Hi neighbor!
We just spent an incredible weekend near Yosemite and are already planning our next trip back. We stayed at the River Cabin at JWP Ranch Yosemite, right on the Fresno River in Ahwahnee.
It turned out to be the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. My husband and I got beautiful morning views and starry nights. The boys got a river, a beach, animals around every corner, and a big day of exploring Yosemite Valley.
I’m so grateful to JWP Ranch for hosting our stay!
Check it out for your next Yosemite adventure and get 10% off your stay. Just message the host before you book, mention “Pleasant Hill Families,” and they’ll send you an offer for the discounted rate. I hope your family will enjoy it as much as we did.
What the kids loved
The cabin is on a cattle ranch, so there are animals everywhere. Cows freely roam the property, a pack of wild turkeys wandered through, and a couple of horses kept an eye on us. The cattle and horses like to people watch, but they saunter off if you get too close.
There’s a sandy beach about 500 feet from the cabin that's completely private so we could plop down wherever we wanted. The water was crystal clear and came up to my knees in the deepest spot. The host told us the water might go up to an adult’s mid-thigh earlier in the year but is usually fairly shallow, which makes it perfect for families with young kids. Build sandcastles, catch and release pollywogs, and bring a picnic so you can stay all day. The cabin comes stocked with beach towels to use.
In the evenings, we raided the game cabinet and taught the kids to play cards, then headed outside to look at the stars. There's almost no light pollution, and we could see the Milky Way and Saturn.
What I loved
The screened in porch bedroom was a really unique part of our stay. It had incredible mountain views, a big, comfy king size bed with a heated blanket, and the sound of the river to lull you to sleep. The sun didn’t come out from behind the mountain until around 10am, which was perfect for this late riser.
It felt like glamping, with a real bed, fresh air, and views, except there was nobody else around. Other than the cows, we had the whole area to ourselves.
The cabin is full of fun art, from mosaics and murals to paintings and decorative wood pieces. There's also a big patio with plenty of chairs and tables for slow mornings and long dinners outside.
Then there's the outdoor shower and bathtub. The shower was great for rinsing off after the river and I wish I’d set time aside to soak in the tub after a long day of hiking and biking in Yosemite. Next time!
I also love that the ranch is full of history. There are Native acorn grinding holes all around the property, including one about 300 feet from the front door, where acorns were pounded into food. This is also gold rush country with a couple old mines nearby. We even saw the old cable car the family still uses to cross the river in the winter, plus the remnants of the cabin's original outhouse.
The family behind the cabin makes it extra special. The ranch has been in their family since 1892, and they're the seventh generation to raise cattle there. The host took me on a tour of the property and every nook and cranny seemed to have a story to go along with it.
Our day in Yosemite Valley
The Yosemite National Park entrance is only 30 min from the cabin (though it’s closer to 90 minutes from the cabin to Curry Village), so we drove in on Saturday with our bikes. Seeing El Capitan and the other rock formations for the first time was mind blowing, and the kids loved climbing on the smaller scale rocks found around the park.
We packed a picnic lunch and ate on a little beach along the Merced River. Biking around the valley was so peaceful, and there's also a free shuttle bus for anyone who’d rather not bike or drive inside the park.
The Merced River and Vernal Fall were flowing, but Yosemite Falls and Mirror Lake were dry this time of year. I guess that's the tradeoff for the gorgeous 70+ degree weather we had!
Why fall and winter might be even better
It sounds like the waterfalls are absolutely worth coming back for once the rain and snow return, making the cooler months a chance to see a different side of the Yosemite Valley.
Heads up that Yosemite doesn't require an entry reservation right now, but double check with the National Park Service before you go, and carry chains in the winter.
There are also plenty of other nearby activities to keep families busy for a weekend getaway:
Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad. Take a one hour steam train excursion through the Sierra National Forest, stroll through the rail logging museum, and try your hand at gold panning. Located in Fish Camp, with rides offered between March and December.
Nelder Grove. A nice fall hike through a giant sequoia grove, though it’s not recommended in winter. It’s said to rival Mariposa Grove in Yosemite, with less driving and fewer crowds.
Yosemite Trails Horseback Adventures. Take a 1 hour, 2 hour, or 5 hour trail ride through the forest. Located in Fish Camp, with rides offered through late Fall.
Curry Village Ice Skating. Outdoor ice skating with Half Dome in the background and a fire pit to warm up. Located in Yosemite National Park and usually open late November through early March, weather permitting.
Tenaya at Yosemite. A covered outdoor ice rink in Fish Camp near the south entrance, with hot cocoa by the fire. Open seasonally.
Goat Meadow Snow Play Area. Gentle sledding hills right outside Yosemite’s south entrance in Fish Camp. Bring your own sleds and snacks. Open seasonally.
Badger Pass Ski Area. A great beginner mountain with gentle, mostly flat terrain that's great for kids just learning to ski or ride, plus snowshoeing and snow tubing. Open seasonally.
River Creek Golf Course. A 9 hole championship golf course and a par 36 experience. Located in Ahwahnee, less than 5 minutes from the River Cabin.
Book the trip. You won’t regret it.
The River Cabin at JWP Ranch Yosemite is a great base for exploring Yosemite and the surrounding area. It only snows at the cabin a day or two each year and melts within a day, so you get the winter fun up the hill and an easy base down below.
It’s less than 3 hours from Pleasant Hill if you get the timing right and it will be one of the more relaxing and unique AirBNB stays you’ve ever had.
Snag this gem before they book up. You’ll be so glad you did.
Remember to message the host before booking and mention “Pleasant Hill Families” for 10% off your stay.
Follow along with life on the ranch at @YosemiteRiverCabin.
Have you been to Yosemite in the winter? I'd love your tips! Send me a note so I can add them.
Jen
