Where else can you book a mountaintop? Escape to our 122-acre ranch, a secluded retreat nestled in the serene foothills below Yosemite. Here, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas, tranquil solitude, and the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Explore nearby lakes, rivers, hiking trails, gold rush history, ghost towns, and Yosemite National Park. Afterward, retreat to your private sanctuary to unwind under the stars in your very own pool and hot tub.
The space
The cabin has 2 large bedrooms. Bedroom 1 features a cal king bed and a pull-out sofa. Bedroom 2 features a queen bed, 2 rollaway twins, and a dedicated workspace with a desk and chair. Bathroom 1 is large with tub/shower combo with access from both bedrooms. Bathroom 2 is small with a shower and access from the main hallway. Comfortable living / dining room and kitchen with everything you need to cook meals. Large laundry and utility area. Expansive decks with panoramic views of the valley below and hills beyond. The built-in charcoal grill, outdoor dining areas, and private plunge pool and hot tub complete the experience. If your idea of nightlife includes the distant howl of coyotes and views of the Milky Way this place is for you. If you are expecting an urban experience and like to be close to town then you may want to look elsewhere.
Notes on amenities
Summer: outdoor sun loungers and one umbrella for shade. Outdoor dining is shaded by a wisteria-covered pergola.
Winter: 2 gas fireplaces can be used November 1 to March 30 in main bedroom and living room
Window shades: guests are very hard on the blinds in the main bedroom and living room. If some panels are out for repair during your stay, they may not be present.
Guest access
You have private access to the entire home, decks, unfenced pool, and hot tub. Feel free to hike on property at your own risk, but please do not access the owner's home or enter the barn. You also must avoid trespassing on neighboring ranches.
Other things to note
Bring your sense of adventure! Most guests fall in love with our cabin’s rustic mountain charm, but what makes it special also means it’s not for everyone. This retreat is only suitable for self-sufficient adults who are comfortable with rural conditions, wildlife, and steep terrain. If you have non-swimmers, children, or anyone uneasy with critters, please do not book.
Location
The cabin features incredible solitude on a hilltop in an isolated rural area 9 miles from the highway. The road in front of the property is gravel. Once you arrive at the ranch, the cabin is located atop a steep, half-mile paved driveway that features multiple hair-pin turns.
Getting Here
The ranch is easily drivable from all population centers in California. Bring your own car or rent one at the airport. Ubers and Taxis are not available. We are 3 hours from the San Francisco Bay Area and 5 hours from Los Angeles. If you are arriving by air, plan your flight to the Fresno / Yosemite (FAT) Airport. Domestic and International visitors will appreciate Fresno's non-stop flights from the major US connecting hubs in Denver, Dallas, and Chicago. The ranch is a scenic 90 minute drive from the Fresno Airport. Even if your travel extends to other parts of California, consider Fresno as a central travel hub with a more relaxed, small-city feel versus the unpredictable congestion of the major urban centers.
Groceries
For the best experience, shop for groceries before arrival or plan to order from Instacart once you are here. There is a mini-mart 15 minutes away for essentials. Mariposa town is 20 minutes away featuring Pioneer Market with most grocery brands. Also in Mariposa, High Country Health Foods has most Whole Foods type brands. Major grocery chains Vons/Raleys are 30 minutes away in Oakhurst.
Yosemite
Due to changing conditions, always verify your travel dates online to determine if a reservation is required to drive into Yosemite. Transportation options and schedules are also readily available online and we are happy to help you with tips to make the most of your stay.
Yosemite access is via scenic hwy 140 into the valley or hwy 41 to reach Mariposa Grove and Glacier Point. Either park entrance is just over 1 hour away and expect a 90 minute drive to the valley floor traffic permitting. During busy summer months we recommend that you depart from the ranch before 5:30AM to avoid traffic. In winter, you must carry chains and check road conditions before departure, especially during rain or snow.
Infants & Children
Unfortunately, our cabin is not suitable for children or anyone who would be unsafe around our pool, spa, decks, and natural obstacles. If you bring children, you do so at your own risk. There is a risk of falls on the stairs inside and outside the home and the pool and hot tub are not fenced. There is no outdoor play area. Children must be supervised at all times. The cabin is not equipped for infants. We do not offer a crib or changing table. Crawling infants risk falls on the stairs inside and outside the home and again the pool and hot tub are not fenced. Children cannot be left unsupervised at any time.
Pool & Hot Tub
The pool and hot tub are available for your use year-round, but only the hot tub is heated. The pool & hot tub fee, included in the price of your booking, is $50 per stay. If the Pool and/or hot tub are unusable for any reason including mechanical breakdown, wind-driven debris, or chemical imbalance, you may be entitled to a $50 refund. Both water features are unfenced, therefore this cabin is not suitable for guests who are non-swimmers or who would be unsafe around water.
Driving and Parking
Expect rural roads, some gravel and in poor condition. The ranch driveway is narrow, steep and has multiple hairpin turns. Take it slow and you won't have a problem. Low-clearance vehicles are not recommended. No trailers. We have parking at the cabin for 2 cars.
Heating and A/C
The cabin has central heating and a/c controlled by a Nest thermostat. Winter heating is limited to 60-70°F (15-21°C). Two gas fireplaces provide additional heat. Summer cooling is limited to 76-85°F (24-29°C). Thermostat settings outside these ranges are available for a fee.
Wildlife, Environment, and Pests
All areas surrounding Yosemite National Park, including more urbanized parts, provide opportunities for wildlife encounters. Guests may spot a variety of creatures, including deer, turkeys, squirrels, and hawks to rarer sightings such as coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, raccoons, feral pigs, skunks, field mice, rattlesnakes, tarantulas, bees, wasps, and scorpions, all contributing to the region's distinctive and diverse ecosystem. Moreover, one should be mindful of the presence of poison oak in the local flora.
To fully appreciate and safely engage with the surrounding nature, it's essential to demonstrate respect for the local environment and possess knowledge about potential risks. By doing so, you can enhance your experience and simultaneously minimize any associated hazards.
Our cabin offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of nature. It’s the perfect retreat for those who love peaceful natural surroundings and wildlife encounters. If you’re more inclined towards the hustle and bustle of city life, an urban vacation might be a better fit for you.
On rare occasions and despite our best efforts, you may experience the presence of a field mouse or other pest inside the cabin. If the remote possibility of an encounter with wildlife or pests is unacceptable to you, please do not book. All accommodations in and around Yosemite present the possibility of encounters with wildlife and pests. To reduce the likelihood of pests entering the cabin, keep doors and screens closed at all times, maintain a tidy kitchen and promptly put away food.
Wildfires
Wildfires are a natural occurrence in the area. Wildfires can happen at any time, but the typical season is between June and November.
A Note on Airbnb "Categories"
The categories are automated - we can't change them. Please inquire to confirm that the features you expect are included. Thank you for understanding.
