WAWONA — Yosemite National Park may be closed right now due to an historic partial shutdown of the Federal government, but staff at The Redwoods Year-Round Vacation Home Rentals in Yosemite want everyone to know they are open for business. Though The Redwoods vacation homes are situated inside the National Park, the rentals sit on private land.
“The Redwoods In Yosemite will remain open for new and existing reservations,” say proprietors, whose vacation rentals are located just miles inside the south gate of Yosemite in the town of Wawona. The large variety of cabins and homes can accomodate a romantic couple’s getaway, a wedding or large family reunion, and everything in between.
“Any one who has reservations with us can let the Park Ranger at the gate know that they are staying with us and they will not be turned away. Anyone who has been turned away from reservations or accommodations in Yosemite Valley due to the government shutdown is more than welcome to make reservations here with us,” the Redwoods staff encourages.
Boasting “all the comforts of home and the majesty of Yosemite National Park,” the lodging is year-round.
The Redwoods’ staff has pulled together some suggested amenities and activities for vacationers, designed to “tide you over until we get our park back.” Speaking of “tide you over,” the place also has a selection of soups, sandwiches and snacks from their self-service bistro.
Among the suggestions offered as alternatives were The Redwoods’ own “Bear Walk,” which begins at the Front Desk with a map of the Wawona community and free souvenirs for guests (and their pets). Families can get to know the charming area while they hunt for 20-plus wood-carved characters located around and about. Along the trip visitors can see breathtaking views of Wawona Dome and the Merced River.
Another suggestion from organizers is Geocaching, which again starts at the Front Desk with a map depicting coordinates to The Redwoods’ hidden cache sites. “Snap a photo of all 5 and receive a free souvenir,” they promise, even handing over a souvenir for participating pets.
If searching for carved characters or cache coordinates isn’t your speed, perhaps fly fishing is. If so, you may be pleased to know that The Redwoods has partnered with Sierra Fly Fisher to offer guided trips and instruction, with quality fishing conditions on uncharacteristically uncrowded waters, while angling for wild trout. Contact the Front Desk of The Redwoods for information.
Outside the gates of Yosemite a world of fun awaits, made better when guests receive a discount coupon to the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, given on check-in to The Redwoods. The railroad offers a brisk and beautiful 4-mile railroad excursion through the Sierra Nevadas, where powerful locomotives once hauled heavy log trains. The Sugar Pine Railroad experience takes place in the majestic woods and is designed to include the entire family.
Yosemite Trails Saddle & Sleigh Company offers one and two hour trail rides on horseback, following a hands-on arena lesson. Crossing a mountain stream underneath massive pine trees on a horse is a unique perspective from which to view alpine meadows and panoramic views.
Travelers looking for places to go and things to do while awaiting the hoped-for quick re-opening of the Park, restaurants and lodging at Tenaya Lodge remain open along with many other options in Oakhurst and Bass Lake.
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