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Blog New and Exciting

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.

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.

the-inelle front-oakhurst-california-near-yosemite-2

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

Rendering-Overall-Day-View-Outbound-Yosemite

Noma Resort: Where Agriculture Meets Luxury

At the forefront of North Fork’s appeal is the newly opened Noma Resort, offering a blend of elegance and sustainability:

  • A Glamping Retreat: Experience the outdoors in style with fully appointed geometric domes and serene surroundings.

  • Luxury Homes: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway from thoughtfully designed, comfortable homes.

  • 30-Acre Organic Apple Orchard: Indulge in seasonal apple picking.

Located near the Kern Family Farm, Noma Resort reflects the region’s commitment to ethical farming. Be sure to visit the Gnarly Carrot Farm Shop to browse fresh produce and ask about their community garden to learn about sustainable practices.

Interior of a GeoDome with two beds and a chair.

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.

Summer Oakhurst Hiking Guide

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.

Woman Dancing.

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. 

Carved Bear hoilng sign that reads bring more tourists Theyre Tasty

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:

Rendering of luxury tent.

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.

family at clean up event

Glacier Point Yosemite National Park

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 

Our annual Visit Yosemite | Madera County Visitors Guide can answer all your questions about visiting California's Gateway to Yosemite. From the park itself to the museums, wineries, art galleries and more throughout Madera County, our guide can help you plan the perfect vacation. Please note that we mail to the USA only, but anyone can download the guide.
Visit Yosemite - Madera County
Oakhurst Visitor Center, 40343 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA 93644
(559) 683-4636
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