Haven’t you always wanted a log cabin to call your own?
For as many people who dream of cabin ownership, there are as many reasons why they don’t. You could still be exploring styles, size, or even the right company to build your cabin. Maybe finances are too big of an obstacle. Or the idea of moving or taking on a second home doesn’t fit with your life right now.
Instead of owning a cabin, you can still test drive the experience of living in one! Better yet, what if you could do so inside one of the most celebrated national parks in the world: Yosemite National Park.
Wawona Hotel in the 1880s / Photo: National Park Service
Yosemite’s Secret
Welcome to Wawona, a community located in California’s Mariposa County. Wawona is entirely located inside the boundaries of Yosemite National Park. It’s a small, but full-fledged town with a one-room schoolhouse, library, post office, two small markets for provisions, gas station (there are only three in all of Yosemite) and a ranger station.
Location and amenities amplify Wawona’s allure. There’s the Pioneer History Center where you can amble in and around historic 19th century buildings (the covered bridge is a must-see). Stagecoach and trail rides … even summertime barn dances are a regular part of Wawona culture.
Prefer something more refined? Wawona even has its own golf course.
If nature is your calling, Wawona is your spot. The South Fork Merced River winds through the community offering fabulous swimming holes carved into the Sierra Nevada’s trademark granite. Hike to the Swinging Bridge with its rock waterslide and views of Wawona Dome. Or gain some altitude hiking to Chilnualna Falls. A mere seven miles away is the Mariposa Grove of goliath sequoias. Nine miles gets you to the Sugar Pine Railroad (Ride a steam train! Pan for gold!). Winter offers up Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing, are at the small but mighty Badger Pass.
Wawona’s full-time resident population hovers around 200. However, at any given time, there are many more people because of the high number of cabin rentals.
Courtesy of The Redwoods in Yosemite
Choosing a Cabin
With more than 90 privately-owned cabins available to rent, options are manifold. Each cabin and its décor reflect the owner’s style. Once inside you may find yourself looking at anything from collection of beer steins, assorted trinkets, or even a lovingly curated assemblage of vintage Yosemite artwork.Each cabin has its own name — Cubby’s Den, Chipmunk’s Hollow, Forest Nest, Altitude Adjustment — to name a few. They are organized into three categories: Luxury, Comfort, and Camper Cabins.
Cabin construction is equally diverse. Artisan, handcrafted, full log interior and exterior (The Mini Cabin), traditional style home (Quail Meadow), board and batten (Pine Cabin), or stately, log and stone two-story timber frames (Rustic Retreat) – there is a place for your every whim.
Prices range from $150 to up to $810 per night depending on the size of the cabin, its category, and the time of year. Cabins are scattered across Wawona so be sure to check a cabin’s location before booking. All bookings, housekeeping and guest services are managed by Redwoods in Yosemite. You can reach them at +1-844-355-0039 or info@redwoodsinyosemite.
See also: Five Unique Cabins You Can Rent
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