Wildernest Yosemite

Not entirely. Google and Apple Maps will guide you most of the way, but they do not recognize our private, unmarked access road.

Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll provide detailed driving instructions to ensure you arrive with ease. We recommend downloading directions in advance, as cell service becomes limited well before arrival.

Cell service is limited in and around Yosemite National Park and may vary by carrier. To ensure a smooth arrival, we require all guests to download our detailed driving directions before departing for the Wildernest, as GPS alone will not be sufficient.

Once you arrive, the home is equipped with high-speed internet and Wi-Fi calling, so you’ll have reliable access to essentials.

The Wildernest Yosemite is located about 10 minutes from Yosemite’s South Entrance in Wawona, offering quick access to the park while still feeling worlds away. You’ll be deep in the forest, surrounded by nature, yet just minutes from the main road—a rare combination of seclusion and convenience.

The private access road to The Wildernest Yosemite is unpaved and gently sloped in some areas, but generally accessible for most vehicles during dry conditions. For the safest and most comfortable experience, we highly recommend an all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle—especially during winter or wet months.

Yes — we offer private parking for up to 3 vehicles. The parking area is located directly next to the home for easy access, and there’s plenty of space for cars, RVs, and boats. No parking permits are required during your stay.

You may - during peak seasons, Yosemite requires a park reservation to enter before 2pm. However, if you arrive after 2pm (check in is 3pm), you may not need one. Regardless, you’ll still have to pay the park entrance fee.

That said, we strongly recommend securing a reservation just in case, as park entry rules can change and we can’t guarantee access without one. You can find the most current details and make a reservation at nps.gov/yose.

In light rain or snow, an AWD vehicle with properly fitted tire chains is typically sufficient for access. However, in severe conditions (including wildfire), the road may become unsafe, and Yosemite National Park may close certain roads in the park altogether, which is out of our control. The Park Service may also require tire chains for all vehicles entering the gates, regardless of drivetrain.

If weather or fire prevents safe access to the cabin, we’ll notify you as early as possible—and issue a full refund if your reservation must be cancelled.

Check-in is at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 10:00 AM. We recommend arriving before sundown, as navigating the unmarked forest roads can be difficult in the dark—especially with limited cell service.

We’re happy to accommodate early check-ins or late check-outs when possible. However, due to our limited booking calendar and the time required for thorough cleaning between guests, we can’t guarantee availability in advance.

If there isn’t a booking immediately before or after your stay, we’d be happy to accommodate requests. Just reach out on the day of your arrival or departure, and we’ll confirm based on availability.

We ask that guests remove all trash before departing. There are dumpsters conveniently located on your way to the main road, Forest Drive. This helps keep the area safe for wildlife and ensures the next guest has the same serene experience you did.

No, our permit does not allow for parties or gatherings greater than the maximum allowable occupancy (8 persons).

Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Please be mindful of your volume during these times so all guests and nearby residents can enjoy the stillness of the forest.

We do not allow pets at this time. Service animals are welcome with proper documentation in accordance with ADA guidelines.

Dining options inside Yosemite National Park are limited. We recommend stopping in Oakhurst before entering the park to pick up groceries or restaurant takeout.

Within the park:

• The Pine Tree Market (just ~10 min away) offers a selection of groceries and prepared foods.

• The Wawona General Store (just ~5 minutes away) also offers drinks, sandwiches, snacks, and souvenirs.

The cabin has a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor BBQ grill for cooking, making it easy to prepare meals and enjoy them in the comfort of your retreat.

Yes, it is very likely to see wildlife at the Wildernest, though not guaranteed. Please respect the wildlife to keep them, and your party safe.

• For your safety, all windows and doors must remain closed. If left open, animals, insects, and other critters will enter.

• Never leave food or trash in your car, on the deck, or anywhere outside.

• Do not feed the wildlife—human food can harm them.

• Dispose of trash promptly and place it in the bear-proof dumpsters on Forest Drive at check-out.

• If you encounter an animal, observe from a safe distance and never approach.