Chelsee Lowe, January 24, 2026
For many explorers, a day spent in California’s Yosemite National Park is a moving one. From Half Dome and the formidable El Capitan to Cathedral Peak and Mirror Lake, Yosemite is a wild remnant of ancient glaciation and a marvel to behold at every angle.
Here’s the rub: The park is massive at 700,000 acres, so determining how to tackle it and where to overnight is a vital part of any park plan. I’ve stayed at the no-frills Yosemite Valley Lodge and know plenty of folks who have roughed it a bit by camping in the cot-furnished canvas tents of Curry Village and Housekeeping Camp But in 2024, an attractive and brand-new option came on the market: Firefall Ranch in Groveland.
Though not within the park bounds, Firefall is very much rooted in the Yosemite experience. Its name is even a nod to one of the park’s most awesome sights — the fleeting February sunsets that hit Horsetail Fall just right, setting it “on fire” in bright golden light. The ranch is just the place for the traveler who wants park access but far more comfort (and space) than in-park accommodations can offer. Here’s what to know about the property, which we found ideal for our busy family of four.
Regional History
Before the dawn of the automobile, visitors to Yosemite usually came from the west via stagecoach. If their starting point was San Francisco, they likely rode a steamboat up the San Joaquin River to the delta town of Stockton, then boarded a horse-drawn coach to traverse miles of trails (and climb thousands of feet in elevation) to Yosemite. Today, Firefall Ranch rests along one of the old stagecoach routes, which is now Highway 120. Staying here places guests about 40 (slow) miles from the park’s valley floor.
Then, less than 10 minutes west by car from the ranch is the historic town of Groveland. Worthy stops here include the Iron Door Saloon, the oldest operating saloon in California, and the quirky and locally owned Mountain Sage coffee shop. If treasure hunting sounds fun, travelers might peruse the shelves of Serendipity Antiques and Gifts, right on the main drag of town.
Staying at Firefall Ranch
The ranch is set on 300 acres of meadowland in the Sierra foothills; these hills roll right into the Sierra Nevada Mountains, of which Yosemite is a part.
There are 55 standalone cottages and villas at the ranch, available in one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations, though I would argue that the word “cottage” doesn’t really do these structures justice. Our two-bedroom accommodation was essentially a contemporary cabin, complete with a double-sided indoor/outdoor fireplace, custom-built wood furnishings, park-inspired prints on the walls, a luxurious double shower and heated bathroom floors.
