosemite trip I take, pizza is typically on the menu for at least one of my meals. What can I say, I know what I enjoy 😉. During the winter months, there’s nothing quite like a slice of hot cheesy pizza after spending all day out adventuring in the cold Yosemite temperatures. Timberloft Pizzeria offers scrumptious artisanal pizzas, as well as fresh salads. Located right off Highway 41 among the Tenaya Cottage Rooms & Suites, this is a great spot to enjoy a sit-down meal and enjoy a little fun in the game room. If you’d prefer to relax in the comfort of your room, you can also grab a pie to go!
Room service to my Explorer Cabin at Tenaya
Other Dining Options
If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or you just want to treat yourself, Embers is the signature restaurant at Tenaya at Yosemite, providing an elevated dining experience with 4-course and 7-course menus exclusively on Friday and Saturday nights. Parkside Deli is a great option here for quick meals, and they even serve Starbucks coffee, making it the spot to go for a morning pick-me-up as you gear up for a day in Yosemite National Park. And if you’re too cozy to leave your room, the food can come to you with a wide array of room service options.
Winter sunrise over Tenaya at Yosemite
Year-Round Amenities
Tenaya at Yosemite is rich with amenities available to guests year-round, including a fitness center, pools & hot tubs, a family game room, gift shops, pet care, meeting & event spaces, and the Ascent Spa, which offers a full range of massage and facial treatments, as well as a sauna & steam room.
Ascent Spa at Tenaya Lodge
Ascent Spa & Fitness Center
If you’ve had a long day on the trail (or on the ice rink 😄), there’s nothing quite like finding some physical restoration at the Ascent Spa. Here you’ll find steam rooms, saunas, relaxation lounges, shower facilities, and 12 treatment rooms where you can enjoy massages, wraps, and facials. They have spaces dedicated for individuals as well as couples, and will tailor a relaxation and restoration experience to its guests.
Christmas-Time at Tenaya Lodge
Above & Beyond Customer Service
As someone who worked in the service industry both during and after college, I’m always incredibly appreciative of those working in this field. During our stay, there were several folks that went above and beyond to make our visit truly special, and I’m confident you’ll experience the same high level of customer service on your trip. If you happen to come across any of these individuals during your stay, please make sure to say hi and show them your appreciation.
Karla - Concierge
Tyler - Yosemite 360 Tour Guide
Cole - Ice Rink Manager
Greg - Jackalope’s Bar & Grill Server
Jasmine - Jackalope’s Bar & Grill Hostess
Cole - Ascent Spa
Carolyn - Check-in
Austin - Room Service
Premium Explorer Cabin deck at Tenaya at Yosemite
In Summary
Thanks so much for joining me this week at Tenaya at Yosemite. For a virtual visit of my recent stay here, make sure to watch my Behind the Blog video located at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Please consider booking a stay with Tenaya on your next Yosemite adventure, which you can do online at VisitTenaya.com or by calling (888) 514-2167. Please also follow Tenaya on Instagram at @tenayaatyosemite, where you’ll also see some of the content I captured during my stay. Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!
Premium Explorer Cabin at Tenaya at Yosemite
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like…
About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
Search the Blog
Featured Posts
Etsy Shop
What are the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park? Today I'm sharing one of the best Yosemite hotels for your next national park vacation. Centrally located near iconic landmarks, hiking trails, and viewpoints, Yosemite Valley Lodge is one of the top spots to stay in the park. Hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, see Half Dome from Cooks Meadow, and grab food at on-site restaurants.