Discover What’s New in Yosemite’s Southern Gateway for 2025
Plan Ahead: Yosemite Reservations for 2025
- Horsetail Fall Weekends: Prepare for Yosemite National Park’s breathtaking Horsetail Fall, a February phenomenon where the setting sun creates a fiery glow on the water. Weekend reservations are required.
- Stay Tuned for Summer: Details about Yosemite’s summer reservation system for 2025 are still in the works. Check back for the latest updates.
New and Exciting Hotel Developments
Outbound Yosemite Resort in Oakhurst
Opening this fall, the brand-new Outbound Yosemite Resort spans 17 acres and offers:
Beautifully designed cabins
A sparkling pool and welcoming lobby
Outdoor event spaces and a conference center accommodating up to 300 guests
The Inelle Hotel in Oakhurst
Last August, Oakhurst welcomed the reimagined Inelle Hotel, part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio:
71 modern rooms offering cozy, contemporary elegance.
Hemlock Restaurant & Bar featuring delightful bites and signature cocktails.
Discover North Fork, CA: The Heart of the Golden State
Your Journey Begins: The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway
Start your adventure in North Fork, the official gateway to the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, a 100-mile journey into the majestic Sierra Nevada. Highlights along the route include:
Globe Rock, a geological wonder, this nearly spherical monolith sits on a pedestal and captivates the imagination.
The Jesse Ross Cabin, where travelers can find a historic glimpse into pioneer life.
The Byway is perfect for hiking, photography, and exploring the area’s natural beauty.
Honoring Cultural Treasures
The Sierra Mono Museum and Cultural Center, owned and operated by the Sierra Mono Tribe, celebrates their heritage through exhibits of intricate baskets, artifacts, and photographs that tell their enduring story.
Exciting Developments: North Fork Mono Casino & Resort
Breaking ground in September 2024, the North Fork Mono Casino & Resort is a $400 million complex near Highway 99. This state-of-the-art destination will feature:
2,000 slot machines and 40 table games
A 200-room luxury hotel
Signature dining options and an entertainment lounge
Retail spaces and a conference center
Whether exploring the scenic byway or immersing yourself in cultural history, North Fork is at the heart of what makes California the ultimate playground.
Local Charm
Celebrate Oakhurst as the “Carved Bear Capital of the World™”
Oakhurst is known for its adorable carved bears at nearly every shop and restaurant entrance. In fact, Oakhurst, CA is the Carved Bear Capital of the World™! Celebrate this adorable tradition at the annual Wood Carvers Rendezvous, where talented artisans showcase their craft through live demonstrations, workshops, and exhibits of incredible woodcarving.
Woodworking and logging run deep in this mountain community. North Fork native Nate Hodges was named the Individual World Champion at the STIHL Timbersports competition in 2024. Witness the next generation of timber sports competitors at the July 65th Annual Mid-Sierra Loggers Jamboree.
Spring Awakens at Bass Lake
Mark your calendar for March 22, 2025, when:
Miller’s Landing and The Forks Resort reopen for the season.
The Pines Resort, open year-round, debuts its luxury tent experience in the late summer of 2025, offering an upscale glamping option and comfort in the outdoors.
Environmental Stewardship: 2nd Annual Oakhurst Facelift
Join us on October 4, 2025, for the Oakhurst Facelift ®, a satellite event of the Yosemite Facelift ®. Volunteers will clean up litter on trails like the Lewis Creek Trail and Oakhurst River Parkway.
The afterparty is a celebration at Idle Hour Winery & Kitchen, with local craft beer provided by South Gate Brewing Company. After a day of stewardship, unwind with a glass of local wine or craft beer, great tunes, and good company at this local favorite.




For more information, please contact:
Brooke Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing, at brooke@yosemitethisyear.com or Kate Holden, Director of Public Relations, at kate@yosemitethisyear.com
Embark on an unforgettable journey in Madera County and Yosemite's Southern Gateway in 2025!

About the Author of this Article: Brooke Smith is the Director of Sales and Marketing for Visit Yosemite | Madera County. She is committed to positioning the region as a top travel destination and loves helping people craft incredible itineraries. Her favorite thing to do is exploring the backroads to find quirky, off-the-beaten-path locations like the exact Center of California, the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County, and Globe Rock.