Know Before You Go

Getting There

  • Aeren Yosemite is located off of a private access road inside Yosemite National Park.

    Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll provide detailed driving directions. Cell service may be unavailable up to 45 minutes before arrival, so we will require guests to download the directions and map in advance.

  • Google and Apple Maps may partially guide you but do not recognize our unmarked private road. You’ll need to follow our step-by-step driving instructions, which we’ll send after booking.

  • Cell service is limited in and around Yosemite, depending on your carrier. Be sure to download all directions in advance. Once you arrive, the home has high-speed satellite internet and Wi-Fi calling, so you’ll stay connected if needed.

  • Cell service can drop as much as 45 minutes before arrival, and GPS apps do not recognize our private access road. Please follow the detailed written directions after booking by downloading or printing them before you leave.

    Not doing so may require you to turn around and head back to a location with cellular service, in order to download the instructions.

    In the event of an emergency, local authorities (park rangers) are available.

  • We’re less than 10 minutes from the South Entrance, and just 5 minutes from the Wawona General Store, EV Charging Station, and Gas Station.

  • 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.

  • The private access road to Aeren 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.

    Please note that during heavy snowfall, our private access road may become impassable. Additionally, Yosemite National Park may close certain roads entirely for safety —these closures are beyond our control.

    If your reservation must be cancelled last minute due to these conditions, we will refund your stay in full. Your safety always comes first, and we appreciate your understanding.

  • In light snow, an AWD vehicle with properly fitted tire chains is typically sufficient for access. However, in severe conditions, 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 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.

The Property

  • Check-in is at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. We recommend arriving before sundown, as navigating the unmarked forest roads can be difficult in the dark—especially with limited cell service.

    Detailed directions will be provided before your stay to help you find the cabin easily.

  • 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.

  • Yes, we offer up to 6 private parking spaces on site, just steps from the cabin entrance, with enough space for RVs and boats. There are no fees for parking or parking permits.

  • Yes. Aeren Yosemite offers high-speed satellite internet—one of the fastest and most reliable connections within Yosemite National Park.

    Video conferencing (FaceTime, Zoom, Teams) is supported, though for best stability we recommend plugging your laptop into the provided Ethernet cables.

    Smart TVs are available in both living rooms, so you can easily log into your favorite streaming services during your stay.

    Wi-Fi calling on your mobile devices is also supported, making it easy to stay connected even if cell service is limited.

  • Yes. Each room is equipped with its own heating and air conditioning unit, allowing for individual temperature control across all bedrooms and living areas—for personalized comfort year-round.

  • The home is a cozy 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom retreat that sleeps up to 8 guests across 1,178 thoughtfully designed square feet.

    There are 2 levels, connected by an interior spiral staircase.

    With two living areas, there’s room to gather—or spread out—for games, reading, or quiet time.

  • We’ve included a few essentials for families traveling with little ones: a Pack & Play crib, baby bathtub, and high chair are all available for use during your stay.

  • Most likely! Aeren Yosemite is nestled deep in the forest, and it’s common to see deer, birds, and squirrels. We have also seen bears, foxes, coyotes, and bobcats at Aeren. We provide wildlife safety guidelines in your welcome materials—please admire animals from a distance, secure all food and trash, and never attempt to feed or approach them.

  • There’s an EV charging station located just 5 minutes away at the Wawona General Store. While we do not currently offer charging on-site, this nearby option makes it easy to top off your battery during your stay.

  • The property begins at the driveway entrance on the south side and extends all the way north to the creek. To the east, it reaches just beyond the large boulder—past the old (non-functioning) outhouse. Please don’t attempt to use it! On the west side, the boundary runs just off the edge of the house.

    Beyond our land, the surrounding forest on all sides is owned by the National Park Service and is publicly accessible. However, we recommend staying within sight of the cabin—property lines can be hard to distinguish, and it’s possible to accidentally wander into a neighbor’s yard if you walk far enough!

House Rules

  • Due to the high fire risk in the area, campfires, fire pits, smoking and any other open flames are strictly prohibited anywhere on the property. For your convenience, we provide a propane BBQ grill on the deck, which is the only approved cooking flame. Please use it responsibly and ensure it’s fully turned off after each use. Fire safety is taken very seriously in Yosemite—thank you for helping protect the forest.

  • Yes—Yosemite is home to bears and other wildlife, so it’s essential to never leave food, trash, or scented items outside or in your vehicle.

    Keep all doors and windows closed when you’re away from the home, and always use the bear-proof dumpster bins at the end of the private access road upon checkout.

  • We ask that guests remove all trash before departing. There are dumpsters conveniently located on your way out of Wawona. This helps keep the area safe for wildlife and ensures the next guest has the same serene experience you did.

  • No. Out of respect for our neighbors and the peaceful nature of the community, parties and events are not permitted at Aeren Yosemite.

  • Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 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.

What’s Nearby

  • Aeren Yosemite is located in Wawona, which is about a 1-hour drive to Yosemite Valley. Staying outside the park can add up to 2 additional hours to your drive.

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

    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.

    The Wawona General Store (just ~5 minutes away) also offers sandwiches, snacks, gluten-free options, and basic groceries.

  • There’s an EV charging station located just 5 minutes away at the Wawona General Store. While we do not currently offer charging on-site, this nearby option makes it easy to top off your battery during your stay.

  • Yes, there is a gas station next to the Wawona General Store, just 5 minutes from the cabin.