Evergreen Lodge, a classic mountain resort located on the western border of Yosemite National Park, California, is reopening for the 2023 season on 17 February.

Nestled in the woods bordering Yosemite National Park, the Evergreen Lodge is a newly expanded historic resort combining a timeless feel with modern comforts such as full-service dining and professional recreation and wellness programs.

There are 88 cabins scattered throughout eight hectares of towering pines, each with its own balcony to create a sense of privacy, yet within easy reach of the central plaza, tavern and recreation areas.

Evergreen is a certified, founding B Corporation, meaning that it has voluntarily met the highest standards for social and environmental performance. Evergreen claims to be at the forefront for travellers seeking purpose-driven travel experiences, through its dedication to environmental stewardship and its on-site, self-funded Youth Program. The program takes high-potential young adults from urban backgrounds and places them at the lodge as paid, seasonal interns. There they learn a specific trade, live in a supportive community and enjoy outdoor experiences that challenge, motivate and inspire them. Evergreen says that some 470 young adults have benefited from the program since its inception 20 years ago. 

With its eco-conscious practices and social mission, Evergreen offers a uniquely responsible way to experience the natural wonders of Yosemite. This includes what the lodge describes as an industry-leading commercial greywater program that repurposes 100 per cent of water onsite, and an innovative grassroots recycling program.

"We look forward once again to welcoming our guests to Evergreen Lodge, where we've been using business as a force for good for over 20 years," said co-owner Lee Zimmerman. "We love that our guests can enjoy an epic Yosemite vacation, while also helping promising young people to gain experience and life skills and move towards independence."

This year Yosemite's world-famous waterfalls are back in full force, including Horsetail Fall's firefall, where the setting sun illuminates the waterfall, making it glow orange. Evergreen says that its "Range of Light: FireFall" guided excursion is like having a backstage pass to this rare natural phenomenon that is only visible in late February. Guests will gain insider perspective and bypass this year's temporary Firefall Park reservation system.

Evergreen Lodge can be reached by car in less than four hours from the San Francisco Bay area along scenic Highway 120. This is the route I took on my last visit to Yosemite and I can thoroughly recommend it. The lodge is offering special rates for its opening weekend including waterfalls.

Useful links

​Yosemite Lodging | Evergreen Lodge Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park | Lodging, Camping, Attractions | Yosemite.com