Winter Break Vacation

Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in east-central California. Yosemite is internationally recognized for its spectacular granite cliffs, waterfalls, clear streams, giant sequoia groves and biological diversity. The 750,000-acre, 1,200 square-mile park contains thousands of lakes and ponds, 1,600 miles of streams, 800 miles of hiking trails, and 350 miles of roads.

Physically fit travelers will enjoy hiking the park’s many trails and footpaths. Check with rangers for trail conditions; snow and hazards from falling rock close many trails in winter. No permits are required park-wide for day hikes. The valley also offers some of the most challenging and spectacular rock climbing in North America, with vertical faces more than  3,000 feet tall. There are still commercial horseback-riding concessions in the Yosemite Valley, Wawona and Tuolumne Meadows areas.

For cross-country skiers the park offers over 350 miles of trails, with 90 miles of marked trails and 25 miles of groomed trails originating at Badger Pass. Downhill skiing options include 10 runs at Badger Pass. The majority of these runs are for beginners and moderate skiers, so thrill seekers may wish to ski elsewhere.

This Comfort Inn is located approximately one mile from California State Mining and Mineral exhibition and 75 miles from Fresno Air Terminal. There is an outdoor swimming pool (seasonal) and hot tub on site, as well as a gift shop. In the morning, a complimentary continental breakfast is served and free weekday newspapers are available. The Comfort Inn also offers exterior corridors, safety deposit, and a parking area. All rooms have air-conditioning, coffeemakers, dataports, and cable TV.

Situated on Highway 41, Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is two miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park and approximately 55 miles from Fresno Air Terminal. This location is also two miles from the Yosemite Mountain Historic Sugarpine Railroad, four miles from the Mariposa Grove, 20 miles from Bass Lake, 30 miles from Badger Pass, and 35 miles from Glacier Point. Hotel amenities include the climbing wall, fitness equipment, spa tub, and indoor/outdoor swimming pools. Sierra Restaurant, Jackelope's Bar and Grill, and Parkside Deli offer on-site dining options. The hotel also offers a business center, concierge assistance, room service, free weekday newspapers, free parking, valet laundry service, and 24-hour front desk service. All rooms feature writing desks, armoires, wireless Internet access (fee applies), voicemail, coffeemakers, hairdryers, cable TV, and video-game consoles (on request).

Like a cafeteria, this food court serves meals and snacks all day. Breakfast consists of bacon, eggs, sausage and omelets. Lunch offerings include soups, sandwiches and salads. For dinner you can choose from meats, fish and casseroles. The food court always serves hot and cold beverages and snacks. It can get very crowded in mid-summer.