Open Sky Destinations

luxury in lassen
Cottages at Highlands Ranch Resort

Places to go see the Night Sky in California

Benton Hot Springs

Big Sur, CA

Blue Lake Campground
Modoc NF

Bodie Ghost Town

Bridgeport, CA

Cambria, CA

Eastern Sierra Lakes

Elk Creek, CA

Ferndale, CA

Gold Lake, CA

Kennedy Meadows, CA

Lake Cuyamaca

Lassen Volcanic NP

McCloud, CA

Mercey Hot Springs

Mineral, CA

Mineral King Canyon

Mono Lake, CA

Lake Almanor, CA

Lake Tahoe, CA

Silver Lake @ Bucks

Tuolumne Meadows
Hwy 120 @ Yosemite NP

Walker, CA

Wilbur Hot Springs

horseback

California Meadow Locations

Wild Land Ranches
Wild Land Ranches

Meteor Showers & Stargazing

 

lodge

Best Lodges with Sky Views

Lodge @ Blue Lakes
Hwy 20, Upper Lake
Clear Lake, CA

Caples Lake Resort
Carson Pass Hwy 88
Kirkwood, CA

Cardinal Village Resort
Eastern Sierra
Aspendell, CA

Gold Lake Cabin Rentals
Lakes Basin Recreation Area
E of Quincy, CA

Highlands Ranch Resort
Lassen NF @ Hwy 36
Mill Creek, CA

Hunewill Ranch
US 395
Bridgeport, CA

Kit Carson Lodge
Silver Lake @ Carson Pass
Hwy 88
Kirkwood, CA

McCloud Mercantile Hotel
241 Main St
McCloud, CA

Quiet Mind Retreat Lodge
Lake Cuyamaca
Julian, CA

Rock Creek Lodge
Eastern Sierra US 395
Rock Creek Canyon Rd
Toms Place, CA

Tioga Pass Resort
Hwy 120 @ east entrance
Yosemite NP

Mineral California
Battle Creek Meadows, Mineral, CA

Wilderness Lodges

California Wilderness Lodges

Childs Meadow Lassen
Childs Meadow @ Lassen

These accommodations listed below are located on the edge of Wilderness.  Northern California, Sierra Nevada mountains, rural coastlines or even in the vast Deserts; the terrain is always front and center and the main attraction.

Some are large resorts with dining and other amenities, others are small and intimate, historic and cozy. Open year round or closed during winter months, each place is different. Follow links to find out more details and tell them Total Escape sent you.

Stay overnight surrounded by nature, right next to the Wilderness

lodge

various types of Wilderness lodging

wilderness camps – horseback or hike-in access only
rustic cabins – big snow country, carry snow chains
fishing lodges – river front and very popular
historic forest lodges, inns & resorts
lakeside resorts – often closed in winter
hot springs resorts – located in remote areas

Overnight accommodations are pretty scarce in the wilderness areas and high country locales of the golden state. Wilderness accommodations can be reserved up to a year in advance, with a hefty fee, of course. Often open during winter months, but not always.

mountains

Wilderness Lodges & Cabins in Calif

elevation: 4000′ – 9800′

Overnight lodging in California; alpine country, located high in elevation. Mountain peaks, fire lookouts, cabins, historic inns, guard stations and even, hot springs resorts.

Benton Hot Springs
Benton Hot Springs, N of Bishop, CA

The Inn at Benton Hot Springs
Highway 120, Benton, CA
High desert inn, E of US 395

Big Sur Lodge
47225 Highway 1
@ Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Big Sur, CA 93920
800-424-4787
831-667-3100

Lodging in Bucks Lake, CA
Bucks Lake Resorts
Plumas National Forest

Chalet View Lodge
Highway 70 @ Graeagle, CA
Plumas National Forest
East of Quincy, CA

The Inn at Death Valley
Highway 190
Death Valley, CA 92328
Death Valley National Park

Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn
48865 Highway 1 @ Castro Canyon
Big Sur, CA
831-667-2377
19 cabins & cottages

Original Glacier Lodge
Big Pine Creek Glacier Lodge burned down in1998; only the cabins remain

Glacier Lodge
elevation 8000′
(closed for winter)
Glacier Lodge Road
W of Big Pine, CA @ US 395
Eastern Sierra – Palisades Glacier
John Muir Wilderness
Inyo National Forest

Gray Eagle Lodge
5000 Gold Lake Road
Graeagle, CA
Lakes Basin Recreation Area
Plumas National Forest

hiker

High Sierra Camp (HSC)
(horseback or hike-in only)
Giant hiking loop in high country = Tuloumne Meadows, Vogelsang, Lake Merced, Sunrise Camp, May Lake
elevation 9000′ – 12,000′
Tioga Pass, Highway 120
Within Yosemite NP

luxury in lassen
Highlands Ranch, Lassen National Forest

Highlands Ranch Resort
elevation 5000′
Village Inn @ Childs Meadow
Hwy 36 E, Mill Creek, CA
(open year round)
Lassen National Forest
Lassen Volcanic National Park

restaurant

Kit Carson Resort
Silver Lake CA
Carson Pass, Hwy 88
(closes for winter)

Lodging in Sierra City, California
elevation 4187′
North Yuba River
Northern Gold Country, Hwy 49

elwell lodge

Lakes Basin Recreation Area
elevation 6400′
(closed in winter, sno mo ok)
Gold Lake, CA
Packer Lake Lodge
Sardine Lake
Elwell Lakes Lodge
Bassetts Station
North Gold Country, Hwy 49

Lodging in La Porte, California
elevation 5000′
La Porte Road
East of Yuba City, CA

Lucia Deck Dining

Lucia Lodge
62400 Hwy 1
South Big Sur Coast
Lucia, CA
831-667-2391
10 cottages

Mill Creek Resort
Cabins & Campground
(closes for winter)
Hwy 172, Mill Creek, CA
Lassen National Forest
Lassen Volcanic National Park

laporte_union
LaPorte Union Hotel

Montecito Sequoia Lodge
Montecito Lake Resort & Cabins
(open year round)
Sequoia National Park

panamint springs motel

Panamint Springs Resort
40440 Highway 190
Darwin, CA 93522
Death Valley National Park

Rock Creek Lodge
Rock Creek Canyon Rd
elevation 9373′
John Muir Wilderness
Inyo National Forest
Eastern Sierra, W of US 395

Tioga Pass Resort (TPR)
elevation 9000′
Tioga Pass, Highway 120
East Yosemite NP

Tree Bones Yurt Resort
Treebones Resort & Restaurant
71895 Highway 1
Rural Central Coast
Big Sur, CA
877-4-BIG SUR
877-424-4787
16 yurts

hiking maps

Ventana Inn & Spa
48123 Highway 1
Big Sur, CA
831-667-2331
800-628-6500
60 rooms & suites
243 acres
Ventana Wilderness 

Vermilion Valley Resort
elevation 7643′
(closes for winter)
John Muir Wilderness
JMT = John Muir Trail access
Sierra National Forest
Lake Edison, CA

Washington Hotel
15432 Washington Rd
Washington, CA
530-265-4364
W of Donner Pass
established 1857

Wylder Hope Valley
formerly Sorensen’s Resort
elevation 6000′
South of Lake Tahoe
Hope Valley, CA

stonewalls

National Forest Cabins
& Fire Lookout Towers

NFS

fire lookout tower

hiker

Snow melts from MAY into JUNE. Expect closure or mud on dirt back roads. Wildflowers bloom APRIL through AUGUST in the Sierra Nevada, above 3000′. Autumn arrives with aspens and fall colors in the Eastern Sierra, through OCTOBER.

snow

more recommendations coming soon….

Arizona Wilderness Lodges

Grand Canyon (cabins on the rim)

Jacob Lake Inn
7925′ elevation
AZ Hwy 67 @ US-89A
Fredonia, AZ 86022
928-643-7232
cafe, cabins & motel
North Kaibab National Forest
Grand Canyon, North Rim

pinetree

Nevada Wilderness Lodges

Mount Charleston

Utah Wilderness Lodges

Zion & Bryce National Parks

Historic California Lodges

Historic Lodges in California

Oldest hotels in California
West Coast & Sierra Nevada Mountains

amador2021
Imperial Hotel in Amador City, CA – Gold Rush Country

lodgeWhile the well-known explorers Lewis and Clark were both freemasons and the first white men to walk across the continent; We are not interested in ‘Masonic Lodges’ of the West Coast. Nor any Worshipful Masters that came after.

The most interesting Historic Lodges of California are the ones located deep within nature, surrounded by grandeur and real wild beauty. The historic hotels in which we list have been accommodating guest for over 100 years.

Ideal locations, from rustic mountain cabins to impressive beach resorts, gold country inns to a desert oasis – this is Total Escape, California off the beaten path.

amargosa

California Deserts

Amargosa Hotel
Amargosa Opera House
Death Valley Junction, CA
760-852-4441
Historic mining location; Mojave Desert, east of DVNP

The Inn at Furnace Creek
Inn at Death Valley
The Oasis at Death Valley
Furnace Creek, California
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, CA
Palms and poolside resort with luxury, opened in 1927

Southern California Mountains

The Julian Hotel
Julian Gold Rush Hotel
2032 Main Street
Julian, California
800-734-5854
760-765-0201
East San Diego Mountains
Oldest continuously operating hotel in Southern California

julian porch

HotelDelCoronado
Hotel Del, Coronado, CA

California Cities

Hotel Del Coronado
1500 Orange Ave
Coronado Island, CA
800-468-3533
619-435-6611
West of downtown San Diego
Wooden Victorian Beach Resort, facing the Pacific
Oldest lodge on the West Coast, established 1888

U.S. Grant Hotel
326 Broadway Avenue
San Diego, CA
800-237-5029
619-232-3121
Downtown, directly across from Horton Plaza

The Mission Inn
3649 Mission Inn Avenue
Riverside, CA
909-784-0300

BeverlyHills
The Beverly Hills Hotel
Beverly Hills, CA

Biltmore Hotel
The Biltmore
downtown Los Angeles

Chateau Marmont
8221 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323-656-1010
West Hollywood iconic, since 1927

The Fairmont Hotel
San Francisco, CA

The Queen Anne Hotel
1590 Sutter Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
415-441-2828
A grand Victorian built in 1890

Queen Mary Hotel
The Queen Mary
Historic Cruise Ship
Long Beach, California
Port of Los Angeles, busy harbor w/ seaside village

Sacramento Hostel
925 H Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-668-6632
Victorian in old town; built in 1885

Santa Cruz Hostel
321 Main Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-423-8304
Victorian cottages w/ gardens

Stanford Court
905 California Street, Nob Hill
San Francisco, CA 94108
866-576 5550
accommodating guests for over 100 years

Upham Hotel
1404 De La Vina Street
Santa Barbara, CA
805-962-0058
Victorian in downtown; built in 1871

Mountain Lodging

Sierra Nevada Mountains

The Ahwahnee Hotel
Yosemite Valley, CA
559-252-4848
granite walls of Yosemite Valley

Bridgeport Inn
US Highway 395
Bridgeport, CA
760-932-7380
Eastern Sierra
built in 1877

Bucks Lake Lodge
16525 Bucks Lake Rd.
Bucks Lake, CA
530-283-2262
established in 1929
burnt down in 2010
rebuilt/reopened 2013

Camp Nelson Lodge
Camp Nelson, California
559-542-0904
Western Sierra Nevada
near Giant Sequoia National Monument

Cary House Hotel
300 Main Street
Placerville, CA 95667
530-622-4271
landmark 1857 hotel offering free breakfast

Clair Tappaan Lodge
19940 Donner Pass Road
Norden, CA
530-426-3632
Hostel on Donner Pass w/ PCT access
built in 1934 by the Sierra Club

Dardanelle Resort
Highway 108, Sonora Pass
209-965-4275
established in 1923
burnt down in 2018
working on rebuilding 2021

Elwell Lakes Lodge
6200 Gold Lake Forest Hwy
Gold Lake, CA
Lakes Basin Recreation Area
530-836-2347
lodge and cabins, built in 1920

Evergreen Lodge
Groveland, CA
800-935-6343
West of Yosemite National Park
Hwy 120 (CA SR 120)
88 cabins w/ historic mountain lodge,
built in the 1920s

Fern Creek Lodge
4628 Boulder Dr.
June Lake, CA
760-648-7722
800-621-9146

Georgetown Hotel & Saloon
6260 Main Street
Georgetown, CA
530-333-4428
in operation since 1856

Glacier Lodge
Big Pine Creek
Big Pine, CA
Eastern Sierra
lodge burnt down; cabins remain

Gold Lake Lodge
Gold Lake, CA
Lakes Basin Recreation Area

Granlibakken
725 Granlibakken Road
Tahoe City, CA
800-543-3221
530-583-4242
Tahoe ski resort, since 1927

Groveland Hotel
18767 Main Street
Groveland, CA
209-962-4000
Gateway to Yosemite; built in 1849

Imperial Hotel
14202 Old Highway 49
Amador City, CA 95601
209-267-9172
built in 1879

Kings Canyon Lodge
67751 East Kings Canyon Road
Kings Canyon National Park, CA
559-335-2405
built in 1937
destroyed in wildfire 2015

Kit Carson Lodge
32161 Kit Carson Road
Kit Carson, CA 95644
209-258-8500
Silver Lake @ Carson Pass Hwy 88

restsaloon
Lakeshore Lodge, Restaurant & Saloon

Lakeshore Resort
Huntington Lake, CA
West Sierra National Forest
established in 1922

Montecito Sequoia Lodge
63410 Generals Hwy
Sequoia Kings Canyon NP
Recreation Camp w/ small lake
877-282-1440

gold country lodge
Murphy’s

Murphys Historic Hotel
457 Main Street
Murphys, CA
800-532-7684
209-728-3444
Gold Rush Country

Historic National Hotel
Bed and Breakfast
18183 Main Street
Jamestown, CA
209-984-3446
800-894-3446
Gold Rush Country
since 1859

National Hotel & Restaurant
18183 Main Street
Jamestown, CA
209-984-3446
800-894-3446
Gold Rush Country
continuous operation, first built in 1859

The National Hotel
211 Broad Street
Nevada City, CA
530-265-4551
Oldest continuously operating hotel in California, built in 1852


Rainbow Lodge
at Royal Gorge
Interstate 80, west of Donner Pass
Sierra Nevada

Rankin Ranch
Working cattle ranch w/ cabins & meals
Caliente, California
661-867-2511
Kern Co. / Southern Sierra Nevada
stagecoach stop 1870

Saint Bernard Lodge
44801 Highway 36 East
Mill Creek, CA
530-736-6188
Lassen National Forest
built in the 1920’s

Silver City Resort
Mountain Cabins
Mineral King, CA
Southern Sequoia National Park
historic cabin community

Sonora Inn
160 S Washington St
Sonora, CA 95370
209-532-2400
Gold Rush Country
built in 1896

Strawberry Lodge
17510 US Highway 50
530-659-7200
Kyburz Pass
Eldorado National Forest

Sugar Bowl Ski Resort
629 Sugar Bowl Rd
Norden, CA
530-426-9000
Donner Pass
opened in 1939

Tioga Pass Resort
Tioga Pass, Hwy 120 (CA SR 120)
East Yosemite National Park
Oldest resort in Inyo National Forest, established in 1914
(ongoing construction)

The Union Hotel
1915 Main Street
Quincy – La Porte Rd
La Porte, CA
530-675-2860
Plumas National Forest
established in 1855

Truckee Hotel
10007 Bridge St.
Truckee, CA
530-587-4444
Donner Pass
established 1873

Washington Hotel
15432 Washington Rd
Washington, CA
530-265-4364
W of Donner Pass
established 1857

Wawona Hotel
golfing on mountain meadows
Wawona, California
South Yosemite NP
Highway 41 (CA SR 41)
in operation since 1918

 

tiogacabins

Northern California

Benbow Historic Inn
445 Lake Benbow Drive
Garberville, CA 95542
707-923-2124
Mendocino US 101

Blair House Inn
45110 Little Lake St
Mendocino, CA 95460
707-937-1800
1888 Victorian

Highland Dell Lodge
21050 River Boulevard
Monte Rio, CA 95462
707-865-2300
Russian River
Wooden Retreat w/ Restaurant, since 1906

Inn at Schoolhouse Creek
7051 North Highway 1
Little River, CA 95456
707-937-5525
Mendocino Coast
coastal farmhouse, built in 1862

Joshua Grindle Inn
44800 Little Lake Rd
Mendocino, CA
707-937-6022
1879 Victorian

Klamath River Lodge
34395 Highway 96
Orleans, CA 95556
707-499-0901
fishing lodge built in 1930’s

Tallman Hotel
9550 Main Street
Upper Lake, CA 95485
707-275-2244
Clear Lake
built in the 1870s

Village Inn at Childs Meadow
Village Inn at Highlands Ranch
41500 Highway 36Ehorseback
Mill Creek, CA 96061
530-595-3383
Lassen National Forest
resort established 1864
original stagecoach stop

Inn at Childs Meadow

ranger

Fire Lookouts: 100 years

NFS USFS

Many US Forest Service Fire Lookout Towers and Cabins inside California are considered historic, many being built prior to 1940. Most are closed during winter months and generally open April-December. Check with local ranger station to verify access and for reservations.

>>> find all California National Forest Cabin Rentals and Fire Lookouts

Crocker Guard Station
Plumas National Forest
constructed in 1912

Big Meadows Guard Station
Sequoia National Forest
constructed between 1933 – 1935

Forest Glen Guard Station
Shasta Trinity National Forest
built in 1914

Girard Ridge Lookout
Shasta Trinity National Forest
constructed in 1931

Harvey West Cabin
Eldorado National Forest
constructed in early 1930s

McCarthy Point Lookout
Lassen National Forest
constructed in 1936

Robbs Hut
Eldorado National Forest
constructed in 1933

Sly Guard Cabin
Eldorado National Forest
constructed in early 1940s

fire lookout tower

Romantic Inns

Romantic Lodges & Cabin Resorts

Avila San Luis Obispo
Avila, San Luis Obispo

SoCal Favorites

Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Island, West San Diego, CA

Julian Hotel, Julian, CA (San Diego Mountains)

Lido Palms Resort Oasis, in Desert Hot Springs, CA

Pioneertown Motel, Yucca Valley, CA

stonewalls

 

hiker

When visiting a place for the very first time, sometimes with the right person, the whole town seems magical. Restaurants, sidewalk shops, parks for picnic, flower lined streets, wine tasting and live music.

Small California towns that have – walkable downtowns, historic buildings and museums, and/or hiking trails nearby – are top picks among active road trippers.

Most California National Parks are open for winter!

Often a few good overnights in a wonderful lodge can make the whole vacation totally worth it. Certain settings, like rivers, wilderness locations, or anything situated near the ocean is always top picks for Valentine’s Day.

Romantic Inns

most romantic towns: California

ANY hotel in Cambria
Moonlight Beach was made for Lovers

ANY hotel in Coronado
Historic seaside neighborhood, San Diego

ANY hotel in Laguna Beach
Cliffs, Beaches, Walkable Village

ANY hotel in Yosemite Valley
Iconic National Park, open during winter

ahwahnee

more romance: overnight

Benbow Historic Inn
445 Lake Benbow Drive
Garberville, CA 95542
707-923-2124
Mendocino US 101

Highland Dell Lodge
21050 River Boulevard
Monte Rio, CA 95462
707-865-2300
Russian River
Wooden Retreat w/ Restaurant, since 1906

Imperial Hotel
14202 Old Highway 49
Amador City, CA 95601
209-267-9172
built in 1879

Gold Country Foothills
Gold Country Foothills

The Inn at Furnace Creek
Inn at Death Valley
The Oasis at Death Valley
Furnace Creek, California
Death Valley National Park
Death Valley, CA
Palms and poolside resort with luxury, opened in 1927

Inn at Schoolhouse Creek
7051 North Highway 1
Little River, CA 95456
707-937-5525
Mendocino Coast
coastal farmhouse, built in 1862

Joshua Grindle Inn
44800 Little Lake Rd
Mendocino, CA
707-937-6022
1879 Victorian

Klamath River Lodge
34395 Highway 96
Orleans, CA 95556
707-499-0901
fishing lodge built in 1930’s

Sonora Inn
160 S Washington St
Sonora, CA 95370
209-532-2400
Gold Rush Country
built in 1896

The Mission Inn
3649 Mission Inn Avenue
Riverside, CA
909-784-0300

missioninn courtyard
Riverside Mission Inn, downtown

The Union Hotel
1915 Main Street
Quincy – La Porte Rd
La Porte, CA
530-675-2860
established in 1855

Upham Hotel
1404 De La Vina Street
Santa Barbara, CA
805-962-0058
Victorian in downtown; built in 1871

lassen snow

Village Inn at Childs Meadow
41500 Highway 36Ehorseback
Mill Creek, CA 96061
530-595-3383
Lassen National Forest
original resort established 1864
stagecoach stop

Wawona Hotel
golfing on mountain meadows
Wawona, California
South Yosemite NP
Highway 41 (CA SR 41)
in operation since 1918

Wylder Hotel, Hope Valley
Sierra Nevada, south of Lake Tahoe

sorensens
Cabin rentals @ Hope Valley

On the Cheap: Romantic

hiker

Youth hostels have come a long way in recent years. Often referred to as backpackers hostels or travelers hostel, these are budget friendly accommodations – set up for those who don’t mind roughin it. While bunk beds and dorm rooms are typical, these facilities also have private room rentals for couples or solo travelers.

Monterey Hostel
778 Hawthorne St
Monterey, CA
831-275-0067

Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Hosteling International
210 Pigeon Point Road
Pescadero, CA
650-879-0633

Point Montara Lighthouse
8800 Cabrillo Highway
Montara, CA 94037
650-728-7177

Sacramento Hostel
925 H Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
916-668-6632
Victorian in old town; built in 1885

Santa Cruz Hostel
321 Main Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-423-8304
Victorian cottages w/ gardens

stonewalkway

Rural & Romantic Small Towns:
(with lodging)

Amador City
Borrego Springs
Bridgeport
Coloma
Downieville
Dunsmuir
Fallbrook
Ferndale
Fort Jones
Garberville
Idyllwild
Mariposa
McCloud
Mendocino
Miranda
Murphys
Nevada City
Olema
Panamint Springs
Randsburg
Sea Ranch
Sutter Creek
Weaverville
Wilbur Springs
Winters

idyllwildbnb
Idyllwild Bed & Breakfast Inn

Secluded Cabins

aframes

Total Escape has been focusing on the back roads of California for over 3 decades. We have researched, found and stayed over at some of the coolest cabins in the Golden State. Private vacation homes to fishing cabins, we have pretty much all of them listed.

Northern California is a well sought destination for secluded vacations.

“cheap cabin rentals in northern california”

Rustic fishing cabins, luxury on the lakeshore, cedar forests, romantic or remote hideaways, tent cabins, yurts and historic fire lookouts. We list mountains and rural locations.

SUMMER VS. WINTER

Not all cabin rentals are open for business during the winter months. Often the snow is too deep and the remote location may be inaccessible. Call ahead and talk to the innkeeper; know the weather forecast, before you make the drive. Always carry chains when driving in winter months.

USFS fire lookouts and historic cabins

dardanelle

Northern California Cabin Rentals

northern california mountain cabin rentals
cabins in northern california
remote cabin rentals california
rustic cabin rentals northern california
secluded cabins in northern california

DUNSMUIR, CA

COFFEE CREEK, TRINITY LAKE

FORT JONES, CA

McCLOUD, CA

MOUNT SHASTA, CA

WEAVERVILLE, CA

WEED, CA

WILLOW CREEK, CA

fish

sorensens
Cabin rentals @ Hope Valley

Eastern Sierra Cabin Rentals

Highest Sierra peaks are the tallest on the Sierra range and located along the eastern side of California, bordering near the state of Nevada. US Highway 395 runs the length. We advise staying overnight as far from the pavement as possible.

BIG PINE, CA

BISHOP, CA

JUNE LAKE, CA

LEE VINING, CA

MAMMOTH LAKES, CA

MARKLEEVILLE, CA

TOM’S PLACE

TWIN LAKES, CA

cabin

Gold Country Foothills:
Cabins & Cottages

Highway 49 spans from the gates of Yosemite north to the Sierra Buttes @ Lakes Basin Area.

ANGELS CAMP, CA

DOWNIEVILLE, CA

MURPHYS, CA

NEVADA CITY, CA

SIERRA CITY, CA

TWAIN HARTE, CA

snow

Sequoia Cabin Rentals

Kernville on the Kern River and Lake Isabella have some rentals, but the best bet around here is Alta Sierra, a cedar forest located above the lake. Paved Highway 155 winds up from Wofford Heights to the snowy ridges above. Shirley Meadows has family ski fun.

ALTA SIERRA, CA

KERNVILLE, CA

LAKE ISABELLA, CA

WOFFORD HEIGHTS, CA

Rental homes and rustic cottages can be found on the western slopes, near the historic location called California Hot Springs.  Expect oaks and pines with shady conditions in densely wooded neighborhoods.

CALIFORNIA HOT SPRINGS, CA

Giant Sequoia is the southern most groves, close to the Kern River, located on the Western Divide Highway. The NFS runs rental cabin at Quaking Aspen Campground.

CAMP NELSON, CA

PONDEROSA, CA

SPRINGVILLE, CA

pinetree

Sierra Nevada Cabin Rentals

From Tehachapi to Truckee, the Sierra Nevada mountains have hundreds of towns and canyons to explore. Fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Snow skiing, snow shoeing and sledding.

HOPE VALLEY, CA

HUNTINGTON LAKE, CA

LAKE TAHOE LODGING

LA PORTE, CA

MARKLEEVILLE, CA

SHAVER LAKE, CA

TRUCKEE, CA

YOSEMITE BASS LAKE

YOSEMITE GROVELAND

YOSEMITE MARIPOSA

YOSEMITE OAKHURST

YOSEMITE VALLEY

yosemite
photo by Skip

hiker

Central California Cabin Rentals

The Coastal mountain ranges have a few cabin communities worth mentioning, some in the farmlands and others on the pine ridges. Numerous areas have recently been affected by wildfires: Santa Cruz Mountains, Shaver Lake & Huntington, and Mendocino.

The Big Sur Coast is a popular and often crowded destination which has a few cabin rentals. With redwood forests along the rocky and rugged coastline, outdoor recreation and scenic views are top priorities for most visitors.

BEN LOMOND, CA

BIG SUR, CA

BOULDER CREEK, CA

CAMBRIA, CA

CARMEL, CA

PINE MOUNTAIN, CA

cabin homes

Southern California Cabin:
Mountains & Deserts

Since the majority of the population is located in the bottom portion of the state, these ideal locations listed below will book up faster than “all the other cabins” in California. Drive further for a more secluded place and a whole new terrain.

ANGELUS OAKS, CA

BIG BEAR LAKE, CA

BORREGO SPRINGS, CA

IDYLWILD, CA

JOSHUA TREE, CA

JULIAN, CA

LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA

MOUNT LAGUNA, CA

PALOMAR MOUNTAIN

PIONEERTOWN, CA

group at cabin

California Hostels

Hostels in California

Interested in meeting world travelers? Want to socialize with active, like-minded travelers during your trip? Then California hikerhostels may be worth checking out.

Often called Traveler Hostels, Youth Hostels or Backpacking Hostels, these budget accommodations have been renovating and recreating themselves in the past decade. More bedding selection, more privacy options and additional outdoor lounging areas.

Youth Hostel with a view

Several historic buildings and lighthouses have been turned into hostels. Often located in the city center, or other prime locations near bus routes, beaches or attractions, hostels offer temporary lodging for young, flexible, budget minded adventurers.

These popular overnight places can book up months in advance, are usually located in well-known tourist destinations and offer much better pricing than traditional hotels.

Santa Cruz Hostel (Hosteling International)

If you’re not comfortable with sleeping in a strangers apartment with an AirBNB, nor paying top dollar to stay in a pre-parked motorhome – then hosteling is an alternative choice.

Community kitchen, bunk beds, storage lockers and shared bathrooms are the norm, but many hostels now offer private rooms, tent cabins or other unique sleeping arrangements. Every hostel is different and has a unique setup, so you’ll want to do your research ahead of time and choose carefully.

lodge

for more inexpensive lodging options in California, check out – 

Budget Lodging

Farms Stays & Ranches

NFS Cabins Rentals
& Fire Lookouts

Tent Cabins & Yurt Rentals

 

Hostel-Monterey

High Sierra Lodges

The phrase ‘High Sierra’ commonly refers to the highest mountain peaks in the U.S.  Located in the Eastern Sierra region of California, as seen all along US Highway 395. The tallest granite ranges protected by Wilderness Areas. No roads, no building, no development.

Vogelsang HSC

various types of Sierra lodging

wilderness camps – hike-in access
rustic cabins – big snow country
fishing lodges – river front
historic forest lodges, inns & resorts
lakeside resorts – often closed in winter
tent cabins – summer months only

Listed below is a small selection of Sierra lodges in Calif. The list will grow over time as we add more recommended stays. Follow the links and call ahead for reservations, cuz some of these remote places close seasonally, or they can get damaged during winter storms.

Vaulted ceilings, large windows, huge wooden beams and granite rock fireplaces are typical of interiors inside the large, historic lodges. Hotel rooms, log cabins, maybe a huge dining room and even a bar. Usually no swimming pools; since alpine lakes and rivers abound.

Sierra Lodges can be found on paved access roads, along busy highways or interstates, near railroads, in neighboring small towns, close to hiking trailheads, and always near mountain destinations. Often open during winter months, but not always.

GenevieveLake

Lodging is super scarce in the wilderness high country. Rustic cabins, community dorms, bunk houses or tent cabins are typical overnight shelter. Daily meals may be provided (when requested in advance). Much desired time frame: June through September, wilderness accommodations can be reserved up to a year in advance, with a hefty fee, of course.

Most popular mountain areas could have seasonal outfitters that provide access to the remote backcountry; usually by horseback, snowmobile, or cross-country skiing. Reservations are needed for such services.

High Elevation Lodges & Cabins in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

elevation: 4000′ – 9000′

Overnight lodging in California; alpine country, located high in elevation. Mountain peaks, fire lookouts, cabins, historic inns, guard stations.

tiogacabins

The highest of elevations – cabins, lodges, small inns, all in perfect locations, totally immersed in alpine wilderness. Many of these are accessible only half the year, due to deep snow. A few can be reached by snowmobile or snowshoe in winter months. Some also have snow ski resorts nearby.

Lodging in Aspendell, California
elevation 8500′
Bishop Creek, Eastern Sierra
Highway CA SR 168
West of Bishop, CA

Lodging in Lone Pine, CA
elevation near 4000′
Mount Whitney Motels
Bishop Creek, Eastern Sierra

Lodging in Mammoth Lakes, CA
elevation 7860′
Mammoth Mountain ski resort
Mono Divide, Ansel Adams Wilderness
Eastern Sierra

Lodging in Bucks Lake, CA
Bucks Lake Resorts
Plumas National Forest

Chalet View Lodge
Highway 70 @ Graeagle, CA
Plumas National Forest
East of Quincy, CA

Gray Eagle Lodge
5000 Gold Lake Road
Graeagle, CA

Kit Carson Resort
Silver Lake CA
Carson Pass, Hwy 88
(closes for winter)

Tioga Pass Resort (TPR)
elevation 9000′
Tioga Pass, Highway 120
East Yosemite NP

High Sierra Camp (HSC)
(horseback or hike-in only)
Giant hiking loop in high country = Tuloumne Meadows, Vogelsang, Lake Merced, Sunrise Camp, May Lake
elevation 9000′ – 12,000′
Tioga Pass, Highway 120
Within Yosemite NP

Rainbow Tavern & Lodge @ Royal Gorge
Interstate 80 @ Old Route 40
West of Donner Pass
Soda Springs, CA

Lodging in Sierra City, California
elevation 4187′
North Yuba River
Northern Gold Country, Hwy 49

Lakes Basin Recreation Area
elevation 6400′
(closed in winter, sno mo ok)
Gold Lake, CA
Packer Lake Lodge
Sardine Lake
Elwell Lakes Lodge
Bassetts Station
North Gold Country, Hwy 49

Lodging in June Lake Loop, Hwy 158
June Mountain ski resort
Double Eagle Resort, Whispering Pines
N of Mammoth Lakes, CA

Lodging in La Porte, California
elevation 5000′
La Porte Road
East of Yuba City, CA

laporte_union
LaPorte Union Hotel

Montecito Sequoia Lodge
Montecito Lake Resort & Cabins
open year round
Sequoia National Park

Sequoia High Sierra Camp
elevation 8282′
(hike-in only)
Sequoia National Park

Wylder Hope Valley
formerly Sorensen’s Resort Cabins & Cafe
elevation 6000′
South of Lake Tahoe
Hope Valley, CA

Lodging in LAKE TAHOE, California
elevation 6229′
many lodges, inns, condos and resorts
located at Calif & Nevada state border

Truckee Hotel
Donner Lake Inn Bed & Breakfast
Donner Pass I-80
Truckee, CA

Twin Lakes
elevation 7092′
Eastern Sierra @ Bridgeport, CA
Hoover Wilderness access
Toiyabe National Forest

Vermilion Valley Resort
elevation 7643′
(closes for winter)
John Muir Wilderness
JMT = John Muir Trail access
Sierra National Forest
Lake Edison, CA

Washington Hotel
15432 Washington Rd
Washington, CA
530-265-4364
W of Donner Pass
established 1857

Whitehawk Ranch Golf Resort
Vacation Rentals
Plumas National Forest
Graeagle, CA

stonewalls

National Forest Cabins & Fire Lookout Towers

NFS

hiker

Snow melts from MAY into JUNE. Expect closure or mud on dirt back roads. Wildflowers bloom APRIL through AUGUST in the Sierra Nevada, above 3000′. Autumn arrives with aspens and fall colors in the Eastern Sierra, through OCTOBER.

lift tickets

Places to Paddle

California Paddling Destinations
Canoe, Kayak Rental, Float, Boat, Fish
River Resorts & Cabin Rentals

paddle

California has abundant rivers and lakes located throughout the state and some of them are still flowing. Drought years can effect these waterways, so call ahead to make sure there is indeed enough water to paddle.

We list overnight lodges, cabins & campgrounds that you can enjoy the water up close. Paddle a kayak, river raft, rent a canoe, swim in the lake, or learn to fly fish.

This is by far not a complete list of waterfront destinations, but just a start. We will be adding more locations as we continue to update this page in the near future.

california river list

american river rafting

American River, Sierra Nevada

Camp Lotus Resort
5461 Bassi Road
Lotus, CA 95651
530-622-8672
riverside campground w/ RV & tent camping

Coloma Resort
Highway 49 @ American River
Coloma, CA
800-238-2298
California Historic Gold Country

Big Bear, San Bernardino NF

Bucks Lake, North Sierra Nevada

kayaker

Carson Pass, Sierra Nevada

Kit Carson Lodge
32161 Kit Carson Rd,
Kit Carson, CA 95644
seasonal, open only during summer
Silver Lake @ Carson
California Highway 88

Clear Lake, Northern Cal

Blue Lakes Resort, aka
The Lodge at Blue Lakes, Clear Lake, CA
lakeside guest rooms and kayak rentals

boatramp

Ebbetts Pass, Sierra Nevada

Lake Alpine Resort, aka
Lake Alpine Lodge
Bear Valley, California Highway 4

Klamath River, Northern Cal

Klamath River Lodge
34395 Highway 96
Orleans, CA 95556
707-499-0901
built in 1930’s

Klamath River Resort Inn
61700 Highway 96
Happy Camp, CA 96039
530-493-2735

Sandy Bar Ranch
797 Ishi-Pishi Road
Orleans, CA 95556
530-627-3379

Lake Tahoe Destinations

  • Homewood
  • South Lake Tahoe
  • Tahoe City

Lakes Basin Recreation Area

Long Beach, CA

canoe

Mad River, Northern Cal

Ruth Lake Campground, Six Rivers National Forest

McCloud, CA

Newport Beach, CA

Balboa Island

paddle2

Redding, CA

Redding to Red Bluff Boating Trail, Sacramento River

Russian River, Northern Cal

Highland Dell Lodge
21050 River Boulevard
Monte Rio, CA 95462
707-865-2300
Historic Wooden Retreat w/ Restaurant on Russian River, since 1906

San Diego, CA

raftfish

Salmon River, Northern Cal

Otter Bar Lodge
14026 Salmon River Rd
Forks of Salmon, CA 96031
530-462-4772
Kayak school and lodging

Santa Barbara Mountains

Cachuma Lake County Park
Yurt Rentals & Campground
Lake Cachuma, CA
805-568-2460
Santa Barbara Mountains

Scott River, Northern Cal

Scott River Lodge
19432 Scott River Rd
Fort Jones, CA 96032
530-496-3167

lake merced

Yosemite Area

lodge

Yuba River, Sierra Nevada

Lure Resort, Downieville, CA
river front cabins on North Yuba River

Wine Country Inn

California Wine Country Inns & Lodging
Wine Country Camping

zerodust winery stays

Romantic Inns

Romantic California Wine Country

Harmony Chapel
Harmony Chapel, Central Coast, N San Luis Obispo

Wineries with Lodging

lodgerestaurant

These lush resorts listed below cater to crowds, offering food,  wedding venue, party space, luncheon, gift shop and overnight accommodations. These huge wineries are popular places with large facilities, parking lots, golfing nearby and restaurants.

Bacara, Santa Barbara
8301 Hollister Ave
Goleta, CA 93117
855-968-0100

Carneros Resort and Spa
4048 Sonoma Highway
Napa, CA 94559
707-299-4900

Fess Parker’s Wine Country Inn
2860 Grand Ave
Los Olivos, CA
805-688-7788
800-841-1104

Inn at Churon Winery
33233 Rancho California Rd
Temecula, CA

Solage
755 Silverado Trail N
Calistoga, CA 94515
866-942-7442

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
34843 Rancho California Rd
Temecula, CA
951-587-9463
866-994-6379

Vintners Inn
4350 Barnes Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-575-7350

 

davybrown

Wine Country Camping

Central Coast California

Los Padres National Forest

Big Sur Back Roads
Big Sur Campgrounds
Big Sur Camping

Davy Brown Campground
Figueroa Mountain Campgroundcamp
Lake Cachuma, CA
Los Osos RV Ranch
Pozo, California

Northern California

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Ritchey Creek Campground

Calistoga RV Park

Clear Lake Campground RV & Fishing

Clear Lake State Park
Cole Creek Campground
Kelsey Creek Campground
Lower Bayview Campground
Upper Bayview Campground

Lake Berryessa
Putah Canyon Campground
Steele Canyon Campground

Petaluma KOA, San Francisco

Skyline Wilderness Park

Sonoma Coast State Park
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Valley Ford, CA – Doran Park

Southern Californiahiker

Agua Tibia Wilderness
Dripping Springs Campground NFS
Julian Camping
Palomar Mountain Campgrounds

hiker at Palomar
Palomar State Park

see more –

Wine Country Accommodations


Utah Lodging

Bryce Canyon, UTNPS

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon Lodge
aka The Lodge at Bryce Canyon
877-386-4383
Steps from the canyon’s rim, inside the National Park
114 rooms

Bryce Canyon Resort
3 miles from Bryce Canyon on the corner of Hwys 12 & 63
58 rooms

Bryce Valley Inn
10 scenic miles from Bryce Canyon National Park
65 rooms

Marianna Inn
Panguich, Utah
Gateway to Bryce National Park
34 rooms


TripAdvisor

lodging

Cedar Breaks, UT

NPS

Cedar Breaks National Park

Cedar Breaks Lodge ski
Brian Head
Minutes of Zion, Bryce, Cedar Breaks; autumn aspen groves, snow skiing, summer biking & hiking trails.
130 rooms

snow

 

lodging

moab valley view
Moab valley view

Moab, Utah

NPS

Arches National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Desert Chalet Bed & Breakfast
off Holyoak Lane, on San Juan
5 rooms

Rustic Inn Motel
third traffic light & 1 block east
33 rooms

Sleep Inn Moab
Newer hotel, on the main drag
61 rooms

4x4

Saint George, Utah

Red Mountain Resort
Adventure & Fitness. Health Spa. Red Rock Therapy & spa facilities at a full service resort with impressive mountain views.
116 rooms

Salt Lake City, UT

Willow Glen Inn Bed & Breakfast
Located in Cedar Valley in a very quiet, rural location.
10 rooms

lodging

Torrey, Utah

NPS

Capitol Reef National Park

Chuckwagon Lodge
12 W Main St
Torrey, UT 84775
435-425-3335
showers, laundry, motel & cabins

Motel Torrey
415 West Main St
Torrey, UT 84775
435-425-3800

 

lodging

Zion, Utah

NPS

Zion National Park

zion waterfalls

Zion Lodge
1 Zion Lodge
Springdale, UT 84767
435-772-7700
Beautiful lodge in the middle of  Zion Valley inside Zion NP
121 rooms

 

 

hiker


TripAdvisor

Zion Mukintuweep