Yosemite’s Tuolumne County gains over 300 rooms following trio of new openings
Located 2.5 hours drive east of the San Francisco Bay Area, Yosemite’s Tuolumne County comprises three areas encompassing the High Sierra, several historic gold rush towns and the lion’s share of Yosemite National Park. Known for its pristine, scenic expanse reaching into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Tuolumne County is the perfect setting for outdoor adventure and activities, and now offers guests even more choice of accommodations.
Officially opening in the autumn, the new Chicken Ranch Casino Resort recently announced it is now accepting online reservations. Featuring 175 luxurious guest rooms, 22 well-appointed suites, a variety of restaurants and bars, and an impressive 100,000+ sq ft gaming floor, guests can begin enjoying the resort’s offerings from 15 July 2024.
Capturing the authentic spirit of Chicken Ranch throughout the hotel decor, each room has been thoughtfully designed for the modern traveller, providing a comfortable and stylish retreat featuring Aztec printed rugs, modern amenities, and lively artwork in addition to balconies offering breathtaking views of the valley. The suites, ranging from the Henhouse Suite – perfect for intimate gatherings and parties with a private patio, to the Mother Plucker Suite – complete with a pool table, means that the guest experience has been put at the forefront of this new property.
Earlier this month Firefall Ranch opened in Groveland, close to the northwest entrance of Yosemite National Park. The new resort sits amongst pristine meadowland and forested mountains providing a peaceful wilderness experience, and offers guests standalone cottages and villas featuring double-sided fireplaces, and covered decks. With 55 1,2 and 3-bedroom accommodations available, prices start from £293 per night for one bedroom cottages and £514 for a three bedroom villa – perfect for a family of four plus the grandparents.
Offering hiking trails, a verdant natural pond, and scenic vistas, guests can enjoy the natural wonders on site and beyond all season. The ranch will also house an onsite restaurant serving innovative upscale mountain cuisine, a private wine room, a tavern-style bar and a general store providing trail-ready essentials for a day out in the park. With no hidden resort fees, guests can enjoy daily on-site activities, including traditional nightly fireside s’mores and professionally guided excursions for those guests looking to explore the wider area, through hikes, flights, white water rafting, and jeep tours.
Following in Spring 2025, Tuolumne County will welcome Under Canvas Yosemite – the brand’s first-ever California camp. Set in a serene, mountainside forest surrounded by mature, Yosemite-native trees and just 10 minutes from the west entrance of Yosemite National Park at Big Oak Flat Information Station, the idyllic, 80-acre camp is within close proximity to natural attractions including Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. In addition, it has a YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) stop directly across from the camp’s entrance, offering car-free access into the national park multiple times each day.
The much-anticipated Under Canvas Yosemite will offer 70 tents and open for its inaugural season on 22 May – 27 October 2025 with rates starting at £255 per night.
Lisa Mayo, President and CEO of Visit Tuolumne County comments, “We are thrilled to welcome the opening of three new hotels in the next 12 months, marking an exciting milestone for our community. This expansion not only signifies a significant boost to our local tourism industry but also enhances the overall experience for our visitors. With these new accommodations, we are ready to welcome more guests, offer greater comfort and variety, and showcase the unique charm and hospitality of our county. This development is a testament to our commitment to growth and excellence, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have on our local economy and the vibrant tourism sector.”
The properties join a host of diverse accommodation options available across the county from glamping and boutique hotels to independent luxury lodges and RV Parks. In the northern part of the county and on the front steps of Yosemite National Park lies Rush Creek Lodge & Spa, Evergreen Lodge, Groveland Hotel and Lillaskog Lodge – a seven bedroom property with seemingly endless views of the wilderness and hosting 18 people. In the scenic High Sierra, visitors will find the Lazy Z Resort and McCaffrey House B&B and in Tuolumne’s historic gold rush town of Sonora, the Sonora Inn, Hotel Lumberjack and the Knowles Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast.
The article Yosemite’s Tuolumne County gains over 300 rooms following trio of new openings first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.