YOSEMITE SOUTH GATE INSIDER GUIDE
The Ultimate Guide to Yosemite & The High Sierra
Written by locals, this guide is designed to help our guests explore Yosemite National Park via the South Entrance, discover hidden alpine gems in the surrounding area, and find the absolute best food, drinks, and recreation around Sugar Pine, Bass Lake, and Oakhurst.
Yosemite South Entrance & Beyond
Discover the best times to beat the gate crowds, what to do in Wawona, and insider itineraries for the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, Glacier Point, and the Valley Floor.
Local Trails & Sierra Adventures
Explore the Lewis Creek Trail, the Sugar Pine Railroad, Beasore Road driving and hiking options, and other favorite under-the-radar activities in the Sierra National Forest.
Bass Lake Recreation
Where to rent premium pontoon boats, jet skis, and paddleboards. Plus, the best public boat launches, hidden swimming and hiking spots, and waterfront dining tips.
Oakhurst: Eat, Drink, & Play
Our hand-picked recommendations for post-hike refreshments, the best dining options, scenic golf, where to stock up on groceries, and countless other ways to enjoy the Oakhurst area.
Latest Local Tips & Hidden Gems
Freshly published articles covering our newest discoveries in and around Yosemite, Bass Lake, Oakhurst, and the Sierra National Forest.
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Boating on Bass Lake: How to Time Your Day on the Water
Tucked into the pine-covered foothills of the Sierra National Forest at 3,400 feet, Bass Lake sits 11 miles from our Sugar Pine cabin. It’s just a short detour off Highway…
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Is Rush Creek Lodge Right for Your Family Trip to Yosemite?
Planning a trip to Yosemite National Park is a must-do for many families across the country and around the world. Visions of towering granite walls, ancient sequoias, and gushing waterfalls…
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Staying at The Ahwahnee: Main Building vs the Cottages
For generations, walking through the massive stone-and-timber archway of The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite was treated as an ultimate American travel rite of passage. Opened in 1927 and designed by…
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A Brief History of Bass Lake California
Like many lakes in California, Bass Lake was born from an ancient meadow. Before the dam at the south end of today’s lake was constructed, the entire basin was known…
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Lewis Creek Trail: A Local’s Guide to Corlieu and Red Rock Falls
Even longtime visitors to Yosemite are surprised to learn that some fantastic waterfalls can be found outside the park, in the Sierra National Forest. Lewis Creek is fed by the…
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The Yosemite South Gate Strategy: How to Beat the Crowds
Highway 41 is a big reason that Boom Chalet works so well as a homebase for exploring Yosemite. Nine miles of beautifully banked and striped two-lane road connect Sugar Pine…
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