It’s Waterfall Season in Yosemite! Prepare to ‘Soak’ in the Beauty.

You won’t have all of this beauty to yourself in spring with Yosemite attracting millions of visitors between April and August. This year, may even break some attendance records with the long-awaited re-opening of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, which officially opens on June 15. The Grove has been closed since July 2015 for a major restoration project that includes an improved welcome plaza and ADA-accessible boardwalk. (Feature photo by fotosbyford.)

The Falls

One of the world’s tallest waterfalls, Yosemite Falls, is visible from many spots in Yosemite Valley. Made up of three separate falls, get a dramatic view around Yosemite Village and consider a one-mile hike on the loop trail that leads to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall. If you want to hike to the top of Yosemite Falls, it’s a strenuous all-day event.

Two-thousand-foot-high Sentinel Falls with a multitude of cascades is located on the south side of the valley, just west of Sentinel Rock with picnic area and four-mile trailhead. Also, look for Ribbon Fall as you drive into Yosemite Valley and Horsetail Fall on the east side of El Capitan. Horsetail is famous for its water’s orange, fire-like glow during the late winter. Bridalveil Fall flows all year, with its peak time in May. Bridalveil will probably be the first waterfall you see entering the park with its thundering waters welcoming springtime visitors. (Feature photos by fotosbyford)

Plan your adventure

To enjoy spring to its fullest, plan to stay longer than a day in the park. Within the gates are several lodges and campsites, but a good alternative for dealing with a busy visitation season is Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, set just outside Yosemite National Park and adjacent to its South Gate. The all-season resort is framed by an evergreen forest and offers easy access to Yosemite’s iconic attractions, plus its own special offerings, from multiple dining options (think candlelight to casual) and serene spa to a choice of cottages or rooms. And, during spring, Tenaya rolls out an impressive menu of activities and specials.

Adventure-seekers in the mood to kick up some dust can opt for the resort’s new Sierra Jeep Tours. Thanks to a recent partnership with Tenaya Lodge, Sierra Jeep Tours provide resort guests with a thrilling exploration of the great outdoors. The tours wind up secluded forest service roads to reach the historic Devil’s Peak fire lookout with expansive views of Sierra National Forest. If that’s too tame for you, arrange a motorcycle tour on EagleRider Rentals, exclusively from Tenaya Lodge.

 

Tenaya’s Inaugural Craft Beer Weekend  Schedule your Yosemite getaway for June 1-3 and be a part of the inaugural “High Sierra Hops” craft beer event. While the resort offers local craft beer all year round, including the signature Tenaya Red IPA by South Gate Brewing company, this spring Tenaya is throwing this event for beer aficionados. A joint venture between Tenaya Lodge and South Gate Brewing Company in Oakhurst, Calif., festivities will include an exclusive beer pairing dinner, live entertainment, games, delicious eats, souvenir keepsakes and, of course, brews. Visitors can come for the day or purchase a weekend package that includes accommodations and VIP to access to the beer dinner.

Special Spring Rates

From now through June 21, 2018, visitors can save 10 percent on rooms when staying two nights or more. Guests can book online at www.tenayalodge.com using promo code SPRING10. Or, families will enjoy Tenaya’s Spring Break Family Package that’s equipped with both indoor and outdoor adventure options. The two-night package includes a seven-day Yosemite National Park Pass, guided hike or ice skating session (dependent on weather) and a complimentary in-room movie experience with all the goods including assorted candies and popcorn. The package is available March 15 through April 15, 2018 and starts at $325 per night.