A Perfect Getaway at The Embers: The Ideal Base for Exploring Bass Lake and Yosemite
If you're seeking a vacation destination that combines stunning natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and the comforts of home, look no further than The Embers in Bass Lake, California. This cozy yet spacious vacation rental offers the perfect home base for families, couples, or groups of friends looking to experience the best of both relaxation and adventure. And with Yosemite National Park just a short drive away, The Embers also serves as an ideal location for those who want to explore one of the country's most iconic natural wonders.
We loved that The Embers was big enough for our family and friends. There was plenty of space for all! It also features a fully equipped kitchen, making it easy to prepare meals. Plus, with easy access to Bass Lake, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy water activities, making this property the perfect year-round getaway. You can even spot the lake from the porch! We enjoyed sitting out there in the evening roasting s’mores and watching the light fade on the water.
Bass Lake itself is one of the main attractions when staying at The Embers, and for good reason. Just minutes from your front door, you’ll find a beautiful, clear lake surrounded by towering pine trees and scenic views. The lake is ideal for a variety of outdoor activities, from kayaking and paddleboarding to boating and fishing. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-time paddler, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the water.
If you’re more of a land-based adventurer, Bass Lake also offers miles of hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, hidden waterfalls, and quiet spots to enjoy a picnic. The area is home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, birds, and even the occasional bear, making it an exciting place to explore for nature lovers.
While Bass Lake is an amazing destination in itself, The Embers is also a fantastic home base for exploring Yosemite National Park, one of the crown jewels of the U.S. National Park System. Just a short drive from the property, Yosemite is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the area. Make sure to see the end of the blog post for our itinerary for Yosemite with kids.
We loved exploring nearby Oakhurst too. There is a very fun arcade called Go Play Party Zone. You can play all the machines with classic games like Pacman or enjoy air hockey for $15 a person. A fun way to change up your trip! Make sure to grab nearby barbecue at Smokehouse 41 BBQ. The line can get long so make sure to go early!
If you're ready for an unforgettable vacation that combines outdoor exploration with relaxation, The Embers in Bass Lake is the perfect choice. With its beautiful setting, proximity to both Bass Lake and Yosemite, and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, it’s the ultimate destination for families and adventurers alike.
Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the magic of Bass Lake and Yosemite. Book your stay at The Embers today and start planning your next adventure!
Sentinel Dome Trail- 2.2 miles out and back. Not a long hike but does incline the whole time to the view point. My 6 year old did it just fine but my 4 year old needed more breaks and help. This is the biggest bang for your buck though- 360 views of the whole park. The end is a view point with cliffs so definitely keep that in mind for your kid.
Taft Point- 2.3 miles out and back. More flat than Sentinel and the views are amazing. Very safe and easy until the last .1 miles where there are fissures and cliffs. We did it with my 4 and 6 year old and felt comfortable but held their hands at view points and did not go near edges.
Devil’s Elbow- Part of the Merced River in the valley and a great area to relax and cool off in the water.
Tunnel View- An easy stop at the view point for sweeping views of the valley. Great spot for pictures. Parking lot will be very crowded.
Bridalveil Fall- easy .8 out and back walk from parking lot to see the falls. My kids played off the path in the stream and rocks to cool off.
Exploration Center- Great museum to learn more about the park. Kid friendly!
Cook’s Meadow- Short easy walk through the meadow to see all the valley as to offer! Our favorite time to go is at golden hour as the sun is setting. *honorable mentions we’ve done before:
Swinging bridge- similar to Devil’s Elbow. A picnic spot to cool off and play in the water - Lower Yosemite Falls- Easy 1.2 out and back walk to the falls. The waterfall is seasonal so only has water in winter and spring
Tips -Yosemite requires advance reservations for weekends and holidays -Go early! On Saturday we arrived at the gate at 8am and went right in. On Sunday we arrived at 1pm and had to wait over 2 hours to even enter the park
