A Scenic Retreat in Yosemite
Tenaya Lodge offers something for everyone; it truly is a paradise for families
My friend Shari and I were delighted to learn that the fires near Yosemite were contained and we could travel to Tenaya Lodge for a planned girlfriend’s getaway weekend. Located just outside the park entrance, Tenaya Lodge is the perfect basecamp for exploring the scenic area.
The Tenaya Lodge lobby
After checking in, our first activity was to jump in a Mercedes Sprinter convertible and head to Mariposa Grove for a hike through the giant Sequoias. Talk about awe-inspiring! It’s hard to imagine the size of these giants, and standing next to one is a humbling experience. I felt like the dust speck in Horton Hears a Who!
Mariposa Grove
The Yosemite fires were in the distance, but a blaze in this area several years ago left some of the ground in the grove charred. Our guide reminded us that sequoia seeds can’t open unless they are in a fire—one of nature’s master plans—so although fires can be destructive, they are also the key to new growth.
There are so many opportunities to hike in this area.
The next day we hiked to Jackson’s Hole, a waterfall in the Sierra Nevada Forest, a coincidence that this beautiful spot shared a similar name with one of my favorite Wyoming areas. We met other hikers on the trail heading to the swimming hole, but the melted snow water made it a little too bracing for this swimmer.
Darla Worden taking an archery lesson
Tenaya Lodge offers something for everyone; it truly is a paradise for families. There’s a giant fire pit for making s’mores, a luxurious swimming pool, a Tesla charging station, mountain bikes, horseback riding, jeep tours. In between hikes, we took an archery lesson to channel our inner Katniss Everdeen. I felt like a kid at summer camp—so much to do, with the excellent concierge staff arranging it all.
Artisanal s'mores
The weekend was capped off with “Wine in the Woods,” an annual event set underneath the pines, with the Tenaya Lodge chef pulling out all the stops: antipasto, grilled prawns, halibut, ribeye, filet, wild mushroom salad, grilled vegetables, risotto balls, and artisanal s'mores that the staff made for us. All this was paired with wine from Idle Hour Winery in nearby Oakhurst, Califonia; Chardonnay (Shari gave me the nickname Darlanay), Viognier, Cabernet Franc and Tempranillo. Note to self, order a case!
